If you are looking for a natural Ayurvedic mouth cleanser, these recipes for Ayurvedic tooth powder, Ayurvedic toothpaste, and Ayurvedic mouthwash are for you.
They are made with readily available herbs and spices you’ll likely have at home. Each recipe is equally good for both adults and children.
Various procedures for maintaining oral hygiene are 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).1
Ayurveda recommends using herbs that are astringent, pungent,or bitter in taste for brushing the teeth. Brushing should be done in such a way that it does not injure the gums.2
During gargling or mouthwash, the mouth is filled to 3/4 capacity with the medicated fluid. The fluid is swished in the mouth for a specific time and then spat out.
Ingredients
Directions
Directions For Use
Take a little measure of this 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 according to your taste. To make an Ayurvedic toothpaste with this tooth powder, add coconut oil to this composition. Remember there will be no froth while you are brushing.
Neem: Reduces the deposition of plaque, prevents dental caries and enhances the immune response for overall oral health.3
Holy Basil (tulsi): Treats bad breath, gum disease, and mouth ulcers.4
Sage: Antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. It is recommended for sore throat, inflammation of the mouth, and gingivitis.5
Peppermint: Gives relief from toothache and gum inflammation.6
Clove: Antimicrobial, useful in odontalgia dental caries, and toothache.7
Cinnamon: Astringent, styptic, deodorant, useful in toothache, effective in controlling dental disease. Has a broad range of antimicrobial activity against the microbes causing dental caries.8
Spirulina: Has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.9
Rock Salt: Used as a teeth whitener or mouth freshener.10
Sea Salt: Has antibacterial protection for the tooth enamel, and astringent taste, and speeds wound healing by reducing inflammation and contracting the tissues.11
This homemade mouthwash recipe is easy to make and inexpensive. It is free of any chemicals and alcohol which has harmful effects on the oral cavity.
This mouthwash is 100% safe, natural, inexpensive, and has no side effects. It can also be used safely by children.
How To Make Ayurvedic Mouthwash (Triphala Decoction)
Take 40-50 gm (8-10 tsp) of triphala powder and boil it in one liter (about 4 cups) of water until it is reduced to 250 mL (1 cup). When it cools, filter it with a strainer and keep this preparation in a clean, sterilized bottle.
Use 20-50 ml (2-3 Tbsp) of this decoction as a mouthwash.
You can use it up to three times a day. You can also add honey and rock salt or sea salt according to your palatability. This will enhance its effectiveness.
Triphalashows anti-caries activity. It is valuable in the prevention and treatment of several diseases of the mouth such as dental caries, spongy, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and stomatitis.12
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.
It has the same action on bacteria as Triphala Chlorhexidine mouthwash usually recommended by dentists for treating plaque.13
One study showed that triphala mouthwash with oral powder of triphala used over a period of one month reduced tooth mobility, pocket depth, bleeding gums, sensitivity to heat and cold, and calculus formation with minimal recurrence in all the clinical parameters.14
If you would like to learn more about Ayurveda and how it can positively impact your health and wellness, check out Cate Stillman’s course ‘Modern Ayurveda’ below.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the recipes for Ayurvedic tooth powder, Ayurvedic toothpaste, and Ayurvedic mouthwash mentioned in this article.
References
1,2 R.K.Sharam,Agnivesha,Charaka Samhita,Sutra Sthana 5,page no 122-123, edition 2016 Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series Varanasi.
3 T. Lakshmi et.al, Azadirachta indica: A herbal panacea in dentistry – An update 2015 Jan-Jun; 9(17): 41–44. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.156337 PMCID: PMC4441161
4 Marc Maurice Cohen Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons 2014 Oct-Dec; 5(4): 251–259.doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554 PMCID: PMC4296439 5,6,7,8,9. Vijay Kumar et.al, HERBS IN DENTAL HEALTH CARE, Journal of Science / Vol 5 / Issue 8 / 2015 / 646-652. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
5,6,7,8,9,12 Vijay Kumar et.al, HERBS IN DENTAL HEALTH CARE, Journal of Science / Vol 5 / Issue 8 / 2015 / 646-652.
10 Apurbo Sarker et.al, HALITE; THE ROCK SALT: ENORMOUS HEALTH BENEFITS World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Volume 5, Issue 12, 407-416.
11 Rajiv Saini SEA SALT MOUTHRINSE: A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH FOR ORAL HEALTH International Journal of Dental and Health Sciences, Volume 02, Issue 0112. Shobha Prakash Role of Triphala in dentistry 2014 Mar-Apr; 18(2): 132–135. PMCID: PMC4033874
13 Desai A, Anil M, Debnath S. A clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Triphala as a mouthwash in comparison with chlorhexidine in chronic generalized periodontitis patient. Indian J Dent Adv. 2010;2:243–7
14 Maurya DK, Mittal N, Sharma KR, Nath G. Role of Triphala in the management of Periodontal disease. Anc Sci Life. 1997;17:120–7. PubMed
Thank you for the recipe of the toothpaste, it seems my teeth got a little bit yellow in almost a month, i decide to top up with a little more of rock salt but i also found that it can create mini fracture in my teeth and lead to tooth decay ( this info is from internet). Do you have any suggestion? My girlfriend got way more yellow teeth then she expected and we lead a healthy lifestyle in food, drink and take our time in brushing.
I wish you a wonderful day
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Aanandi
September 13, 2022
You need to add charcoal powder to the toothpaste along with the other ingredients. Coarse charcoal powder is better that way you don’t need a brush, you can use your index finger to brush your teeth, eliminating plastic is an added advantage of brushing with your index finger.
You can start with adding this mixture to your regular tooth past, once you are comfortable with the powder then slowly reduce the regular toothpaste quantity to zero.