Alveda

Ayurvedic Tooth & Gum Care Secrets

In Ayurveda, oral care is not limited to cosmetic whitening or the removal of stains. It is part of a larger holistic practice known as Dantadhavana (oral cleansing) and Gandusha/Kavala (oil pulling and mouth rinsing). Healthy teeth and gums are seen as essential not only for digestion but also for overall well-being. This guide will take you through Ayurvedic principles, traditional remedies, and practical steps you can apply to improve your oral hygiene naturally.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare specialist before adopting new health practices.

Ayurvedic Foundations of Oral Health

According to classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, oral hygiene plays a central role in maintaining Agni (digestive fire) and overall balance of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Dental and gum issues are often linked to imbalances in these doshas, accumulated Ama (toxins), or poor dietary and lifestyle habits.

Some important Ayurvedic principles include:

Dantadhavana (Tooth Brushing): Traditionally done with herbal twigs like neem, khadira, or liquorice, which have antimicrobial and strengthening properties.
Gandusha/Kavala (Oil Pulling): Retaining or swishing oil (such as sesame or coconut) in the mouth to remove toxins and strengthen oral tissues.
Herbal Powders & Pastes: Using natural formulations that clean teeth without harming enamel, balance oral flora, and improve gum strength.

The Ayurvedic Tooth & Gum Paste Recipe

One of the most effective and simple home remedies involves common Ayurvedic household ingredients. This blend not only helps in maintaining natural whiteness but also strengthens the gums and reduces bad breath.

Ingredients (All in equal balance unless noted):

10 grams of rock salt (Saindhava Lavana)
10 grams of turmeric powder (Haridra)
10 grams of mustard oil (Sarshapa Taila)
2 grams of clove powder (Lavanga Churna)

Preparation Method:

Take the measured ingredients in a clean bowl.
Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
Store in a small airtight glass jar.

Usage Instructions:

Brush your teeth with this paste 2–3 times a week (not daily, as the coarse nature of salt may be abrasive).
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or your fingertip for application.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after use.

Why These Ingredients Work

Salt (Saindhava Lavana): Natural cleanser, reduces plaque, balances Kapha, and combats bad breath.
Turmeric (Haridra): Renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities; strengthens gums and reduces swelling.
Mustard Oil (Sarshapa Taila): Traditionally used for gum massage, enhances circulation, prevents bacterial growth.
Cloves (Lavanga): A time-tested remedy for toothache; strengthens gums and freshens breath.

Complementary Ayurvedic Practices for Oral Care

To maximize results, combine this paste with daily and seasonal Ayurvedic oral care routines:

1. Oil Pulling (Gandusha/Kavala)

Swish 1 tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for 5–10 minutes daily.

2. Herbal Twigs for Brushing

Use neem, khadira, or liquorice sticks to naturally cleanse and strengthen gums.

3. Tongue Scraping (Jihva Nirlekhana)

Use a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper to remove toxins from the tongue surface daily.

Lifestyle & Dietary Guidelines for Oral Health

Avoid excessive intake of sugary, processed foods that aggravate Kapha and Ama buildup.
Include fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and Ayurvedic spices like fennel and cardamom for fresh breath.
Stay hydrated with warm water to flush toxins and support digestion, which indirectly improves oral health.

If you're experiencing symptoms, uncertainty, or simply need guidance — avoid self-diagnosing. Speak with a qualified practitioner. You can do this easily and for free on the Ask Ayurveda website.

Written by

Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi

Dr BRKR Government Ayurvedic Medical College

I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.

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Questions from users

What are some other holistic practices for oral health in Ayurveda besides oil pulling?

Harper

73 days ago

Dr. Prasad Pentakota

10 days ago

Besides oil pulling, Ayurveda suggests other practices like Dantadhavana—using herbal tooth powders like neem or triphala can really help. Tongue scraping is another good practice; it removes toxins and supports digestion. Even chewing on a miswak (a natural brush) or cloves can benefit oral health by balancing doshas. Always tune into what works for your body though!

How can I apply Ayurvedic principles for better oral care at home?

Owen

81 days ago

Dr. Prasad Pentakota

13 days ago

To boost your oral care using Ayurveda, try oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil to balance doshas. Brush with herbal powders like triphala for gum strength. Drink warm water with turmeric and salt to cleanse orally. Chew neem sticks to maintain good Agni and overall balance. Always best to check with an Ayurvedic practitioner.

What are some other herbal twigs I can use for brushing besides neem and khadira?

Dylan

87 days ago

Dr. Sara Garg

21 days ago

Aside from neem and khadira, you might try twigs like babool (acacia), peelu, and licorice (mulethi)! They each have their own unique benefits for oral health and can be easily used for brushing. Just make sure they suit your prakriti and dosha balance. If you're unsure, it could be worth consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner!

How can I start using oil pulling effectively in my daily routine?

Anna

94 days ago

Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra

28 days ago

To start oil pulling, simply take a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil, swish it around in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes, then spit it out. It's best done in the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach. Try to relax and breathe while doing it. It might feel odd at first, but you'll get used to it! Keep consistent for best results.

What are some Ayurvedic remedies for gum health I can try at home?

Lucy

101 days ago

Dr. Snehal Vidhate

32 days ago

For gum health, trying oil pulling's great place to start—use sesame or coconut oil, swishing it around for like 5-10 mins daily. Also, you can massage gums gently with some turmeric and salt paste. Those ways help elevate oral health by balancing doshas and strengthening agni (digestive fire) which reflects on overall prakriti!

What are some other natural remedies in Ayurveda for improving oral hygiene?

Ella

107 days ago

Dr. Manjula

47 days ago

You might try oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil; it's believed to help remove toxins and improve gum health. Also, using a herbal mouthwash with triphala can be soothing. Chewing fennel seeds after meals boosts saliva production and cleans the mouth. Just make sure to find what suits your unique dosha balance best!

What are some beginner tips for starting oil pulling if I'm new to Ayurvedic practices?

Ryan

113 days ago

Dr. Anjali Sehrawat

50 days ago

Start slow, you can begin oil pulling with just 5 minutes in the morning. Use sesame or coconut oil, 1 tablespoon is enough, and swish it around gently. Don't swallow the oil, just spit it out after swishing. Follow with brushing your teeth. If you feel uncomfortable, try reducing time or amount. Your gums & mouth muscles get used to it gradually. Always consult with a professional if unsure!

How can I incorporate Dantadhavana into my daily oral care routine effectively?

Carter

118 days ago

Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi

54 days ago

Incorporating Dantadhavana, or herbal twig brushing, into your routine is quite simple! Use twigs like neem or liquorice in the morning before breakfast. Chew one end of the twig to make bristles, then gently brush your teeth and gums. It’s gentle yet effective in keeping your gums healthy, plus very natural. Maybe try it together with tongue scraping for a complete Ayurvedic routine!

What are the benefits of using neem sticks for oral hygiene compared to other methods?

Emily

123 days ago

Dr. Manjula

58 days ago

Neem sticks are awesome for oral care because they're all natural, help reduce plaque, and have antimicrobial properties that keep gums healthy. Plus, they balance Kapha and Pitta doshas, supporting digestion and general health. Unlike most commercial products, neem sticks are chemical-free, offering a holistic approach to oral hygiene!

How does oil pulling benefit digestion and overall health according to Ayurveda?

Amelia

128 days ago

Dr. Sara Garg

71 days ago

Oil pulling helps digestion in ayurveda by balancing doshas and enhancing agni, or digestive fire. It supports the removal of toxins (ama) from the mouth, preventing them from interfering with digestion. Such practices can promote overall health by ensuring the first part of the digestive process is clean and balanced. Just like polishing the engine before a race!