Ayurvedic Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Oral health is essential to overall well-being, and Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In Ayurveda, the mouth is a mirror of our internal health, ESPECIALLY THE HEALTH OF OUR BONES, and keeping the bones strong will go a long way to support the health of teeth. Ayurvedic oral care practices emphasize prevention, using natural remedies and techniques that support the health of the entire body, not just the mouth.

In this blog, we’ll explore Ayurvedic tips and practices to help you maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath naturally.

1. Brush with Herbal Toothpowders or Natural Nano Hydroxyapatite (nano-particle calcium phosphate - the main mineral component which makes up the teeth, strengthens enamel, re-mineralizes the teeth and heals early cavities, and reduce tooth sensitivity.)

In Ayurveda, certain herbs and natural ingredients are recommended for brushing to support healthy teeth and gums. Traditional Ayurvedic toothpowders or natural toothpaste made with herbs like neem, clove, licorice, and triphala help cleanse the mouth, strengthen teeth, and prevent gum disease.

Herbs for Oral Health:

• Neem: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem helps prevent cavities, fight gum disease, and reduce plaque buildup.

• Clove: Clove has powerful antiseptic and analgesic properties. It can relieve toothaches, reduce gum inflammation, and fight bacteria.

• Licorice: Licorice root has soothing properties that help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.

• Triphala: Triphala is a blend of three fruits that support oral health by promoting healthy gums and preventing dental problems.

• CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE AYURVEDA TOOTHPOWER HERE (we love the mint one but you might also enjoy the cinnamon one)

• How to Use: Apply a small amount of herbal toothpowder (either alone or with a little fresh aloe leaf gel) or natural toothpaste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual. Be gentle on your gums and teeth to avoid irritation.

• NOTE: Be sure to use toothbrushes made from renewable resources such as bamboo or miswak or neem sticks which will not fill the landfills, will not fill your gums with microplastic and which have the added benefit of natural antimicrobial actions.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper

Tongue scraping is another important Ayurvedic oral care practice. It helps remove Ama (toxins) that accumulate on the tongue overnight, which can lead to bad breath, bacteria buildup, and poor digestion.

How to Use a Tongue Scraper:

• Use a stainless steel or copper tongue scraper, which is widely available.

• After brushing your teeth in the morning, gently scrape your tongue from the back to the front, repeating 7-10 times.

• Rinse your mouth with water afterward.

• Benefits: Tongue scraping improves oral hygiene, enhances taste, and stimulates the digestive system by removing toxins and bacteria from the mouth. 

3. Oil Pulling (Gandusha)

One of the most well-known Ayurvedic oral care practices is oil pulling, also known as Gandusha. This ancient technique involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove toxins, improve oral hygiene, and promote gum health.

How to Practice Oil Pulling:

• First thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, take about 1 tablespoon of oil (sesame oil and/or coconut oil is recommended, sesame for cooler climates and coconut for warmer climates and more inflammatory gum types - aka pittas).

• Swish the oil around your mouth until it becomes the consistency of your saliva, making sure it reaches all parts of your gums and teeth. 

• Spit out the oil (do not swallow it as it contains toxins).

• Benefits: Oil pulling helps reduce plaque, prevent bad breath, strengthen gums, and remove harmful bacteria from the mouth. It also reduces tooth and gum sensitivity and may support periodontal disease (gum disease) recovery and prevention. Think of this like an "ayurveda water pick" that cleanse and dislodges microparticles which might be hiding between the teeth and gums, while also soothing and softening the gums, strengthening the teeth and creating an environment inhospitable to the growth of harmful bacteria while supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria within the oral cavity.

• CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE OIL PULLING OIL HERE (we love the mint one but you might also enjoy the cinnamon one).

4. Massage Your Gums (Gum Stimulation)

In Ayurveda, gum massage is an effective way to stimulate circulation, strengthen gum tissue, and prevent gum disease. Regularly massaging the gums with herbal oils can help reduce inflammation, soothe soreness, and prevent receding gums.

How to Massage Your Gums:

• Choose a soothing oil like sesame oil, coconut oil, or clove oil.

• After brushing your teeth, take a small amount of oil and gently massage it into your gums using your fingers.

• Use small, circular motions to work the oil into the gums for a few minutes.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water afterward.

•  Benefits: Gum massage helps prevent gingivitis, strengthens gum tissue, improves blood circulation, and reduces inflammation.

5. Rinse with Herbal Mouthwash

Ayurvedic mouth rinses made with natural herbs and ingredients can help reduce bacteria, soothe gum inflammation, and freshen breath without the harsh chemicals found in commercial mouthwashes. You can make your own Ayurvedic mouthwash with ingredients like neem, gotu kola, aloe gel, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, frankincense, triphala, and clove.

DIY Ayurvedic Mouthwash Recipe:

• Boil 1 tsp each of fennel seeds, coriander seeds, frankincense serrata powder, gotu kola powder, and neem leaves in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes.

• Strain the mixture, add fresh pressed aloe gel and let it cool.and store in airtight container for the week.

• Use this herbal water as a mouth rinse after meals or before bed after brushing your teeth.

•  Benefits: Herbal mouthwash helps prevent cavities, reduces gum inflammation, and keeps your breath fresh naturally. GUM HEALTH BENEFITS NOTE: both gotu kola and aloe gel do "epithelialization" which is promotes healing of wounds, collagen production, an may support the regeneration and regrowing of gum tissues for those who gums are receding. Gotu kola also does angiogenesis which is formation of new blood vessels to nourish the gums and teeth and may help with tooth nerve sensitivity as well.. 

6. Chew Fennel Seeds, 1 Clove, 1 Frankincense Resin Drop, or Cardamom for Fresh Breath

Instead of relying on sugary mints or artificial breath fresheners, Ayurveda recommends chewing on natural spices like fennel seeds, 1 clove, 1 frankincense resin drop, or cardamom to freshen your breath and improve digestion. These spices also have antibacterial properties that help keep your mouth clean and prevent bad breath.

How to Use:

• After meals, chew a small handful of fennel seeds, or 1 clove, or 1 frankincense resin drop, or 1 cardamom pod for a refreshing taste and breath

•  Benefits: Fennel and cardamom help neutralize mouth odors, stimulate digestion, and promote oral health by killing bacteria. NOTE: many types of Frankincense have the added benefits of being not only antimicrobial, but anti-inflammatory and is great for pro-inflammatory gum types (pittas). PS - Did you know many types of Frankincense resin drops can be chewed as natural gum? =)

7. Warm Salt Water Gargling for Gum Health

Daily warm salt water oral rinsing and gargling is a powerful way to health inflammed gums. 

How to Use:

• Add 1/4 tsp salt to warm water and rinse.

• Benefits: reduces gum inflammation and gum infection tendencies

8. Floss Your Teeth Daily

Flossing helps remove decaying waste and bacteria from the different sides of the teeth. Be sure to floss daily for optimal oral health.  

What to use:

• Opt for natural dental flosses made of silk or bamboo and preferably dipped in nano-hydroxyapatite, neem, cardamom, natural wax (as needed), as all of these have benefits for you and the planet as  renewable resources.

• Avoid using synthetic dental flosses made of nylon, Teflon, etc which are not only bad for you as the microparticles can lodge into gum tissues, but also are non-renewable resources which fill the landfills.

8. Include Bone Tonifying Foods and Beverages into Your Diet for Healthy Teeth 

Ayurveda teaches that the health of the teeth relates to the health of the bones. Incorporate the following foods to create healthy teeth and bones:

• Milk (boiled and then spiced) - 1 cup daily
• Ayurvedic Bone Broth: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE 

9. Address Your Dosha for Better Oral Health

In Ayurveda, oral health issues can also be linked to imbalances in your dosha. By balancing your dosha, you can promote healthy teeth and gums.

• Vata Imbalance: Often leads to dry mouth, receding gums, and brittle teeth. Focus on hydrating and nourishing the body with warm, moist foods and herbal teas.

• Pitta Imbalance: Can cause mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and bleeding gums. Cooling, anti-inflammatory herbs and foods, such as aloe vera and coriander, can help balance excess heat.

• Kapha Imbalance: May result in excess mucus, plaque buildup, and swollen gums. Stimulating herbs and spices, such as ginger and turmeric, can help keep Kapha in check.

Conclusion: Embrace Ayurvedic Practices for Strong Teeth and Healthy Gums

Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By incorporating Ayurvedic practices like oil pulling, tongue scraping, herbal toothpowders, and gum massage into your daily routine, you can prevent oral health issues and promote long-term dental wellness.

With regular care and attention, these Ayurvedic practices can help you maintain a bright smile, fresh breath, and strong gums—naturally and effectively.