What Islamic teachings about oral hygiene

Dr Ahmed Javed Butt

In Islam, it is important to keep the mouth clean and maintain good oral hygiene. One way that Muslims practice this is by performing the ritual of miswak, which involves cleaning the teeth and mouth using a twig from the Salvadora persica tree. The miswak is traditionally used before performing the daily prayers, and it is believed to have a number of benefits for oral hygiene, including reducing plaque and gum disease, as well as freshening the breath. In addition to using the miswak, Muslims may also brush their teeth with toothpaste and use mouthwash to clean the mouth and keep their teeth and gums healthy. It is also considered important to avoid consuming foods and drinks that may be harmful to the teeth and gums, such as sugary or acidic foods and drinks.

To practice good oral hygiene, Muslims may follow some of the following practices:

• Perform the ritual of miswak, which involves cleaning the teeth and mouth using a twig from the Salvadora persica tree
• Brush the teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste
• Use mouthwash to clean the mouth and freshen the breath
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth
• Avoid consuming foods and drinks that may be harmful to the teeth and gums, such as sugary or acidic foods and drinks

In addition to these practices, it is also recommended that Muslims visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.

What spiritual benefits of oral hygiene

In Islam, good oral hygiene is seen as an important aspect of maintaining overall cleanliness and spiritual purity. It is believed that taking care of the mouth and teeth can help to prevent a number of physical health problems, and that this can also have spiritual benefits. Some of the spiritual benefits of maintaining good oral hygiene may include:

• Improved physical health: Good oral hygiene helps to prevent a number of physical health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. By maintaining good oral hygiene, Muslims can help to preserve their physical health and well-being, which may in turn help them to feel more focused, energized, and spiritually grounded.

• Spiritual purity: In Islam, cleanliness is seen as an important part of spiritual purity. By maintaining good oral hygiene, Muslims can help to keep their bodies clean and free from impurities, which may help them to feel spiritually pure and closer to God.

• Improved prayer experience: Many Muslims perform the ritual of miswak before performing the daily prayers. It is believed that the miswak can help to cleanse the mouth and purify the soul, which may enhance the experience of prayer and help Muslims to feel more focused and spiritually connected.

• Increased self-discipline: Maintaining good oral hygiene requires discipline and a commitment to regular care and attention. By practicing good oral hygiene, Muslims may develop a greater sense of self-discipline, which may have positive effects on other aspects of their lives.

Health benefits of good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene can have a number of important health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of tooth decay: Brushing and flossing regularly helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and can lead to tooth decay. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can help to prevent the build-up of plaque and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

• Reduced risk of gum disease: Plaque can also build up along the gumline, leading to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause inflammation, redness, and swelling, as well as pain and bleeding when brushing or flossing. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help to prevent the build-up of plaque and reduce your risk of gum disease.

• Fresher breath: Good oral hygiene helps to remove bacteria and food particles from the mouth, which can help to prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using mouthwash, can help to freshen the breath.

• Improved overall health: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a number of other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you may be able to reduce your risk of these and other health problems.

• Improved self-esteem: Good oral hygiene can help to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, which may boost your self-esteem and self-confidence