In This Article
Oral health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. The balance of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, plays a crucial role in oral health, and understanding how the doshas affect the mouth can help to maintain balance and improve overall well-being.
Vata individuals tend to have dry, sensitive gums and teeth, which can lead to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. To maintain Vata oral health, it is important to consume warm, nourishing foods such as cooked vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins. Herbs such as amalaki, licorice, triphala, and neem can also be helpful in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, regular use of a nourishing toothpaste, tongue scraping, and oil pulling can help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Pitta individuals tend to have sensitive gums and teeth, which can lead to issues such as gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. To maintain Pitta oral health, it is important to consume cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and mint. Herbs such as licorice, neem, and fennel can also be helpful in reducing heat and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, regular use of a gentle, cooling toothpaste, tongue scraping, and oil pulling can help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Kapha individuals tend to have heavy and oily gums and teeth, which can lead to issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease. To maintain Kapha oral health, it is important to consume light, dry, and warm foods and to avoid heavy, sweet, or cold foods. Herbs such as turmeric, licorice, ginger, and clove can also be helpful in stimulating metabolism and reducing inflammation. Additionally, regular use of a light, non-greasy toothpaste, tongue scraping, and oil pulling can help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Overall, in Ayurveda, oral health is seen as a reflection of overall health and well-being. It is important to understand the unique needs of each dosha, and to make dietary and lifestyle choices that support optimal oral health. Additionally, regular use of Ayurvedic herbs and oral care products can also be beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being. It is important to brush and floss regularly and to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support optimal oral health.
Herbal Supplementation
Herbs play a crucial role in Ayurvedic medicine, as they possess unique healing properties that can be used to address a wide range of health issues and bring balance to the doshas. Each dosha has unique needs when it comes to supporting oral health, and certain herbs can be more beneficial for each one.
Vata individuals tend to have dry and sensitive gums, which can make them susceptible to gum problems and infections. They may benefit from warm and moistening herbs to soothe and moisturize the gums.
- Swish Oil Pulling Therapy: an oil pulling blend of organic sesame and coconut oils with turmeric and peppermint to establish a healthy mouth microbiome, oral hygiene, gum, and dental health.
- Copper Tongue Scraper: the only FDA approved antiseptic metal. Regular tongue scraping has been found to support gum health and remove volatile sulfur compounds linked to bad breath.
- Amalaki: an Ayurvedic rasayana and antioxidant berry used to support gum health and oral hygiene.
Pitta individuals are prone to hot and inflammatory conditions, which can manifest in the mouth as gingivitis and other gum problems. They may benefit from cooling and soothing herbs to reduce natural inflammation and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
- Swish Oil Pulling Therapy: an oil pulling blend of organic sesame and coconut oils with turmeric and peppermint to establish a healthy mouth microbiome, oral hygiene, gum and dental health.
- Copper Tongue Scraper: the only FDA approved antiseptic metal. Regular tongue scraping has been found to support gum health and remove volatile sulfur compounds linked to bad breath.
- Neem Boost: a blend of cooling herbs known to support gum and dental health while maintaining a healthy intestinal lining and gut microbiome and healthy weight management and blood sugar stability.
Kapha individuals tend to have heavy and mucus-rich oral tissues, which can make them susceptible to plaque and tooth decay. They may benefit from bitter and astringent herbs that can be used to reduce mucus and support overall health.
- Swish Oil Pulling Therapy: an oil pulling blend of organic sesame and coconut oils with turmeric and peppermint to establish a healthy mouth microbiome, oral hygiene, gum and dental health.
- Copper Tongue Scraper: the only FDA approved antiseptic metal. Regular tongue scraping has been found to support gum health and remove volatile sulfur compounds linked to bad breath.
- Turmeric Plus: supports gum and dental health, healthy cardiovascular circulation, and a normal inflammatory response when under stress.
If you are new to taking Ayurvedic herbs or supplements, we highly recommend downloading this short free ebook to set you out on the right track from the get-go:
Dinacharya (Ayurvedic Daily Routine)
Dinacharya, or daily routine, is an important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine and can greatly support oral health. Some practices that can support oral health include:
- Waking up early: Rising early and starting the day with a sense of freshness can improve oral hygiene and reduce bacterial buildup in the mouth.
- Jihwa Prakshalana (tongue scraping): Scraping the tongue can remove bacteria and toxins from the tongue, which can improve oral health and freshen breath.
- Drinking warm water: Drinking warm water first thing in the morning can help stimulate salivary glands and flush out toxins. Option: add juice of ¼ lemon.
- Gandusha (oil pulling): In the shower, swish oil around the mouth for 10-15 minutes to support a healthy mouth microbiome and protect against undesirable bacteria and gum issues. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Swish Oil Pulling Therapy.
- Nasya (nose oiling) and Karna Purana (ear oiling): In the shower, add a few drops of LifeSpa’s Nasya Oil in the nose and ears. This is an easy way to keep the sinuses, eustachian tube, and cervical lymph lubricated, clear, healthy, and functional.
- Abhyanga (self-massage): Applying warm oil to the body while showering or before bathing can calm Vata, fight stress, and improve circulation, which can improve overall oral health. We recommend using LifeSpa’s Tri-doshic Massage Oil or Lymphatic Massage Oil.
- Grounding practices: Practicing yoga, pranayama (breathing), meditation, or other forms of exercise in the morning before starting your day can help reduce stress which can positively impact oral health. Practice my One Minute Meditation up to ten times per day to help cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Eating at regular intervals: Eating at regular intervals can help regulate the digestive system and prevent overeating or undereating, which can support optimal oral health. Make breakfast and lunch the main meals of the day.
- Eating a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is balanced in terms of the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) can help ensure that all the necessary nutrients are being consumed, which can positively impact oral health.
- Avoiding eating late at night: Eating late at night can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and negatively impact oral health by reducing saliva production.
- Avoiding eating in front of the TV or computer: Eating while distracted can lead to overeating and poor digestion, which can negatively impact oral health.
- Get to bed early: Settle into bed early around 9:30 PM so you are asleep by 10 PM.
In Ayurveda, the daily routine, known as Dinacharya, is considered a crucial aspect for leading a fulfilling life, which is why I created the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge. Each day in this eCourse, you will learn a new challenge to incorporate into your daily routine that relieves stress, promotes health, and quiets the mind. By the end of the Ayurveda Challenge, you will have effortlessly incorporated a daily routine that lasts for 20-30 minutes, and it will be simple, enjoyable, and impactful. You will soon experience feelings of calmness, focus, and increased energy. This daily routine will not be seen as a chore, but rather a means of reward, as the benefits far outweigh the small time investment.
Nutrition
According to Ayurveda, each dosha has specific dietary needs and practices that support oral health.
For Vata dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups and stews. Spicy, cold and dry foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Vata. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as cultured ghee, olive oil and avocado, to help lubricate the digestive tract. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Vata individuals to eat seasonally during the Fall and Winter seasons when Vata individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Vata that can lead to fatigue, weak immunity, and poor sleep.
We recommend downloading our Winter Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Vata during this season. For Vata body types during the winter months, it is especially important they follow these Vata-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a cold, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have a heavy, oily, and hot quality.
For Pitta dosha individuals, it is important to consume cooling foods such as fruits and vegetables. Spicy and sour foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Pitta. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in healthy fats, such as cultured ghee, coconut oil and flaxseeds, to help cool the digestive fire. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Pitta individuals to eat seasonally during the Summer when Pitta individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Pitta that can lead to indigestion, irritability, and skin concerns.
We recommend downloading our Summer Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Pitta during this season. For Pitta body types during the summer months, it is especially important they follow these Pitta-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are pungent, sour, and salty or have hot, dry, and light quality.
- Increase foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent or have a heavy, oily, and cold quality.
For Kapha dosha individuals, it is important to consume warm, light and dry foods such as salads and steamed vegetables. Heavy and oily foods should be avoided, as they can aggravate Kapha. It is also beneficial to include foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to help keep the digestive tract moving. It is recommended to eat at regular times and to chew food well. Although it is important for everyone to eat seasonally all the time, it is especially important for Kapha individuals to eat seasonally during the Spring when Kapha individuals are at greater risk of accumulating an excess of Kapha that can lead to fatigue, sadness, congestion, and heaviness.
We recommend downloading our Spring Grocery List for examples of what to eat as a Kapha during this season. For Kapha body types during the spring months, it is especially important they follow these Kapha-balancing dietary rules:
- Reduce foods that are sweet, sour, and salty or have heavy, oily, and cold quality.
- Increase foods that are pungent, bitter, and astringent or have a light, dry, and hot quality.
It is important to note that these are general recommendations and it is always best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the best dietary plan for your individual needs.
As humans have advanced, we have grown more and more disconnected from the natural cycles and circadian rhythms which leaves many of us scratching our heads when we’re asked to eat seasonally. To help us reconnect with these rhythms, I created a free program that delivers seasonal guidance and recipes every month directly to your inbox. I call it the 3 Season Diet Guide, I highly encourage you to check it out. New research suggests that our gut microbes are meant to change seasonally with the foods we eat. Seasonal microbes optimize digestion, mood, and immunity, the way nature intended!
Cleansing
Cleansing plays a crucial role in Ayurveda as it is aimed at purifying the body and restoring balance to its natural systems. At times, the imbalances in our doshas can become so severe that regular dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices are not sufficient to bring us back into balance. In such cases, a more comprehensive detoxification program, known as a cleanse, may be necessary. Cleansing can correct doshic imbalances that are negatively affecting our physical and emotional health, thereby enhancing our overall well-being. These cleanses can be performed seasonally, in Spring and Fall, or as needed to support the body’s natural cleansing processes. LifeSpa offers a wide variety of cleansing options to fit your unique needs, discover the perfect cleanse for you here.
Further Education
Expand your knowledge by exploring these comprehensive ebooks and engaging online courses related to oral health:
- Perfecting Digestion: Gateway to Emotional Freedom (eCourse)
- Digestive Troubleshooting Guide (free eBook)
- Digestible Guide to Gut Health (free eBook)
Getting Started
10 Ayurvedic Fixes for Bad Breath
How Your Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Heart, Brain, Immunity, and Overall Health
Oil Pulling For Oral Health
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