A miswak is a tooth cleaning stick made from the Salvadora persica tree. It's traditionally used in Pakistan, India, and the Middle East in place of a modern plastic toothbrush. The bristles inside the plant, once exposed by cutting across the stem, are effective as a cleaning instrument. Leen Sadder, a design student, decided to make a modern version:
THIS aims to repackage and promote the miswak as an organic, biodegradable, portable, more beneficial substitute for toothpaste and a toothbrush. The biggest challenge was figuring out how to package and market the twig to a contemporary American audience, who would not be entertained with the idea of biting off the top of the stick in order to use it. The solution for this is a cigar-cutter-like cap that peels off the outer layer to reveal the natural bristles, and slices them off after use. It also protects the stick from germs and microbes.
http://www.behance.net/gallery/THIS-toothbrush/939513 via Gizmodo
Having actually used these, I do not see a need for them in a place that has products like Wisp available.
If I were somewhere without my toothbrush in the middle east and that was available to me, then yes. But in a modern place, no.
I didn't mind the taste but the process itself was a hassle.
Bull**t. How is it more beneficial?
I was wondering how do I purchase this particular brand? I tried googling but couldn't find anything?