Abstract

ORAL HEALTH CARE THROUGH AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Mansi* and Shamsa Fiaz

Abstract

Oral health is reflection of the health of entire body. Diseases related to oral cavity are among the major health problem all over the world and their incidences are on rise especially in developing countries. Poor oral hygiene can have hazardous consequences on physical and psychological well-being and can contribute to various systemic diseases too. Modern medicine provides important contribution in treatment of oral disorders but has some limitations like chemical hazards, unaffordability, lack of accessibility etc. Ayurveda is in practice even before the commencement of modern medicine and it follows life style approach for good health and disease prevention. It can be validated by the reference of Dincharya (daily regimen) in which oral health care is executed by the use of twigs of herbal plants for Danta dhavana (brushing) followed by Jihwa nirlekhana (Tongue scrapping), Pratisarana, use of Gandusha and Kavala as a part of routine practice to strengthen and prevent the diseases of Mukha (oral cavity). In the present paper, an attempt has been made to meet the challenges in oral healthcare by exploring the various therapeutic procedures and herbs advised in Ayurveda for the preservation and management of oral health.

Keywords: Oral health, Chewing stick, Jihwa-nirlekhana, Pratisarana, Gandusha.