PRACTICE AND PERCEPTIONS ON MISWAK IN ORAL HYGIENE CARE AMONG DENTAL PATIENTS

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception regarding the use of miswak in oral health care among dental patients in a public university. The study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to patients aged 18 years and above. The survey collected information about patients’ knowledge, attitude, and perception toward miswak and oral care. A total of 167 adults volunteered to participate, and about 43.1% have used miswak at least once in their lifetime. While a majority (73.1%) agreed that miswak could assist in oral hygiene care, almost half of the patients (45.5%) have limited knowledge regarding its scientific benefits. A significantly higher knowledge was observed among the younger age group. Nevertheless, about 66% of the respondents agreed that miswak is suitable to be practised in this modern era. Findings show that dental patients have a fair perception of miswak potential. However, not many have used it, encouraging more efforts to promote the awareness of miswak as an oral hygiene tool in dental clinics.