The oral cavity is household to far more than five hundred unique species of microorganisms. They inhabit the tongue, teeth, internal cheeks, palate and the tonsils. The oral cavity further more hyperlinks the food items pipe, nasal passages, sinuses and the ear cavities. These organisms are not antagonistic and assist in the biological processes of the body. Having said that they can transform pathogenic if the system’s immunity falls. Hunting at the connection amongst the oral cavity and the rest of the organs, it is really significant to keep fantastic oral hygiene. This indicates brushing tooth at the very least two times a day, avoiding as well significantly sugar and visiting a dentist two times a 12 months. While dentistry is not a specialised branch covered by Ayurveda, it is provided in the subject of Ayurvedic surgical procedure.
According to the Shalyatantra and Shalakyatantra, a single of the branches of Ayurveda, there are sixty-five varieties of oral ailments that can occur on the lips, tongue, teeth, palate and in the oropharynx.
Dental concerns array from plaque, negative odour, tartar, cavities, cysts and other infections. An age-outdated follow proposed by Ayurveda is oil-pulling and it is pointed out in the Charaka Samhita. Oil pulling is a basic detoxing method that includes swishing oil in the mouth for about fifteen minutes followed by a heat water rinse. Two techniques of oil pulling recommended are: Gandusha and Kavala. In Gandusha, the oral cavity is crammed entirely with the oil, gargled for 5 minutes and unveiled. In Kavala, a snug quantity of oil is taken and gargled for three to five minutes and introduced. This procedure is done first detail in the early morning.
The system of oil pulling: microorganisms, that are enclosed by a lipid membrane, are attached to the oral tissues. They are then pulled absent by the oil, by adhering to the extra fat molecules of the oil. This technique not only removes harmful toxins and hazardous germs from the cavity, but also alleviates the decline of flavor. This, in transform, can reverse decline of urge for food. Oil pulling also strengthens the gums, eliminates plaque from in in between the tooth and areas exactly where a toothbrush simply cannot arrive at. It is also a remedy for dry throat and cracked lips.
Considering that oil pulling is a cleansing exercise, aside from dental cleanliness, it is stated to have the capacity to very clear skin blemishes and other pores and skin-relevant conditions these kinds of as pimples, eczema, psoriasis and other continual infections. It is also claimed to appropriate hormonal imbalances by establishing normal menstrual cycles and cutting down publish-menstrual syndrome signs or symptoms. When a person falls unwell, especially all through a fever, the mouth feels bitter main to a reduction of appetite. This used to be one particular of the foremost indications of a fever. What starts off in the mouth can have an result on the relaxation of the physique. Oil pulling facilitates standard performing of the kidney and liver. Moreover, it alleviates respiratory congestion because it has anti-inflammatory consequences.
Historically used oils include coconut and sesame oil. Sesame oil has antibacterial properties and is successful versus microbes this kind of as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. A analyze was conducted to assess the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on gingivitis and its efficacy was as opposed with chlorhexidine mouthwash. There was improved reduction in the plaque index and the full colony rely of cardio microbes in the plaque with oil pulling. Sesame oil pulling has added positive aspects about chlorhexidine as it has no lingering aftertaste and does not result in any allergic reactions. Also, it is value-productive.
Aside from oil pulling, chewing sticks is a different age-previous approach to maintain dental overall health. This technique will involve chewing on a organic twig that is somewhere around nine inches prolonged with the thickness of the tiny finger. The sticks that are utilized commonly involve neem and mango. According to the dosha sort, precise plant twigs are advisable. Pitta-dominant people are provided twigs that have a bitter flavor these types of as twigs of neem or Arjuna tree. Neem toothpastes or tooth powders have proven efficacy from plaque. Kapha-dominant folks are advisable twigs that have a pungent style such as the fever nut or the milkweed plant. They have a tendency to have pale and hypertrophic gums. Vata-dosha-dominant people have receding gums and are provided twigs that have bitter-sweet or astringent (Kashaya) flavor this sort of as liquorice or black catechu.
Curiously, the mango leaf is also a great oral cleanliness assist owing to the presence of a compound recognised as mangiferin. Mangiferin has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that are effective towards strains of Streptococci, Staphylococci and Lactobacillus. The midrib of the mango leaf can be employed as a tongue cleaner. Tongue scraping can boost the sense of flavor by reducing micro organism and reducing undesirable odour.
The anti-microbial properties of a lot of vegetation detailed in Ayurveda are successful and can improve dental health and fitness (Danta Swasthya). The existence of many bioactive compounds current in these plants can cut down the microbial load in the oral cavity and can also detoxify the body of the day by day toxin load. The higher than pointed out strategies are protected, price-helpful and are also very easily readily available to all the economic teams in the modern society. As a result, integrating classic expertise of Ayurveda with the modern day dental practices must be inspired.
About the Author
Ms Varsha Venkataraman
Varsha Venkataraman is a graduate in Used Microbiology and Cancer Research. Currently she is the Senior Researcher for the Centre for Soft Electricity with an avid interest in Ayurveda and wishes to focus on the integrative solution of Ayurveda and present day medication in the procedure of cancer.
