Comparative Effectiveness of Miswak and Toothbrushing on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/objectives: The miswak, crafted from the tree, is a traditional teeth-cleaning twig that has served as a natural substitute for toothbrushes and toothpaste across diverse regions for centuries. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of miswak and a conventional toothbrush in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis over a two-week period.

Methods: This two-week randomized, single-blind (clinical investigator), two-parallel-arm clinical trial was conducted at Princess Nourah University College of Dentistry (PNUCD).

Sand and dust storm trajectories from Iraq Mesopotamian flood plain to Kuwait.

Although Kuwait is greatly impacted by sand and dust storms (SDS) from Southern Iraq, to date little is known about the nature of these storms. Kuwait is vulnerable to SDS trajectories from the middle Euphrates region, specifically, from two "hot spot" areas (Al-Batha and Mamlahat Al-Samawah) of 4550 km located 250 km from its northern border. This study explores the transboundary SDS jets originating from Southern Iraq using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images obtained from Aqua and Terra satellites over a twelve-year period (2007-2018).