Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a category below to find specific answers
MISWAK
How is your miswak sold?
At the moment, our miswak can either be bought in singles or gift packs of 4.
Do I have to peel the outer layer?
In order to get to the bristles, you have to peel approximately 1 cm of the outer layer to reveal the fibers.
How often should I use the miswak?
You can use it as often as you like- it works great in between meals and on the go since you don't need water or toothpaste.
What do I do when the bristles dry up?
You can use a knife, scissors, or our specially designed Cutter Case that helps you cut, peel and store your miswak.
When do I cut the tip off?
The short answer: whenever you need to. We recommend that you cut approximately 1 cm off once a day to get fresh bristles.
How long does one stick last before it reaches the end?
It really depends on how often you cut it. Each miswak is approximately six fresh brushes, so if you cut yours once a day, one stick should last you approximately one week.
Where should I store it?
To keep your miswak fresh, store it in a dry environment where it can breathe, away from sunlight. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom as it is highly absorbent. Our Cutter Case has a special tube with ventilation holes perfect for storing the miswak on the go.
I heard that freezing the miswak preserves it, is that true?
Some people like to freeze their miswaks to keep them fresh for later use, but this isn't necessary if they are vacuum sealed.
Does it have an expiration date?
It doesn't expire, but it does lose freshness over time. Because it's a natural product and reacts to its surroundings, it may dry up or get too moist so it's best to use it within 1 month of purchasing it.
Are all miswaks the same length and size?
Because they are cut from a tree, the miswaks vary in shape, length and thickness. We work with our suppliers to source a consistent length, diameter and straightness but there will always be exceptions.
Do I need toothpaste or water?
No, the great thing about miswak is that you can use it on the go without being near a sink. It's perfect for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.
What does the miswak taste like?
It's hard to explain what it tastes like without trying it yourself! The best way to describe it is a fresh, gingery taste.
Are there different flavors?
Right now we only source miswak in its natural form, but we are experimenting with mint, cinnamon and lime-infused miswak.
Where is the miswak sourced?
We source our fresh, high-quality Miswak from the root of the Salvadora Persica tree grown in Pakistan.
What is the collection process like?
The miswak is cut, boiled in water, preserved and then vacuum-sealed to retain moisture and freshness.
What is the religious significance of miswak?
In Islam, it is believed to be Sunnah, meaning that the Prophet Muhammad used it regularly and recommended that his followers do the same. In ancient Islamic literature, there are known to be 70 benefits to its use and it is still very common in Muslim communities around the world.
Is it biodegradable?
Yes, the miswak is 100% biodegradable.
What are the natural antibacterial properties found in the miswak?
Fluorine, silicon, Vitamin C, salvadorine and trimethylamine. The miswak also contains potassium, sodium, chloride, sodium bicarbonate and calcium oxides.
Is it more effective than a toothbrush?
Studies have shown that the miswak produces as good, if not better, results than a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, you should always consult with your doctor or dentist about the best oral care option for you.
CUTTER CASE
What does the Starter Kit include?
You'll get a Cutter Case in the color of your choice, two vacuum-sealed miswaks and an instruction pamphlet all in our signature packaging.
Is the Cutter Case disposable?
The case is designed to be used over time with multiple Miswak sticks. As long as the tube is regularly cleaned and the blade is still in tact, the Cutter Case can be used for an extended period of time.
How do I wash the cutter case?
The tube can be easily washed in a regular dishwasher or by hand. The cap should be washed by hand with water and soap whenever needed. Be careful with the blades while washing.
Is the Cutter Case airtight?
No, there are ventilation holes at the bottom of the tube that allow the miswak to breathe and help prevent it from molding.
What material is it made of?
The Cutter Case is manufactured at our partner's factories in Shenzhen, China. The blades are hand-sharpened stainless steel and the rest of the casing is made of a copolyester called Eastman Tritan.
What is Eastman Tritan copolyester?
Eastman Tritan is used in food contact products around the world. Not only is it BPA-free, but it is not manufactured with bisphenol-S or any other bisphenol compounds. In addition, it is free of estrogenic and androgenic activity. Visit www.eastman.com for more information.
Is the blade safe?
The Cutter Case is designed to lock when the cap is screwed onto the tube, and unlock when it is in use. Always make sure the cap is securely locked on the tube during storage, and keep away from children.
Can I use my own miswak with the Cutter Case?
The Cutter Case is designed to hold miswaks of a certain diameter and length to allow for maximum portability, so as long as your miswak fits in the case, there shouldn't be a problem.
My miswak doesn't fit inside the tube. What do I do?
If you've purchased your miswak from THIS Toothbrush, send us a picture of it in its original packaging and we'll ship a new one straight to you. If you're using your own, you'll have to make sure it's the right length, diameter and straightness.
What happens when I run out of miswak?
You can simply purchase a refill pack from our range of miswak products.
GENERAL
Who is behind THIS Toothbrush?
Leen Sadder, a Lebanese designer-turned-entrepreneur is the founder and CEO of THIS toothbrush. Her unofficial team consists of a group of exceptionally talented and insightful individuals, experts and advisors who continue to shape THIS into a successful brand and business.
How did it start?
THIS began as a student project in New York and received international attention from the media. After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Zoomaal, production began in China on the first product line.
Where is it based?
We're currently operating out of the land of endless summers: Dubai, UAE.
What does the name mean?
The name THIS Toothbrush came from the slogan "This is a toothbrush" as the simplest way to explain what a miswak is.
How come the logo is in English and Arabic?
Since the tradition of miswak originated from this part of the world, we want to make sure the brand celebrates our heritage and tells the story of our culture.
I want to write about THIS Toothbrush. Who do I talk to?
You can email us at hello@thisisatoothbrush.com with details about your press inquiry and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
SALES
I'd like to distribute THIS in my country. Who should I talk to?
Simply email us with a little introduction about yourself and why you think THIS would be welcomed in your part of town and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
I'm a retailer interested in wholesale. Do you have a buyer kit?
Yes, we're always looking for retailers to stock our products. Please email us or fill out the form on the contact page and we'll send the details over to you.
Can I order online?
If you are a UAE resident, you can order online and get it shipped straight to you. If you reside elsewhere, fill out the form on our contact page with details about your order and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
What payment methods do you accept?
Right now we are only able to accept Cash on Delivery or Bank Transfers, which is why we restrict deliveries to the UAE. We'll be expanding our reach very soon, so stay tuned.
How do you ship?
We ship to residents of the UAE via Fetchr. Once your order is ready, you'll receive a message from Fetchr asking you to schedule a delivery using their app- which allows you to pick a time and date that works best for you.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs 16 AED on average.
How long does it take to ship within the UAE?
Your order is usually prepared the same day it's placed, so it depends on what day you select for delivery.
Can I buy your products at a store?
At the moment, we sell our products at the Triplei Booth on the ground floor of the Abraj Al Beit Mall (Clock Tower) in Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. We also participate in occasional pop-up markets so follow us on social media to get the latest updates.