Ancient medicine, contrary to its name, has shown to be a timeless and important complementary aspect of modern medicine. Aspects from ancient Chinese and Indian medicine continue to fascinate medical and non-medical professionals alike, and their teachings are continuously being incorporated into a complete and holistic approach to care. Originating in India over thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic medicine is considered the world’s oldest medical system. The meaning of Ayurveda is Science of Life. It adopts a preventive and health promoting approach by supporting a balance between physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Ayurvedic medicine places great importance on the interaction of food with your spiritual being in order to maintain balance, therefore making oral hygiene a crucial factor in promoting this balance. For optimal digestion, Ayurvedic philosophy stresses the removal of toxins, or ‘ama,’ from the body
The process of digestion first begins in the mouth. During mastication, food is manually broken into down manageable morsels. In preparation for digestion at its next stop in the stomach, special enzymes in the oral cavity further break down carbohydrates and proteins in the mouth, similar to cutting up a long ribbon with scissors. If these oral functions are impaired in any way, our overall digestive strength can suffer. Problems with our dentition and gums can compromise our overall ability to chew and impair some chemical interactions that are crucial to the first stages of digestion.
Ayurvedic medicine pays special attention to ways that improve oral hygiene by removal of toxins to maintain whole body balance. In fact, the National Institute for Health has published twenty-two favorable studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these ancient methods of detoxification. Below are recommendations that have proven safe and effective, as well as easily accessible from a local market and the comfort of your home:
Oil Pulling
Oil Pulling is an effective technique for detoxification and purification. The technique involves swishing oil in the mouth, moving it around all quadrants and between and behind tooth spaces. It is known to reduce plaque and the bacterial count in the mouth. This simple practice can be preventive as well as curative for several dental ailments. It can greatly reduce gingival inflammation and even help whiten teeth. Organic, unrefined, cold pressed sesame oil and organic virgin coconut oil are both great options. Recent studies have validated the use of oil pulling in oral health. Specifically, there has been significant benefit in gingival index scores, plaque index scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus count. The effects have been found to be comparable to the “gold standard” of chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Curcumin
Turmeric is an important and common ingredient found in the Indian kitchen. Extracted from turmeric, curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herb to support the health of the mouth.
In dentistry, curcumin acts as a therapeutic agent by:
- Protecting against free radical damage through strong antioxidant properties
- Reducing histamine levels and balancing natural cortisone by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent
- Improving blood circulation
Aloe Vera
The fresh gel known as aloe vera is widely used for its therapeutic effects such as:
- Moisturizing properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-viral
- Wound healing and
- Pain relief
Application in areas of periodontal surgery or tooth extractions aids in the healing process. Acute lesions of the mouth are improved with direct application on viral lesions, ulcers and cracked lips. It has also shown improvement in other chronic diseases.
Amla or Gooseberry
Fruit of amla or gooseberry is known to support the periodontal health of the mouth and strengthen the gingival tissue around teeth. The fruit works over the long term with long lasting effects in fighting bacteria, preventing tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). In India, the fresh fruit is chewed, but amla capsules and powder are also available via online retailers. A common method of use in Ayurvedic practice is via consumption in tea:
- Place two green tea bags in boiling water. Once cooled, add one tablespoon amla powder to the tea. Refrigerate and shake well before using.
Neem
The neem plant is used as a method of brushing teeth in Ayurvedic practice. Several scientific studies have revealed it’s antibacterial activity against, S. mutans and E. faecalis, common pathogens of the oral cavity. A study compared the antimicrobial activity of commercially available herbal dental cream containing neem with conventional fluoride-containing toothpaste in school children, and reported both the toothpastes showed a positive antimicrobial effect on cavity producing bacteria. Using neem containing toothpastes can potentially replace conventional fluoride toothpastes for fluoride-free homes. Brushing with Neem toothpaste after every meal and using a mouthwash with neem extract is a recommended treatment for preventing gingivitis. In a different study, Neem-based mouth rinse was studied to demonstrate anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis activity.
Tongue Cleaning
Our tongue has six different tastes namely: sour, sweet, bitter, pungent and salty. By cleaning the surface, the tongue is able to best detect these different tastes. This simple action of tongue scraping reduces toxins and dead bacteria from our tongue, prevents bad breath (halitosis), removes toxins, and helps with functioning of the digestive system. Ideally, scrape your tongue before eating and after oil pulling. For tooth pain, one can add clove oil. For improving gum health, mix amla powder and massage the gums.
Conclusion:
Ayurvedic teachings have long established practices to improve oral hygiene with the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining overall health balance. These practices serve as a great adjunctive to routine dental care, which include regular brushing, flossing and comprehensive check ups. The philosophy of oral hygiene being a crucial aspect of overall health has transcended centuries of scientific understanding and now is a well-understood component of holistic dentistry. The practice of Ayurveda is intended to support one’s choice of living a healthier, more natural and less toxic life. Find a holistic dentist that will help bridge the gap of conventional modern dentistry and natural healing.
Zahra Punjani, DMD, IAOMT is SMART-certified specializes in family dentistry with interests in complementary and holistic care