Introduction

Did you know that good dental health is more than just making the effort to brush your teeth daily for healthy teeth? Our oral health has a massive impact on our overall health and if not maintained can lead to problems such as aggravating diabetic and heart conditions.

Importance of dental health to your overall well being

Medical and dental professionals have long established the connection between our oral health and overall health as our mouths are a gateway into our bodies. A build up of germs in the mouth has the potential to transfer those germs to the rest of the body and cause health issues. Though many are nervous about dental visits they are important to help us maintain healthy teeth. Ayurvedic oral hygiene is a good way to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that the need for any serious dental procedures is greatly reduced.

Ayurveda is an ancient life science originating in India that provides practical methods to achieve wellness naturally to prevent illnesses and maintain good health rather than just treat diseases. The teachings are based on the premise that the body has three dosha – vata, pitta and kapha – that need to be kept in balance to enjoy good dental, physical and mental health.

Common dental issues

There are a number of common dental and oral issues that cause the build up of bacteria and cause further oral and overall health problems.

• Gum disease also known as gingivitis
• Periodontal disease which is the more serious progression of gingivitis
• Receding gums
• Tooth decay which causes dental cavities
• Sensitive teeth
• Enamel erosion
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Bad breach
• Root infections

Using Ayurveda to prevent and manage dental issues

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to achieving good dental health as an ayurveda oral hygiene routine enhances the sense of taste, encourages optimal digestive health, supports detoxifications, bolsters immunity while also leaving you with a mouth that feels fresh and healthy. There are a few ayurvedic practices that are simple and yet effective in maintaining good dental health.

Oil pulling – To oil pull is the ayurvedic method of cleansing the mouth with oil. Using oils such as sesame oil or other medicinal oils you swish the oil around in your mouth which is believed to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. This cleansing helps strengthen the gums and teeth, prevents tooth decay and freshens breath.

Tongue scraping – The ayurvedic practice of scraping the tongue with a tongue scraper helps remove dead cells and unwanted substances from the surface of the tongue. Taste buds are activated and with the removal of build-up, bad breath is controlled as well.

Herbal mouth rinses and gargles – Ayurveda recommends incorporating herbal mouth rinses and gargles into your daily oral hygiene routine to thoroughly cleanse the mouth and prevent tooth decay, oral cavity, soothe the throat and combat bad breath.

Ayurvedic tooth powders and toothpaste – Made from natural plant extract ingredients, essential oils and minerals according to formulas which ayurvedic physicians have long practiced, ayurvedic tooth powders and toothpastes are effective in cleaning teeth gently and yet thoroughly for long lasting freshness. It fights bacteria and keeps teeth healthy.

Ayurvedic dental therapies – There are a number of therapies that ayurveda recommends such as chewing herbal sticks and/or brushing your teeth with them in the morning or after meals. Tongue scraping and oil pulling are other popular therapies that are very beneficial for dental health.

Ayurvedic herbs

Ayurvedic herbs are wonderful for oral health and overall health and wellbeing. Cloves are well known in ayurveda as being a remedy for tooth pain, while turmeric is also said to provide many benefits. Wheatgrass, amla powder, garlic, nutmeg are all recommended to help promote dental health.

Dietary guidelines

Eating fibre-rich fruits and vegetables help stimulate saliva which keeps the mouth hydrated and helps keep your mouth and gums clean. Dairy products such as cheese, milk and plain yogurt also promote good oral health while green and black teas are also good beverages to consume.

Foods best to avoid include starchy foods that can stick to your mouth or between your teeth and create plaque. Sticky candies and sweets have a similar effect while alcohol and certain medicines can cause your mouth to dry out. Carbonated drinks are very heavy in sugar and can include citric acid that wears away tooth enamel.

Staying hydrated

Ayurveda stresses the importance of keeping the mouth well hydrated. Drinking half a glass of water with a few drops of fresh lemon juice helps refresh the mouth and keeps teeth and gums clean. Chewing cloves also promotes saliva while keeping the mouth fresh and gums and teeth strong. Drinking water helps wash away food particles that are stuck in the mouth or between teeth, reducing the chances of them become harmful.

Lifestyle practice

Lifestyle tweaks that include more oral hygiene habits will help to maintain good dental health such as ensuring that you do brush your teeth twice a day and aim to floss once a day. Along with that include oil pulling or brushing with an herbal stick. If you find that you are stressed and clench your teeth or jaw a lot then make a conscious effort to stop the habit. Adding some yoga, meditation or breathing exercises to your day will help bring about a sense of calm. Have your dental tools easily at hand so that you are more likely to continue with your ayurvedic dental hygiene habits.

Conclusion

Our dental health is very important as it not only ensures that we retain our beautiful smiles, but it also has a direct and far reaching impact on our overall health. Incorporating ayurvedic dental hygiene habits into our lives gives us a natural and effective way to maintain our dental and oral health. With no artificial ingredients ayurvedic therapies are an easy way to promote good oral health.