Articles Index-Ayurveda
 
Ayurveda and Dental Health
 
Ayurveda classifies teeth bone or asthi dhatu (bone tissue). The rishis (seers), founders of Ayurveda, gave due importance to teeth as the key elements to a healthy body. Teeth are like the guards at the main entrance to the body and are cut a few months after the birth of our body. If we do not take care of our teeth through proper eating habits and cleaning, these become a hideout for germs.
 
Ayurveda goes into great depth in looking at diseases of the teeth and enumerates eight. The diseases are the result of the vitiation of one, two or all three of the bio-energies (Vata, Pitta & Kapha). They are:
1. Dalana (toothache), characterised by a splitting pain, produced by vitiation of the Vata bio-energy.
2. Krimidanta (tooth caries), where the tooth has black holes, is shaky, exudes fluid (blood or pus), and has swelling and severe pain without any apparent cause, resulting again from the aggravation of Vata.
3. Bhanjanaka (cracking of the tooth), teeth break off and there is distortion of the face, due to Kaphavata together.
4. Danta harsha (tingling, intolerance to cold), general signs are inability to tolerate cold things and sour taste, caused by Vatapitta in conjunction.
5. Danta sarkara (accumulation of tartar), appearance of a coating on teeth like sugar and rough to touch, due to dirt of the teeth getting dried by Kaphavata
6. Kapalika (flakes of tartar) is the hardening of the tartar, sticking to the teeth, splitting into smaller pieces and destroying the teeth.
7. Syavadanta (black discolouration), due to Pitta getting mixed with rakta dhatu (blood tissue).
8. Karala danta (ugly irregular row) results from localised Vata in the area of the teeth getting vitiated; causing irregularity and making the teeth look ugly.
 
Gum disease, formation of cavities in the teeth, toothache, etc. are clear signs of the damage caused to the teeth by our own negligence. Much before such manifestations, the dirt and the bacteria hidden in the teeth are carried inside the body along with whatever we eat. We must therefore follow prescribed disciplines for keeping our teeth clean and strong.
 
It is not surprising therefore that "Dantadhawan" - the process of cleaning the teeth and mouth - is given significant importance in Ayurveda. Root causes of many diseases are said to grow from dirty teeth. Recommended by Ayurveda is datuna (small pieces of soft branches of certain medicinal trees) as the best for dantadhawan. The medicinal trees/plants of Nimba (margosa), Babula (acacia), Sihora (Siamese Roughbush), Khadira (Black Catechu), Kanera (Indian Oleander), Mahua (Bassia Latifolia), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjun), Badama (almond), etc. were considered to be most suitable for this purpose.
The Scriptures say -
Avekshyartum Ca Dosham Ca Rasam Virya Ca Yojayate | Kashayam Madhuram Tiktam Katukam Pratarutthitah || Nimbashca Tiktake ShresÚhah Kasaye Khadirastatha | Madhuko Madhure ShresÚhah Karanjah Katuke Thata || Su. Chi. A. 24
 
Meaning: A datuna of sweet, bitter, astringent or spicy taste should be used as per the state of the teeth and general health of a person (determined in the Ayurvedic diagnostics in terms of - dosha (constitutional make up), rasa (taste) and virya (potency)). Datuna of Nimba is acrid & spicy, Khadira is astringent, Mahua is sweet and Kanera is bitter in taste. Use of these strengthens and beautifies the teeth with a shine. Nimba is generally good for everyone as it eliminates the dirt and mucus in and around the teeth, gums and mouth, works as a disinfectant and removes odours from the mouth.
 
As Datunas are not easily available, one can make use of herbal toothpaste or toothpowder. Use of powdered rock salt, mustard oil, and powders of dry ginger, sal ammoniac, dried green-leaf of guava, dry bark-skin of Molashri (Surinam Medlar), Kayaphal (Myrtalberry) and Triphala etc. are recommended in the preparation of good Ayurvedic toothpastes or tooth powders. Tooth brushes and tongue-cleaners may be used, but the method of cleaning should be similar to using a datuna; slow, consistent and long enough. The toothbrush should be moved upward and downward on each tooth (on the front as well as back and around). Particles of food can get lodged between the teeth sometimes; in such cases, the particles should be brought out with the help of the brush or toothpick followed by thorough gargling.
 
The teeth should also be cleaned before going to bed. Many people have a habit of drinking milk before sleep, and they should be more cautious, as the deposited layers of milk, if left uncleaned, are a breeding place for germs. Proper cleaning of the teeth, gums and mouth (including tongue and palate) in the morning and night is a healthy habit that should be part of everyone's daily regimen.
 
A toothpaste that encompasses the wisdom of Ayurveda for protection of your teeth and gums is Auromere. It is a unique blend of Neem (Azardirachta Indica), Peelu (Salvadora Persica) and 25 other Ayurvedic extracts and essential oils from plants, roots, bark and flowers that for centuries have been esteemed especially for optimum care of the teeth and gums. Auromere contains no harsh chemicals, artificial sweeteners, bleaches or preservatives and is free of fluoride. Available in 4 flavours; Original (licorice), Fresh Mint, Mint free original and Non-foaming Cardamom and Fennel (both homeopathically compatible).
 
References
Akhand Jyoti - The Light Divine (Jul - Aug 2003)
Bhavaprakasa of Bhavamisra - Prof. K.R.Srikantha Murthy
 
For further information please contact:
Vedic Medical Hall Ltd
info@vedicmedicalhall.com
www.vedicmedicalhall.com
Back