Try these 3 Ayurveda-based remedies to keep your oral health in top form

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal healing practice, dating back to more than 3000 years. It is regarded as a wholesome technique that leans on a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The said balance forms the basic principle of Ayurveda that is used for preventative wellness, in accordance with the unique constitution of every individual. 

Oral hygiene also finds prominence under Ayurvedic practices and techniques, and can be inculcated by us for healthier and cleaner gums and teeth. Oral diseases are a major health problem worldwide. Oral health is critical to general well-being and impacts the quality of life.  

So, to help you achieve good oral health, here are three tips that you can use use daily:

Prevent tooth and gum infections

Consider a herbal tooth and gum rub that involves rubbing selected herbs and spices that work as enamel cleaners, thereby helping prevent tooth decay and infections. Use ground garlic, rock salt, guava and mango leaves to form a paste and rub on the teeth and gums. 

Oil pulling (kavalagraha)

Oil pulling is a practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for oral health benefits. It has been used extensively to prevent tooth decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, and to strengthen teeth and gums. This practice forms a part of morning routines, in which you take a spoonful of sesame or sunflower oil, and swish it in your mouth for 10 – 20 minutes, ensuring that your teeth get a good coating of the oil. Remember not to swallow the oil and spit it out after swishing. Post that, the mouth can be rinsed gently with hot water, followed by brushing the teeth. This technique will help remove bacteria from your teeth and gums. It is very effective against plaque-induced gingivitis.

Also, Read: Health risks of oral sex and how to protect yourself from it, according to an expert

Brushing using twigs (dant dhavani)

Ayurveda practice focuses on using chewing sticks in the morning and even post meals to prevent diseases. The basic method is to crush one end of the stick, chew it and eat it slowly. Neem is the most sought after stick as it possesses antimicrobial properties. Chewing on it releases antibacterial agents, which mix with saliva and kill harmful microbes in the mouth, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth. Other stems include liquorice (glycyrrhiza glabra), black catechu or the cutch tree (acacia catechu linn), which can also be used for brushing. The benefits of chewing on these stems include attrition and leveling of biting surfaces, facilitation of salivary secretion and plaque control. 

While it is advisable to consult your dentist and get regular check ups, the botanicals used in the Ayurvedic tips are safe and effective.