Oral and Dental Hygiene from the Perspective of the Traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and Modern Science

Traditions from the Prophet’s progeny include many medical teachings that contain many wonders and scientific points. Among them are doctrines pertaining to health and hygiene as pertains to the subject of dentistry. In this paper, these teachings are compiled and, using a descriptive-analytical analysis, compared to [the discoveries of] modern science. Some of the scientific points contained in these teaching are explained in terms of the science of dentistry, and the discovery of scientific facts from the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) demonstrates their profound knowledge of extra-religious matters. Some of the findings of the present paper are that the Ahl al-Bayt (a) had a proactive approach to prevention and emphasized on issues of hygiene such as: gargling water in the mouth and brushing teeth. In narrations, brushing teeth with a twig from a tree known as Arak has been recommended and its benefits have been established through physical observation as well as phytochemical analysis. Some of the natural ingredients of this plant, such as sodium chloride, fluoride, vitamin C etc., play a special role in preventing tooth decay. Also, some foods such as frankincense, vinegar, salt and cuttle-bone, pomegranate juice and certain kinds of watermelon are among the ingredients recommended in the narrations and their benefits for the prevention and treatment of oral and dental problems have been established by modern science