Prevention Of Oral Health

Ayurveda recommends chewing sticks in the morning as well as after every meal to prevent diseases. Ayurveda insists on the use of herbal brushes, approximately nine inches long and the thickness of one's little finger. The neem is a famous herbal chewing stick. Fresh stems of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), black catechu, or the cutch tree (Acacia Catechu Linn.) Arjuna tree (Terminalia arjuna), fever nut (Caesalpinia bonduc), and milkweed plant (Calotropis Procera) can also be used for brushing.

It is ideal to use gold, silver, copper, stainless steel for the scrapping of the tongue. Tongue scraping stimulates the reflex points of the tongue. Removes bad odor (halitosis). Improves the sense of taste, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. It has significance for eliminating anaerobic bacteria and decreases bad odor.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurveda procedure that involves swishing oil in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits. Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of throat, cracked lips, and for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw. Oil pulling therapy can be done using oils like sunflower oil or sesame oil. Oil pulling therapy is very effective against plaque-induced gingivitis.

In Ayurveda, the well-known herb, Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica) is considered a general rebuilder of oral health. Amla works well as a mouth rinse as a decoction. One to two grams per day can be taken orally in capsules for long-term benefit to the teeth and gums. Amla supports the healing and development of connective tissue when taken internally.