Cleaning your teeth can feel like a real chore, especially after a long day when all you want to do is go to bed. But cleaning your teeth has several health benefits. It is also a way to become closer to Allah through obedience to His Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). The Prophet (PBUH) used to use siwaak regularly. The hadith of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (RA) said: “I used to gather siwaak sticks from the araak tree for the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH).” (Reported by Ahmad). The term “siwaak” means to clean the mouth and teeth, and the term “miswak” is the tool that is used to clean the teeth. Before the advent of modern toothbrushes, sticks from certain trees were used. In the case of the Prophet (PBUH), he would use the sticks from the araak tree as mentioned in the above hadith. benefits of miswak

Use of the siwaak is repeatedly encouraged, as in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (RA), who reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the siwaak at every time of prayer.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/299 and Muslim, 1/151). ‘Aisha (RA) was asked what the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did when he first came home. She said, “When he entered his house, the first thing he would do was to use the siwaak.” (Reported by Muslim, 1/220). From these ahadith we can gather that cleaning the teeth was something highly encouraged by the Prophet (PBUH) and he would not forego this habit. Cleaning one’s teeth is a part of cleanliness and as such as health benefits such as: pprevents plaque, gingivitis, strengthening gums, bad breath, strengthens tooth enamel, whitens teeth, prevents tooth decay, gum disease and toothache. benefits of miswak
In this way, cleaning one’s teeth is highly encouraged and has health benefits. If you struggle with making this a habit here are a few tips to help you: benefits of miswak 

• Remind yourself that cleaning one’s teeth is a sunnah. As such, Allah (SWT) will reward you for this intention as He says, “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – indeed, We will not allow being lost the reward of any who did well in deeds” [Quran, 18: 30].
  It only takes two minutes to follow this easy Sunnah. Remind yourself of benefits of miswak.
• In order to make it a habit, you have to consistently do it for at least 28 days. Make a chart where you can track your progress. If you miss a day, it’s okay! Keep going.
• Ask Allah (SWT) to assist you in practicing the Prophet’s (PBUH) sunnah and to bring you closer to Him.
  May Allah (SWT) make following the Sunnah easy for us all  Ameen. benefits of miswak

Asma Arshad