[1] Its sticks are traditionally used as a natural toothbrush called miswak and are mentioned by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene use.

[1] Salvadora persica is a small tree or shrub with a crooked trunk,[3][need quotation to verify] typically 6–7 metres (20–23 ft) in height.

The plant is native to the Middle East and Africa,[4] and is found on desert floodplains, riverbanks, and grassy savannahs.

[1] Salvadora persica stick, known as miswak, is popular for teeth cleaning throughout the Arabian Peninsula, Iranian Plateau, as well as the wider Muslim world.

[1][5] Toothbrushes made from roots and small branches of about 3–5 mm diameter have been used for over 1000 years, especially by Islamic populations in India, Arabia and Africa.