Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#80

Hello Health Champions,

In our continuous journey to explore the wisdom of Ayurveda, this week we delve into an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of daily wellness – Danta Dhavana, the Ayurvedic practice of maintaining oral hygiene.

Unlike the modern approach of simply brushing teeth, Danta Dhavana encompasses a holistic method to ensure not just oral health, but also overall well-being.

What is Danta Dhavana?

Danta Dhavana, traditionally practiced in Ayurveda, involves using herbal twigs or powders to clean the teeth and gums.

This practice is not just about maintaining dental hygiene; it's about nurturing the entire body through the gateway of the mouth.

Choosing the Right Tools:

Herbal Twigs:

·       In ancient times, practitioners used twigs from neem, licorice, or arjuna trees.

·       These twigs are natural toothbrushes rich in medicinal properties.

·       They help in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Ayurvedic Tooth Powders:

·       Made from a blend of herbs like clove, cinnamon, triphala, and mint, these powders are gentle yet effective in cleaning teeth and promoting gum health.

The Technique:

If using a twig:

·       Chew one end of the twig until it forms bristles, and then gently rub against the teeth and gums.

If using powder:

·       Apply it on your teeth and gently massage with a soft toothbrush or your finger.

The Ritual of Danta Dhavana:

·      Timing:

Practice Danta Dhavana twice daily, especially in the morning & before bedtime.

·       Gargling:

After brushing, gargle with warm water to remove any leftover particles and freshen the mouth.

·       Tongue Cleaning:

Follow up with Jihwa Nirlekhana (tongue scraping) to remove toxins and enhance taste reception.

Benefits beyond Oral Health:

1.      Detoxification:

Ayurvedic herbs used in Danta Dhavana have detoxifying properties that cleanse the oral cavity and, by extension, the entire digestive tract.

2.      Strengthening Gums:

The astringent & antiseptic properties of herbs help in strengthening the gums.

3.      Enhancing Digestion:

According to Ayurveda, chewing on these medicinal twigs can activate saliva production, which is the first step in the digestion process.

A Note on Sustainability

In our modern context, while we may not all have access to traditional herbal twigs; we can still embrace the essence of Danta Dhavana.

Many sustainable, Ayurvedic toothpastes and powders are available that incorporate these ancient herbs and practices.

Wrapping it up:

Danta Dhavana is a beautiful example of how Ayurveda integrates daily practices into a holistic approach to health.

As you brush your teeth each day, remember that you're not just cleaning your mouth, but you're also nurturing your body's health and well-being.

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we'll explore another fascinating aspect of Ayurvedic wellness. Until then, embrace the holistic journey of health with Ayurveda.

I hope you enjoyed reading this issue. If you found it useful, feel free to forward it to your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone you feel might benefit from it. If you want to read the previous issues, here’s the archive.

Warm regards,

Dr Kranthi R Vardhan

www.vardhanayurveda.com