The purpose of this study was to compare the texture of dentin surfaces after the application of saline, aqueous and alcohol-derived miswak extracts using different modes of application and exposure times. It was concluded that alcohol derived miswak extract at pH of 2.5 to 2.9, selectively removed the smear layer from the dentin surface exposing the dentinal tubules. This result was in contrast to burnishing dentin surface with aqueous - miswak extract of higher pH 6.3 to 6.6 or with saline, both of which partially removed the smear layer without dentinal tubules exposure. It cannot be excluded that the pH of the solutions used is an important factor in determining whether etching occurs.


Saudi Dental Journal 1999;11(2):46-52.