According to Ayurveda, the mouth is governed by the Kapha dosha, which is responsible for providing lubrication and moisture to the mouth. The Pitta dosha is responsible for digestion and metabolism, while the Vata dosha controls movement and communication.
To maintain oral health, Ayurveda recommends a combination of diet, lifestyle, and hygiene practices. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Foods that are high in sugar and processed carbohydrates should be avoided, as they can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly. In addition, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the use of natural oral care products, such as herbal toothpaste, mouthwash, and tongue scrapers.
Ayurveda also recognizes the connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to a number of systemic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is an important aspect of overall health and wellness.
Tongue Scraping in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the practice of tongue scraping is considered an important aspect of daily oral hygiene. Copper tongue scrapers are a popular tool used in Ayurveda for this purpose.
Tongue scraping involves gently scraping the surface of the tongue with a scraper to remove any buildup of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. This practice is believed to help remove toxins from the body, improve digestion, and promote overall oral health. This should be done every morning as part of your daily brushing routine.
Copper is a preferred material for tongue scrapers in Ayurveda because it is believed to have antimicrobial properties. This means that copper can help kill harmful bacteria that can lead to bad breath and other oral health problems. Additionally, copper is a durable and sustainable material that can be easily sterilized, making it an ideal choice for tongue scrapers.
5 Benefits of Daily Tongue Scraping
- Fresher Breath: One of the primary benefits of tongue scraping is that it helps to remove bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath. By removing these particles, tongue scraping can leave the mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Tongue scraping can help to improve overall oral hygiene by removing bacteria and food particles from the mouth. This can help to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Better Digestion: In Ayurveda, tongue scraping is believed to help stimulate the digestive system. By removing toxins and bacteria from the mouth, tongue scraping can help to improve the overall health of the digestive tract.
- Enhanced Taste: The tongue is responsible for detecting different tastes, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. By removing buildup from the tongue, tongue scraping can help to enhance the sense of taste and improve the enjoyment of food.
- Reduced Risk of Illness: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health conditions, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders. By removing harmful bacteria from the mouth, tongue scraping may help to reduce the risk of these and other illnesses.