OSMF - #776
I’ve been chewing tobacco (gutkha) for last 15 years. Now my mouth opening is two fingers only. I’ve too much sensitivity on my inner cheeks, lips and tounge from hot and spicy food. I’ve white patches in inner cheeks. Despite quitting tobacco what else ayurvedic medicine should I take for sensitivity and mouth opening?
Doctors' responses
At 36 years old, dealing with the effects of long-term gutkha use, including reduced mouth opening, sensitivity in your inner cheeks, lips, and tongue, and white patches in your mouth, requires a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach. Firstly, it’s commendable that you have quit tobacco, as this is a crucial step toward recovery. To address sensitivity and promote healing, you can incorporate Triphala in your diet, as it helps in detoxifying the body and supports oral health. Gargling with a mixture of warm water and Turmeric or Neem can help reduce inflammation and combat any potential infections in the mouth.
Using a paste of Licorice (Mulethi) can soothe the mucous membranes and promote healing of the white patches. Additionally, consider taking Amla (Indian Gooseberry) in the form of juice or powder, as it is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that can strengthen oral tissues and boost immunity. Incorporate cooling foods into your diet, such as coconut water, yogurt, and cucumber, to help reduce inflammation and sensitivity. Regular practice of oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and using a soft toothbrush, is essential to prevent further irritation.
Well, first off, quitting tobacco is a huge step. Hats off to you. Now, dealing with the after-effects is important. In Ayurveda, we consider conditions like reduced mouth opening and oral sensitivity can be related to imbalances in your doshas, mainly Pitta, due to the spicy nature and irritating properties of substances like gutkha. This also affects the tissues, or dhatus of the mouth lining.
You might wanna start with some Gandusha, or oil pulling, which can be quite effective. Use sesame oil, it’s warming and strengthening and can help. Swish it around for 10-20 minutes, ideally in the morning, and spit it out. It helps with sensitivity and promotes healing. If your mouth feels inflamed or painful, a bit of Triphala churna mixed with water can be soothing and reduces inflammation within the mouth.
Also, something like Triphala Guggulu might be beneficial for you—it’s known to support tissue regeneration and helps manage inflammation. About sensitivity, try to avoid foods that are too hot or spicy, at least until your tissues heal. Cooling, Pitta-pacifying foods would go easy on your mouth. Something like cooling coriander water or herbal teas like fennel or licorice might help too.
You should nourish your body with Shatavari, which is available in tablet or powder form, to promote healing and balancing the tissues involved. Taking it at night with milk could be calming. And Amla, due to its rich Vitamin C content, might aid in tissue repair and strengthening.
Herbal mouth rinse with Manjishtadi kwath could assist in maintaining oral hygiene and aid in the healing of those white patches. Remember, the actual process of opening the mouth with exercises can be gradual. But, please, just as a caution, get a check-up by a dental specialist to rule out anything serious. Your health is a priority, and Ayurveda’s here to support your journey.
The treatment course was sent to the patient's private messages.
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