Dinacharya (Ayurvedic Daily Routine) to remain healthy and disease free: Brushing Teeth
Dinacharya, Sanskrit for daily routine, are best practices recommended for a person to maintain good health and remain disease free.
What to use for optimal oral health?
A healthy person should clean their teeth and gums first thing after waking up.
Note: Ayurveda does not recommend following the daily routine practices for anyone who is unwell.
What is used to clean the teeth and gums?
Bitter, astringent, and pungent herbs like neem, arka, khadira are recommended. Most toothpastes are sweet and not the best to clean the teeth according to Ayurveda.
I love using tooth powders made with Ayurvedic herbs. Take some tooth powder on your palms, wet a toothbrush or use your fingers (the old school and more hygenic way).
Fun fact: In ancient times, neem twigs were used where people would chew on the twigs until they turned bristle-like in order to clean their teeth and gums.
What are the contraindications?
Ayurveda mentions that brushing is contraindicated for those suffering from indigestion, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, cough, thirst, mouth ulcers, facial palsy, and diseases of the eyes, head, heart, and ears.
