Ayurveda for Dental Wellness – Goa Chronicle
The oral cavity is residence to additional than five hundred various species of microorganisms. They inhabit the tongue, enamel, inner cheeks, palate and the tonsils. The oral cavity further one-way links the food items pipe, nasal passages, sinuses and the ear cavities. These organisms are not antagonistic and assistance in the biological procedures of the human body. On the other hand they can change pathogenic if the system’s immunity falls. Seeking at the link involving the oral cavity and the rest of the organs, it is hugely significant to preserve excellent oral cleanliness. This implies brushing enamel at the very least two times a day, avoiding as well substantially sugar and checking out a dentist 2 times a calendar year. Even though dentistry is not a specialised department lined by Ayurveda, it is bundled in the area of Ayurvedic operation.
According to the Shalyatantra and Shalakyatantra, a single of the branches of Ayurveda, there are sixty-five kinds of oral illnesses that can crop up on the lips, tongue, enamel, palate and in the oropharynx.
Dental challenges variety from plaque, bad odour, tartar, cavities, cysts and other infections. An age-old practice recommended by Ayurveda is oil-pulling and it is outlined in the Charaka Samhita. Oil pulling is a simple detoxification procedure that includes swishing oil in the mouth for about fifteen minutes adopted by a warm water rinse. Two strategies of oil pulling instructed are: Gandusha and Kavala. In Gandusha, the oral cavity is filled entirely with the oil, gargled for five minutes and introduced. In Kavala, a comfortable sum of oil is taken and gargled for a few to five minutes and launched. This treatment is done to start with detail in the early morning.
The system of oil pulling: microorganisms, that are enclosed by a lipid membrane, are hooked up to the oral tissues. They are then pulled absent by the oil, by adhering to the unwanted fat molecules of the oil. This course of action not only gets rid of poisons and harmful bacteria from the cavity, but also alleviates the decline of style. This, in flip, can reverse loss of appetite. Oil pulling also strengthens the gums, removes plaque from in between the tooth and locations the place a toothbrush cannot attain. It is also a solution for dry throat and cracked lips.
Due to the fact oil pulling is a detoxing observe, apart from dental hygiene, it is claimed to have the capability to crystal clear skin blemishes and other skin-relevant issues this sort of as acne, eczema, psoriasis and other serious bacterial infections. It is also claimed to accurate hormonal imbalances by developing frequent menstrual cycles and lowering post-menstrual syndrome signs or symptoms. When 1 falls ill, specially for the duration of a fever, the mouth feels bitter primary to a reduction of urge for food. This applied to be a single of the foremost indications of a fever. What starts in the mouth can have an result on the rest of the human body. Oil pulling facilitates standard functioning of the kidney and liver. Also, it alleviates respiratory congestion due to the fact it has anti-inflammatory effects.
Usually utilised oils include things like coconut and sesame oil. Sesame oil has antibacterial attributes and is successful versus microbes such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. A study was conducted to examine the result of oil pulling with sesame oil on gingivitis and its efficacy was as opposed with chlorhexidine mouthwash. There was increased reduction in the plaque index and the total colony count of cardio microbes in the plaque with oil pulling. Sesame oil pulling has extra pros above chlorhexidine as it has no lingering aftertaste and does not result in any allergy symptoms. Also, it is expense-efficient.
Aside from oil pulling, chewing sticks is an additional age-outdated process to preserve dental well being. This procedure involves chewing on a natural twig that is close to nine inches extended with the thickness of the tiny finger. The sticks that are utilised typically contain neem and mango. In accordance to the dosha sort, unique plant twigs are proposed. Pitta-dominant people today are presented twigs that have a bitter taste this kind of as twigs of neem or Arjuna tree. Neem toothpastes or tooth powders have proven efficacy towards plaque. Kapha-dominant people are suggested twigs that have a pungent style these types of as the fever nut or the milkweed plant. They are likely to have pale and hypertrophic gums. Vata-dosha-dominant persons have receding gums and are specified twigs that have bitter-sweet or astringent (Kashaya) taste these kinds of as liquorice or black catechu.
Apparently, the mango leaf is also a good oral cleanliness help due to the existence of a compound identified as mangiferin. Mangiferin has antibacterial and antioxidant attributes that are productive against strains of Streptococci, Staphylococci and Lactobacillus. The midrib of the mango leaf can be employed as a tongue cleaner. Tongue scraping can boost the perception of taste by getting rid of microorganisms and reducing lousy odour.
The anti-microbial qualities of lots of plants detailed in Ayurveda are powerful and can strengthen dental overall health (Danta Swasthya). The presence of a lot of bioactive compounds current in these vegetation can minimize the microbial load in the oral cavity and can also detoxify the human body of the everyday toxin load. The over talked about methods are harmless, value-productive and are also conveniently obtainable to all the financial teams in the society. That’s why, integrating conventional awareness of Ayurveda with the modern day dental practices should really be encouraged.
About the Writer
Ms Varsha Venkataraman
Varsha Venkataraman is a graduate in Used Microbiology and Cancer Reports. At this time she is the Senior Researcher for the Centre for Delicate Electrical power with an avid curiosity in Ayurveda and wishes to concentration on the integrative solution of Ayurveda and fashionable drugs in the cure of most cancers.
