5 simple habits everyone should adopt for clean and white teeth

Clean, white teeth are not only attractive, but they are also thought to be beneficial to general health. Although brushing and flossing are frequently recommended, the WHO Global Dental Health Status Report (2022) estimates that dental illnesses affect around 3.5 billion people worldwide. Ayurveda gives simple, natural therapies to keep teeth and gums healthy by reducing bacterial development and supporting dental hygiene. Adopting these simple habits will allow you to keep your tongue fresh and your smile bright without using harsh chemicals. Here are 4 Ayurvedic techniques for maintaining healthy, white teeth.

Neem is known as "the village pharmacy" in Ayurveda, and for good cause. This bitter plant contains antimicrobial qualities that help battle plaque formation and prevent gum disease. Chewing neem twigs serve as a natural toothbrush. A study published in 2015 said brushing with Neem toothpaste on a regular basis reduces plaque formation, prevents cavities, and boosts the immunological response, all of which benefit overall dental health. Neem has antibacterial chemicals that help cleanse the teeth, prevent bad breath, and limit the formation of harmful bacteria. Simply chew on a fresh neem twig to let the natural fibres clean your teeth and gums.

Did you know that the spices you use in cooking can also be effective dental hygiene tools? Ayurveda has always suggested a blend of specific spices as a natural tooth cleaning. Ingredients like clove, cinnamon, and cardamom have strong antimicrobial qualities. These spices help to eliminate plaque, prevent cavities, and destroy harmful germs. Mix a tiny amount of these ground spices with water to make a paste, then gently rub it onto your teeth and gums. Read also: 6 benefits of having ginger and amla shot every morning​

Oil pulling is an old Ayurvedic practice in which people swish oil in their mouths to eliminate toxins and microorganisms. This approach has traditionally been employed using sesame or coconut oil. According to a study published in 2017, this practice can lower total oral bacterial count as well as plaque and gingival scores. Oil pulling eliminates harmful bacteria from your mouth, decreases plaque, and can even whiten your teeth over time. The method is simple: swish a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before spitting it out. This may appear peculiar but many people who practise oil pulling swear that it improves oral health, reduces inflammation, and keeps teeth clean.

The tongue is an ignored region of the mouth. Bacteria and food particles can build up on the tongue, leading to unpleasant breath and poor dental health. To eliminate any buildup, scrape gently from the back of your tongue to the front with a stainless steel or copper tongue scraper. This simple habit not only improves breath but also prevents the formation of bacteria, which can lead to tooth problems. Regular tongue cleansing improves dental hygiene and supports a healthy mouth environment.

A natural herbal mouth rinse can do wonders for maintaining oral health. One such combination in Ayurveda is triphala, a blend of three powerful fruits—amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki—combined with yashtimadhu (licorice). Triphala has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent plaque buildup, reduce gum inflammation, and fight bad breath. Yashtimadhu, known for its soothing properties, helps keep your gums healthy and free from bacteria.
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