How did the Companions clean their teeth and tongues to avoid bad breath, even though the miswak is a great Sunnah and might not be enough on its own in some cases?

The Sharia (Islamic law) encourages the use of the siwak due to its numerous benefits, such as it being a purifier for the mouth and a pleasure for the Lord. Any stick that does not harm the teeth and removes bad breath from the mouth falls under the ruling of the prescribed siwak. Jurists have divided the siwak into four categories based on their preference: Arak, then date palm fronds, then olive, then anything that has a pleasant smell, removes bad breath, and does not harm the teeth. Likewise, brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste achieves the prescribed siwak.