A miswak, or siwak, is a small stick with which the teeth are rubbed and cleaned. The end is shaped into a brush through biting or chewing, separating the fibers, and releasing the twig's healing herbal powers. Some advantages of the miswak are that it does not require toothpaste, water, or a special area to use it, and maybe easily carried in one's purse or pocket. It is also disposable and biodegradable, making it the ultimate environmentally safe toothbrush. Some people even believe it works better than a toothbrush. Nevertheless, a more compelling reason to use the miswak is that it is Sunnah to do so. 

Miswak: Is the twig from the "Peelu" tree (Salvadora Persica) 

Soak the root in water for a few hours to soften the natural fibers. Then scrape off five to 10 millimeters of bark from the tip and gently chew until fibers have separated and the root becomes brush-like. Clean the teeth by rubbing the miswak up and down and sideways as you would a conventional plastic toothbrush. When the fibers become overused, simply cut off the tip of the miswak, scrape off more bark, and continue to use as before. To retain freshness, keep miswak in the refrigerator or soak in water.