Dantadhavana (Herbal Tooth Cleaning)
Dantadhavana
Cleaning the teeth with a fresh, astringent-bitter-pungent herbal twig or powder each morning to keep teeth, gums and mouth healthy and remove Kapha and coating.
neutral for Vataneutral for Pittareduces Kapha
What it involves
A chewing-stick from an appropriate tree (such as neem, khadira or arka) is frayed and used to brush the teeth and gums, or a suitable tooth powder is used; performed as the first act of daily oral care.
Traditionally used for
- daily oral hygiene
- removing mouth coating and stickiness
- strengthening gums
- freshening breath and taste
Contraindications & cautions
- mouth ulcers and acute gum inflammation
- loose teeth or recent dental surgery
- certain indigestion and vomiting states (per text)
Questions to ask a practitioner
- Which twig or powder suits my dosha?
- How firm should I brush my gums?
Evidence notes
A classical daily-routine practice; chewing sticks such as neem have documented oral-hygiene properties.
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 5 — Dinacharya (dantadhavana)
- Ashtanga Hridayam — Sutrasthana 2 — Dinacharya
Educational information about Ayurveda — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.