Review (5/5): It was strange at first, but now I totally love using the miswak stick!
If you have never smelled a miswak stick, its definitely an acquired "taste". They have a very strange mushroom-y, almost chemically like smell that some people might not like. The good news is that if you take out one stick to use, and let it air out for a couple of days, most of the smell goes away. I also "cleaned" my stick off with water and vinegar before using it the first time. It was much easier to peel and prepare the bristles than I thought it would be. The outer bark comes right off. I love the way these clean the teeth. Once you get used to a different routine, it is such a nice change of pace from conventional toothbrush and toothpaste. I have been recommending them to all my friends. I also enhance the experience by using a special oral cleaning essential oil blend. I just add two drops onto the stick and then brush.