While the shelves of supermarkets are stacked and brimming with endless oral care product options, we urge you to switch to the holistic approach of Ayurvedic dental care. Why? Because, unlike mass-produced products that often contain synthetic chemicals and artificial additives, Ayurveda focuses on harnessing the healing properties of natural herbs and ingredients. This shift not only minimizes exposure to harmful substances but also aligns with your body’s innate balance, with formulations and recipes that have been time-tested for the past 5000 years. 

Besides, don’t you believe there’s something profoundly empowering about concocting your own natural toothpaste, toothpowder, or mouthwash right in the comfort of your kitchen? Made with your own hands and tailored to offer a personalized and effective solution for your specific dental needs!?    

Therefore, if you are looking for a natural mouth cleanser, toothpaste, or toothpowder, these recipes are for you.  

Ayurveda & oral health

About 5000 years ago, an ancient system of medicine not only offered remedies using the power of herbs to heal oral ailments but also embraced daily practices that acted as a shield for our oral well-being. This incredible treasure trove of wisdom is none other than Ayurveda. This age-old art of healing doesn’t just stop at suggesting treatments for oral well-being but beckons us to adopt certain daily rituals. One such important aspect of oral health highlighted in Ayurveda is dattuna. Dattuna emerges as a compelling alternative to the contemporary toothbrush in the modern world, with its simplicity masked by its potency. It is an embodiment of effective prevention against oral dental afflictions and is economically viable and enriched with medicinal attributes.   

Various procedures for maintaining oral hygiene have been explained in detail under the topic of daily routines (dinacharya) in all the classical texts of Ayurveda.  

These include brushing the teeth (danta dhavana), massaging the teeth and gums (pratisarana), tongue cleaning (jivha nirlekhana), and oil pulling (gandush), and gargling or mouthwash (kavala).  

For retaining, promoting, and developing unmatched oral health, Ayurveda recommends using herbs that are astringent, pungent, or bitter in taste when brushing the teeth. Also, it is recommended that brushing should be done in such a way that it does not injure the gums². During gargling or mouthwash, the mouth is supposed to be filled to 3/4 capacity with the medicated fluid. The fluid is then swished in the mouth for a specific time and spat out.  

Various herbs and their significance in dentistry

• Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi): Ajowan helps reduce harmful properties of bacteria like Streptococcus mutans on teeth, preventing them from sticking and forming biofilm.  
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel, when added to toothpaste or mouthwash, can help prevent dental problems like cavities and gum diseases.  
• Clove: Clove extract can impact the way bacteria like Streptococcus mutans stick to teeth, affecting their ability to form plaque.  
• Green Tea: Green tea’s natural properties fight against bacteria that cause dental issues, preventing them from sticking to teeth.  
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Haritaki mouthwash fights against Streptococcus mutans and other harmful bacteria, making it a good choice for mouth rinsing.  
• Honey: Honey is used to treat various oral problems like ulcers, infections, and gum diseases effectively.  
• Mango: Mango can help manage gum diseases, particularly periodontitis, and contribute to oral health.  
• Miswak (Salvadora persica): Miswak helps prevent plaque and fights against harmful bacteria in the mouth.  
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem mouth rinse is highly effective in reducing plaque and gum inflammation, and it’s beneficial for treating gum issues.  
• Pomegranate: Pomegranate’s compounds fight against bacteria and fungi, making it helpful for oral hygiene due to its natural antimicrobial properties.  
• Triphala: Triphala has strong antibacterial properties that can treat gum diseases without causing harmful side effects.  
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi works well for toothache, gum problems, fungal infections, and various oral conditions due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.  
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful ingredient that offers multiple benefits such as reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and promoting overall oral health. 

Incorporating these herbs into Ayurvedic toothpaste can provide a natural and effective way to maintain good oral hygiene and address various dental issues.

DIY Ayurvedic toothpaste and powder 

Are you tired of dealing with gum problems like gingivitis and periodontitis? A study has found a simple and natural solution to help you out.   

All you need is some common kitchen ingredients and a little Ayurvedic wisdom. Researchers found that mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of mustard oil can work wonders. It’s like a super-ingredient team that fights off gum issues.  

Here’s how it works: Take a little bit of this magical paste and gently rub it on your teeth and gums. Think of it as a mini-massage for your mouth. Do this twice a day, and you’re on your way to happier gums and a healthier smile.  

Benefits of massaging gums with Ayurvedic tooth powder  

Pratisarana¹, the ancient practice of massaging teeth and gums, employs a blend of herbal pastes or powders, sometimes combined with honey or oil. This mixture is gently applied to teeth and gums using fingers, enriched with finely powdered vapya or kushta. An amalgamation of three potent herbal combinations—triphala, trikatu, and trijata—mixed with honey, can also be employed. This meticulous process serves to eliminate lingering food particles and troublesome plaque, nurturing the well-being of your gums. According to the wisdom of Acharya Sushruta, a mixture of honey, trikatu (a blend of three pungent herbs), trivargha (three important herbs), oil, and rock salt can also serve as an effective tooth powder to be used with dattuna or toothbrush.  

Recent scientific studies have corroborated the benefits of gum massages for dental and oral hygiene. Ayurveda advocates for the use of finely ground, gentle herbal powders for teeth cleaning. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you not only effectively remove plaque and food debris from your teeth but also significantly elevate your overall oral hygiene.  

How to use tooth powder with toothbrush or dattuna 

Take a little measure of any tooth powder into your hand. Dip your toothbrush into water and after that, touch the powder with the bristles of your toothbrush and massage your teeth in the usual way, brushing gently.   

You may change the quantity of herbal composition to suit your taste. To make an Ayurvedic toothpaste with this toothpowder, add coconut oil to this composition. Remember there will be no froth while you are brushing.  

Neem when used as a tooth powder reduces the deposition of plaque, prevents dental caries, and enhances the immune response for overall oral health.³ Although neem extract shows higher antiplaque efficacy as compared to commercial toothpaste and Ayurvedic toothpowder. 

READ MORE: Know The Ayurvedic Benefits Of Neem For Oral Hygiene 

All about Ayurvedic mouthwash

The integration of natural ingredients into oral care products has shown promising potential for enhancing oral health. In a world where traditional wisdom meets modern dental science, these natural ingredients aren’t just folklore; they’re becoming integral players in the quest for a radiant smile   

For instance, the inclusion of aloe vera gel in toothpaste or mouthwashes at optimal levels could prove to be beneficial in preventing dental issues like cavities and gum diseases.  

Furthermore, haritaki mouthwash has demonstrated antibacterial properties against salivary bacteria, making it a promising candidate for an effective mouth rinse.  

Licorice extracts and components have exhibited positive effects on various oral problems such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, oral candidiasis, and gum diseases. These benefits have been recognized in products like mouthwash, toothpaste, gel, and chewing gum.  

Neem mouth rinse has proven its effectiveness by significantly reducing plaque and gingivitis, which are common dental concerns. It has also shown potential in periodontal disease treatment.  

Ayurveda’s renowned herb amla plays an important role in revitalizing oral health. It can be used as a mouth rinse in the form of a decoction. Amla not only aids in oral tissue healing but also supports overall connective tissue development when taken internally.  

By incorporating these natural ingredients with their diverse benefits into oral care products, a holistic approach to oral health can be achieved, addressing a range of concerns from cavities to gum diseases. These herbal mouthwash ingredients or recipes are easy to make and cost-effective. They are  free of any chemicals or alcohol, 100% safe, natural, inexpensive, and have no side effects. They can also be used safely by children.  

Triphala extract mouth rinse was effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation with reported no side effects.⁴  

Triphala gives a flavor of raw fruit, therefore to mask this taste you can also add honey and rock salt or sea salt according to your palatability.   

An interesting fact is that Bee’s honey⁵ can also be used in the treatment of bad breath. All you need is 5g of powdered cinnamon bark and 5ml of  honey and mix them together in water to use as a mouthwash.  

Benefits of Triphala decoction  

Triphala shows anti-caries⁶ activity.   

Did you know? Mouth rinsing is one of the cost-effective remedies for preventing dental caries. Moreover, ‘Triphala‘ is a classic natural remedy, probably the best known, among all Ayurvedic compounds. It is valuable in the prevention and treatment of several diseases of the mouth such as dental caries, dental plaque, gingivitis, and microbial growth.⁷  

It prevents the accumulation of acids and plaque formation on the surface of the tooth and thus prevents further demineralization and the breakdown of tooth enamel. 

Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the recipes for Ayurvedic toothpowder, Ayurvedic toothpaste, and Ayurvedic mouthwash mentioned in this article.   

READ MORE: Ayurvedic Benefits Of Tongue Scraping And How To Do It

About the Author

The Ayurveda Experience

The Ayurveda Experience is a one-stop portal for all things Ayurveda. Learn Ayurveda through our educational courses, webinars and articles, shop Ayurveda products in our online store and connect with an Ayurvedic practitioner through our web directory or iYura app!