Caring For Your Teeth and Gums
Properly caring for your teeth and gums is a crucial daily habit. A healthy mouth is essential to properly chew and digest our food and over a lifetime, maintaining strong teeth and digestion is the single most determinant of good health, according to Ayurveda. When we chew our food properly, digestive enzymes are released in our saliva. When we don’t have healthy teeth and gums, this step is missed.
Many people lose their teeth as years go by, which is directly related to unhealthy aging. In 2017, the World Health organization (WHO) conducted a study, The Global Burden of Disease, that estimated oral mouth diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide, with decay of permanent teeth being the most common condition.
Ayurveda recommends the daily practice of Gandusha (gargling oil, also known as oil pulling) to maintain a healthy mouth.
“It imparts strength to the jaws and voice, proper plumpness to the face, improves taste sensation, relieves dry throat and prevents chapped lips. Daily Gandusha prevents tooth decay and sensitivity, and teeth remain firmly rooted to chew even the hardest of foods,” according to the Caraka Sutra Sthana 5 (Ca. Su. 5/78-80).
Arimedadi Mouth Wash Oil and Valiya Arimedas Tailam are both herbal oils commonly used for mouth disorders, especially concerning the teeth.
How and Why to Use Arimedadi and Valiya Arimedas
With daily use, you will notice stronger teeth, fewer cavities, healthy gums that don’t bleed and whiter teeth. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend them for toothaches, gingivitis (inflamed gums), abscesses, sores, burning mouth syndrome and bad breath.
The main ingredients in both oils are Arimeda (Acacia leucophloea), Khadira (Acacia catechu) and Karpoora (Cinnamomum camphora). Twigs from these trees are often used to clean the teeth.
Khadira (Acacia catechu)
How to Use Herbal Oils for Gandusha
- Step 1: Before brushing your teeth every morning, put 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth.
- Step 2: Swish the oil in your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes, just as you would a mouthwash—and be careful not to swallow it!
- Step 3: Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with warm water. Then brush your teeth and scrape your tongue.
Clean Your Teeth with an Herbal Tooth Powder
Dasanakanti Churnam is an herbal powder that strengthens the teeth with consistent use. Similar to herbal oils for Gandusha, it also soothes gingivitis, cavities, toothaches, bad breath and sensitive teeth. It has spices like black pepper, long pepper, cinnamon and cardamom, which also help digestion.
The powder is easy to use: Rub the powder evenly over your teeth using a finger or brush. Gently rub the powder into your gums and teeth for 2 – 3 minutes, two times per day.
Related Article: HERBS TO ENHANCE IMMUNITY IN WINTER MONTHS
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at mailto:contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.