Alright, great questions – let’s unpack all that about drinking water before brushing your teeth from the Ayurvedic angle.
First up, drinking water before brushing. In Ayurveda, it’s called Usha Paana. The idea is, when you first wake up, your mouth is a little haven for naturally occurring bacteria that aid digestion and metabolism. When you brush first, some of these helpful bacteria get swept away. Drinking water before brushing helps those bacteria linger and kickstart digestion. It’s a gentle wake-up call for your agni, or digestive fire, which can help reduce bloating and sluggishness.
You’re spot on about hydration. Overnight, our bodies lose water through breathing and it’s not uncommon to wake up a bit dehydrated. Having a glass or two of room temperature or warm water can indeed help rehydrate you more than coffee, which can be quite dehydrating due to its diuretic effect. In terms of Pitta dosha, drinking water first thing is cooling and can help keep your fire dosha in balance, but really, it’s beneficial for anyone. No need to stress about your dosha type here.
Now there’s something to say for that dry mouth and bad breath too. A glass of water can act like a rinse before that first toothbrush run, keeping your mouth feeling fresher and more hydrated. It won’t completely eliminate morning breath, but it’s definitely a step forward.
About the temperature of water and the way you drink it. Lukewarm is generally preferred, as it’s calming to the digestive system and doesn’t shock the system like cold water might (which can restrict blood flow to the stomach and intestines). In terms of how much water, a rough guide could be about 500 ml, but it really depends on your body’s needs.
After drinking, wait about 20-30 minutes before brushing. This gives time for the water to be absorbed and your body to make the most of the bacteria for digestion. It’s not scientifically “proven” thing but rather an ancient wisdom practice.
As for seeing results, ayurveda is more about a holistic approach and achieving balance. You might notice small changes in how you feel within a week or two, but consistent practice over time is where you’ll really see the benefits build up.
Stick with it, listen to your body, and make tweaks as needed. Any practice worth integrating should feel like it’s working for you and not against you.



