The smile on your face reflects the whole of your health and the ancient tradition of Ayurveda recognizes the importance of having healthy gums and teeth. Ayurveda offers different ways through which one can achieve a wonderful smile and oral health. Ayurveda stresses the importance of regular and frequent cleaning of the mouth as it is considered one of the nine openings, the gateway to the body.
Consumption of Calcium: Our bones as well as our teeth are in dire need of calcium for strength and this can be achieved by consuming sesame seeds. Other products like milk and yogurt are also a source of calcium.
Use Spices: Spices such as clove, ginger, turmeric, and fennel seeds can help fight the accumulation of plaque and promote gum health. It can also alleviate toothaches if you have any. These spices help with the overall oral health.
Drink more water: It is important to stay hydrated as it helps with saliva production and neutralizes acids in your mouth. It also helps with rinsing away food particles that are responsible for building up cavities.
Use Nature’s Toothbrush: It is advised in Ayurveda to use Neem twigs for brushing your teeth. This practice has been traditionally used in India since time immemorial. Neem contains various antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight gum disease and tartar buildup.
Drink Herbal Tea: Drinking herbal tea such as chamomile, green tea, and licorice root which contain anti-bacterial properties that help fight the bacteria in your mouth. This can reduce the gum inflammation in your mouth and can pave the way for a healthier mouth.
Reduce sugar and acidic foods from your diet: Be mindful of what you eat and avoid carbonated drinks, sugary juices and snacks, and acidic fruits. Rinse your mouth well after having these types of foods to minimize the ill effects caused by them on your teeth.
Oil Pulling Technique: The Ayurvedic practice of oil-pulling involves the technique of rinsing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. This helps in removing toxins and bacteria from the mouth.
Chew Betel: Betel also known as Tambula Sevana is a mixture of various ingredients such as betel leaf, betel nut powder, cloves, wet quicklime, camphor, and the fruit of Nutmeg or Jatiphala. Tambula is recommended to be chewed after waking up, after meals, and after bathing. It freshens your breath, removes the coating of the tongue, aids in digestion, and cleanses oral fluids.
Use Triphala: Triphala which is a blend of amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki is packed with numerous antioxidants and can be used as a mouthwash for everyday use.
Gargling ( Kavala): To gargle, fill the mouth with three-fourths of water or any other fluid, swish it for 1-2 minutes, and spit it out. It is advised in Ayurveda to use lukewarm water. This can reduce the issues of dry throat, cracked lips, and bad breath, and can help in strengthening the teeth, gums, and jaw.
A balanced diet is necessary for maintaining oral health. With consultation and guidance from an Ayurveda practitioner, one can avail of a personalized health care plan based on one’s body constitution ( Dosha ). With the above-mentioned steps, which can be done at home, can help you achieve a great smile with stronger gums.
Causes of Weak Gums & Teeth
Here are some of the main factors that can weaken your gums and teeth, explained from both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives:
Modern Causes:
- Dental plaque buildup: Harbors bacteria that erode enamel and inflame gums.
- Excessive sugar intake: Feeds bacteria, increases acid production, and contributes to cavities and gum disease.
- Poor oral hygiene: Increases risk of infections and tooth decay.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of calcium, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients weakens teeth and gums.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, stress, and irregular oral care damage gum and tooth structure.
Ayurvedic Causes:
- Poor digestion: Weak digestive fire (Agni) leads to the formation of toxins (ama) that settle in tissues, including gums.
- Dosha imbalance: Excess Vata causes dryness and brittleness of gums and teeth, while excess Kapha promotes plaque, microbial growth, and inflammation.
- Ama accumulation: Toxins weaken oral tissues and interfere with natural healing.
Dietary and lifestyle factors: Overconsumption of sweets, heavy or processed foods, and improper oral care can disturb dosha balance and aggravate oral issues.
Ayurvedic Oral Care Practices & Daily Rituals
Here are some daily Ayurvedic habits and rituals that help maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and overall oral hygiene:
Daily Ayurvedic Oral Care Habits:
- Oil pulling (Gandusha/Kavala): Swish sesame, coconut, or herbal‑infused oil in the mouth for 5–10 minutes to reduce bacteria, support gum health, and freshen breath.
- Tongue scraping: Gently scrape the tongue each morning to remove toxins (ama), reduce bacterial load, and improve taste and digestion.
- Herbal mouth rinses: Use warm water infused with herbs like Triphala, Neem, or turmeric as a mouth rinse to soothe gums, reduce inflammation, and control microbes.
- Herbal tooth powders: Brushing with Ayurvedic powders containing Neem, Clove, Licorice, or Triphala helps clean teeth naturally and strengthen gums.
- Clove or licorice chewing: Chewing a clove or a piece of licorice root can help reduce pain, control bacteria, and stimulate saliva for better oral health.
- Balanced oral diet: Include crunchy, fiber‑rich fruits and vegetables that naturally clean teeth and support saliva production.
Herbs & Ingredients for Strong Gums & Teeth
Here are some key Ayurvedic herbs and natural agents commonly used to support strong gums, healthy teeth, and overall oral care:
- Neem: Helps fight harmful bacteria, reduces gum inflammation, and supports a healthy oral environment.
- Clove: Has natural antibacterial and pain‑relieving properties that help soothe toothache and protect teeth from decay.
- Triphala: A blend of three fruits that strengthens gums, supports detoxification of the mouth, and promotes overall oral health.
- Licorice (Yashtimadhu): Soothes irritated gums, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent bacterial growth that leads to cavities.
- Miswak/Arak: A traditional chewing stick with natural antibacterial properties that cleans teeth, removes plaque, and freshens breath.
- Turmeric: Contains anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce gum swelling and support healing.
Salt or herbal salt mixes: Used as a mild abrasive in rinses or tooth powders to help remove debris and maintain healthy gums.
