Healthy teeth are a prerequisite for good chewing. Chewing is the first step in digestion. Only well-chewed food can be processed without the formation of ama (slags, toxins) in the gastrointestinal tract.

Dental health is also important because the oral cavity is a "mirror" of the digestive system. Inflamed mucous membranes (periodontal disease), decay, bad breath and other disturbances of well-being in the oral cavity are indicators that the intestines and digestive glands are not working properly or are sick.

Moreover, intestinal health and oral health influence each other. The classical texts place great emphasis on daily oral care as an important building block for a healthy life.

Ayurveda and oral health - oral hygiene in the morning

In the classical texts, oral hygiene in the morning is described in detail. Starting the day with a fresh and clean feeling in the mouth is considered important. The oral cavity is the seat of speech and the seat of the sense of taste. We need language as a tool for communication, the sense of taste as a decision-making aid for the right diet. The Ayurvedic classics assume that both functions are effectively supported by extensive daily oral hygiene.

The instructions of the classical texts cannot be implemented 1 : 1 nowadays due to the different living conditions. We use other materials to pursue the same goal: Cleaning and care. Thus, we use dental floss and brush instead of sticks made of neem wood in modern oral hygiene. The use of nourishing and essential oils remains unchanged.

Morning oral hygiene routine

From an Ayurvedic point of view, morning oral hygiene should take place immediately after waking up and getting out of bed. As soon as the bladder (and bowels) have been emptied, you should rinse your mouth with cool water to immediately get rid of the waste products that have accumulated overnight before swallowing them.

Immediately afterwards, clean your teeth first with dental floss, then with a toothbrush (electric or mechanical). This will remove the deposits that have formed on and between your teeth overnight or are left over from the day before. It is essential to thoroughly remove these deposits at least once within 24 hours to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. This is a prerequisite for keeping the oral mucous membranes healthy and preventing the formation of caries.

As a toothpaste, we recommend a product that contains plenty of essential oils and anti-inflammatory herbs, such as our Ayurdent Classic or Ayurdent mild. Brushing the teeth and the gum/teeth junction should be done with a soft brush and should take at least 2 minutes. Divide your mouth into 4 quadrants (upper right and left teeth, lower right and left teeth) and clean each quadrant for at least ½ minute. This will ensure sufficient exposure time for the essential oils. Then rinse your mouth with water and scrape your tongue with the tongue cleaner. For this purpose, we offer you a model made of stainless steel and one made of silver. The silver material has a softer effect in the mouth and leads to a better removal of unfavourable germs on the tongue.

Gandusha - Ayurvedic oil pulling

Immediately after mechanical cleaning, you should put some oil in your mouth. There are 2 products available for this:

1. Ayurdent gum care oil from a spray bottle, which contains 21 different herbs, fruits, flowers and essential oils. Sesame oil is used as the base oil. This product complies with the classical specifications.
2. The "drawing oil", which is made from European oils such as gold of pleasure oil and hemp oil as a base for essential oils such as tea tree and sage.

Whichever oil you prefer, take 1 - 2 sprays or ½ - 1 teaspoon into your mouth and keep pulling the oil back and forth between your teeth. This process should take at least 2 - 3 minutes. Then dispose of the oil in a waste bin (organic waste).

Copper cup

Then rinse your mouth again with clean water. Now the oral cavity is free of ama and you should drink a large glass of water. It is best to drink this water from a copper cup. The copper cup should be filled with water the evening before and left overnight. This water can absorb some copper overnight. Copper is an essential mineral for blood formation and the immune system.

Summary

In Maharishi Ayurveda, oral hygiene is considered an important preventive and care measure that lays the foundation for healthy teeth and oral mucous membranes.

Oral health and intestinal health influence each other. Both are essential for a healthy mind-body system.

Take enough time every morning to thoroughly clean and care for your mouth using the methods outlined above. In the evening, simply brush your teeth.