Social media has been buzzing about Omer Elrayah and his successful startup, RemoBrush.
The Sudanese-American dentist founded RemoBrush, which has been described as the world’s first Miswak-infused toothbrush, blending Islamic tradition with modern oral care design. The sustainable oral care brand features bamboo toothbrushes infused with Miswak, a natural teeth-cleaning twig widely used across the Muslim world for centuries.
A viral moment involving Khabib Nurmagomedov in November 2025 helped accelerate the company’s global visibility, positioning RemoBrush at the intersection of wellness, sustainability, and faith-based innovation. The brand sponsored An Evening with Khabib Nurmagomedov — The Legacy Continues, a talk held in Chicago, Illinois, on 8 November 2025. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history, Nurmagomedov’s association with the event generated significant attention for the startup online.
His toothbrush also caught the attention of prominent figures including Omar Suleiman, Bilal Philips, and Rihanna, among many others.
The Sudanist takes a closer look at who Omer Elrayah is and what RemoBrush is all about.
What is RemoBrush
At a time of growing interest in sustainability, health awareness, and renewed appreciation for cultural traditions, innovations such as RemoBrush offer a fresh approach to oral hygiene by bringing together modern science, natural medicine, and traditional religious practices. Established in 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has reportedly sold more than 30,000 units and is already profitable.
Miswak toothbrushes are natural oral hygiene tools derived from the Salvadora persica tree, serving as antibacterial and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic toothbrushes. Through their fibrous bristles and naturally occurring silica and fluoride compounds, they assist in plaque removal, often without the need for toothpaste. Miswak has long been used across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, particularly within Islamic tradition, where cleaning the teeth with miswak is regarded as a highly recommended Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, emphasising oral hygiene, spiritual cleanliness, and earning the pleasure of Allah.
Over time, many have sought to modernise the practice. RemoBrush does so by incorporating miswak directly into toothbrush bristles, combining the plant’s natural properties with contemporary toothbrush design and functionality. The product also incorporates environmentally conscious materials, including a biodegradable bamboo handle and bristles intended to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics. This positions RemoBrush not only as a practical oral care product, but also as a broader statement on sustainability and cultural continuity in everyday health practices.
More than simply a new product, RemoBrush reflects a wider shift in how oral care is understood and practised. By merging time-tested traditions with modern design and environmental responsibility, the company is helping establish a new category within health and lifestyle innovation.
Who is Omer Elrayah
Omer Elrayah is a dentist, educator, entrepreneur, and clinical instructor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine whose personal and professional journey has shaped a mission centred on accessibility, education, and impact.
Originally from Khartoum, Elrayah immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. His upbringing was marked by resilience and determination, particularly following the loss of his father, when his family faced both financial hardship and the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture. During this period, his mother’s perseverance became a defining influence, instilling in him a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.
From an early age, Elrayah was drawn to dentistry, though he often encountered the belief that oral care was nonessential. Hearing this perspective, particularly from individuals without access to proper dental care, left a lasting impression and ultimately motivated him to advocate for oral health as a necessity rather than a privilege.
His academic journey reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence. Elrayah earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Saint Anselm College in 2017, followed by a master’s degree in Oral Health Sciences from Boston University School of Medicine in 2018. He later obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine as part of the Class of 2022. His studies were supported through the National Health Service Corps, recognising both his academic potential and commitment to serving underserved communities.
Driven by a desire to improve global dental care, Elrayah also conducted research examining the relationship between oral health, fluoridation, and socioeconomic status in developed and developing countries. He further expanded his expertise through research work at The Forsyth Institute and advanced training in oral implantology abroad.
His rapid professional progression later led to a teaching role at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he contributes to the education and mentorship of future dental professionals.
Beyond academic and professional accomplishments, Elrayah’s experiences visiting Sudan played a major role in shaping his outlook on dentistry and public health. Witnessing disparities in access to dental care strengthened his belief that oral health should be regarded as an essential part of life rather than a luxury service available only to some.
Through his educational background, research contributions, entrepreneurial ventures, and commitment to underserved communities, Elrayah continues to advocate for more accessible and culturally conscious approaches to oral health worldwide.
For more information about Omer Elrayah, see his LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/omer-elrayah, or Instagram @elrayah. For more information about RemoBrush, visit remobrush.com.
