How to take care of your oral health the Ayurvedic way

Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is paramount to maintain your oral hygiene. The magic of Ayurveda also believes in the importance of cleaning your teeth properly every day in order to keep them white and shiny. In ancient times, people used twigs of specific plants to clean their teeth and the tradition is still followed at many places. There is a vast difference between the oral hygiene of people using Ayurvedic methods and those using the modern method of brushing. People using the Ayurvedic method are less likely to suffer from the problem of tooth decay. But why is the ancient method of brushing better than the modern one? Let’s find out:

The ancient method
In ancient times people used twigs of bitter plants to clean their teeth. The antimicrobial properties of the bitter-tasting twig helped in keeping the mouth germ-free and healthy. Herbs with a pungent taste flush out the toxins from the mouth and fight bad breath too. Twigs of Neem, Mango, and Peepal trees are most commonly used for oral hygiene.

How to use the twig
The twig must be 25 cm long and as thick as your fingers so that you can hold it easily. To use the twig as a brush, you first have to chew its tip and then gently stroke your teeth with it.

What about the herbal toothpaste?
Nowadays different kinds of toothpaste are available in the market that promise the same benefits as offered by the twigs. You can use the herbal toothpaste as they are made from herbal plants and are chemical-free. They are far better than the chemically-loaded fancy toothpaste.

The right way to brush your teeth

As per science, you should brush your teeth properly for at least two minutes. Use short and gentle strokes to cover every nook and corner of your mouth. Clean specifically in between the gaps of your teeth and move the twigs in circular strokes to clean properly.

Tongue scraping

Even Ayurveda recommends scraping the tongue immediately after brushing your teeth. Scraping completes the process of oral hygiene. It helps to remove the coating of dirt or build-up from the tongue, which is responsible for the foul smell. It makes your mouth feel fresh too.