Table of Contents
Dantadhavana (Brushing)
The Charaka Samhita says, “The dirt which is collected at the root of the tongue creates obstructions in respiration and produces a foul smell, hence one should scrape the tongue.”
Oral hygiene is inevitable for the maintenance of Proper health.Brushing of teeth helps to eliminate bad odor. Inability to perceive taste and sludge deposited over teeth, tongue and mouth and improves taste. In ayurveda it is mentioned under Dinacharya
MATERIALS USED FOR BRUSHING
Among: Tiktha rasa dravyas- nimba(Azadirachtaindica) Use Drugs Having Bitter Taste eg is Azadirachtaindica Kashaya rasa dravyas- khadira(Acacia catechu) Use Drugs having Astringent taste Madhura rasa dravyas- madhuka(Glycyrrhizaglabra) Use Sweet Taste Drugs Katu rasa dravyas- karanja(Pongamia pinnata) Use Drugs having pungent taste
Ideal nature and Selection of drugs
The selection of twigs for tooth brush should be done on the basis of season. Nimba(Azadirachtaindica) is the best among bitter ones, kahdira(Acacia catechu) is the best among astringent drugs, Madhuka (Glycyrrhizaglabra) is best among sweet drugs and Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) is the best among punmgent drugs. Twigs should be devoid of branches and knots, it should be grown in good land and everyday a new twig should be used for brushing. In absence of twigs powders of Triphala, Trikatu and Trijataka can be used.
Benifits Of Brushing
- It brings about freshness
- Takes away bad odour and coating on the teeth.
- It produces alleviation of kapha, clearness in the mouth. And desire for food.
Contra-indications
One suffering from indigestion
vomiting
difficulty in breathing
cough
fever
facial paralysis
excessive thirst
mouth ulceration
diseases of heart
eyes
head
and ear are contraindicated for brushing.