A Healthy Buccal Cavity!!
We learned many interesting facts about brushing teeth in the previous blog. What are the other practices that can be followed to maintain good oral hygiene? Our acharyas have explained a few other practices for a healthy oral cavity.
Acharya Charaka has explained the practice of tongue scraping called ‘Jihwa nirlekhana’. The tongue scrapers should be curved and should not have sharp edges. The material used to make tongue scrapers should be of metals like Suvarna (Gold), Raupya (Silver), Tamra (Copper), Trapu (Tin), and Pittala (Brass). The tongue should be scraped regularly as the dirt deposited at the root of the tongue obstructs expiration and gives rise to a foul smell.
Further, the concept of mouth fresheners is also explained by our acharyas. A person who desires to have clarity of taste and good smell should chew the fruits of Jathi (Myristica fragrans), Katuka (Hibiscus abelmoschus), Puga (Areca catechu), Kankola (Piper cubeba), Ela (Elletaria cardamomum), Lavanga (Syzgium cumini), fresh leaves of Tambula (Piper betel) and extract of Karpoora (Cinnamomum camphora). Interesting! Isn’t it?
Additionally, the concept of Gandusha (gargles) is explained by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata to maintain good oral hygiene. Gargling with Tila (til) oil is beneficial for strength of jaws, depth of voice, flabbiness of face, and excellent taste perception. A person who follows ‘Taila Gandusha’ regularly never experiences dryness of the throat nor do his lips crack and his teeth will be deep-rooted without caries. He will not have any toothache neither will he have any tooth sensitivity and he will be able to chew even the hardest of substances.
Ever wondered how our forefathers had such healthy gums and teeth? All the above-mentioned practices are followed for yesteryears and have contributed to the good oral hygiene of our previous generations. I hope we adopt these practices in our life for a healthy buccal cavity.