In today’s modern era oral diseases like tooth decay, tooth cavities, and gum diseases are a major concern. Bacterial infection has emerged as the most common cause of oral diseases. Due to growing incidents of dental/ oral diseases and increased resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, the doctors are looking for better preventive and treatment options which could be cost effective as well In ancient India. Ayurveda treats dental diseases based on the nature (prakriti) of the person and the climatic changes. The following remedies can be tried at home which will help you to maintain good dental health:
1 . Herbal Chewing Sticks
-You can take stems of certain herbs to make chewing sticks and use them for brushing.
-The commonly used herbs for brushing include neem, mulethi (licorice), black catechu, Arjuna, and milkweed.
Also Read: Arjuna Benefits
-Take fresh stem of any of these herbs for brushing and cut a portion which is approximately 9 inches long.
-Make sure that these chewing sticks are healthy, soft, without leaves or knots, and are taken from a healthy tree.
-Crush one end, chew, and eat slowly. This chewing helps in leveling of biting surface of teeth, can prevent plaque formation, and has anti-bacterial action.
2 . Tongue Scrapping
-Tongue scrapping helps to remove a variety of bacteria from your mouth and stimulate secretion of digestive enzymes, hence helping to improve the process of digestion as well.
-Regular use of tongue scraper will lead to reduced foul smell coming from your mouth.
-A tongue scrapper made of silver, copper, or stainless steel can be used.
3 . Gargling And Oil Pulling
-This process involves swishing of oil in mouth which has proven to be very beneficial in a number of oral problems.
-This procedure prevents tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, cracked lips, and dryness of throat
-Gargling can also help you to improve the strength of your jaws, teeth, and gums and reduce the swelling in your gums caused by tartar.
–Sunflower oil, coconut oil, palm oil, soya bean oil or sesame oil are commonly used for gargling.
-Oil pulling is done on empty stomach in the morning.
-Take 1 tablespoonful of oil in your mouth without swallowing. Keep swishing like a mouthwash for around 20 minutes.
-Relax your jaw muscles in between and use tongue instead. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm salt water a couple of times.
-This process can be repeated 3 times a day on empty stomach before meals.