E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Approach of Dantadhawana

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 09 Number 06 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Scientific Approach of Dantadhawana with Herbal and Non Herbal Toothpastes - A Literary Review

Shiv Shankar Shukla1*, Astha Sharma2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.6.30

1* Shiv Shankar Shukla, Assistant Professor, Dept of Sharir Kriya, Poornayu Ayurveda Chikitsalaya evam Govt Ayurvedic College Anusandhan Vidyapeeth, Jabalpur Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Astha Sharma, 1Associate Professor, Dept of Sharir Kriya, Poornayu Ayurveda Chikitsalaya evam Govt Ayurvedic College Anusandhan Vidyapeeth, Jabalpur Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.

In Ayurveda, Dantadhawan is an important part of Dinacharya. Our ancient acharyas has mentioned the role of Tikta, Katu, Kashaya Rasa Dravyas in Dantadhawana procedure to maintain the oral cavity. Healthy oral cavity is not only important for structures in oral cavity but also plays an important role in maintaining general health. Due to civilization, Ayurveda twigs with Tikta, Katu, Kashaya Rasa got replaced by chemical based toothpastes. No doubt, these toothpastes have bacteriocidal action, but also having side effects which are harmful for the health. Hence, Current world is shifting towards Ayurvedic principles of Dinacharya (daily regimen) to promote health. Herbal toothpastes containing Tikta, Katu, and Kashaya Rasa Dravyas are much better in Kaphahara property, antibacterial, and anti septic action with no chemical ingredients, hence reduces the risk of side effects. Hence, this paper is the need of hour to focus on the action and side effects of herbal and non herbal toothpastes

Keywords: Ayurveda, Dantadhawana, Dinacharya, Kaphahara, Katu, Kashaya, Tikta, Toothpaste

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Shiv Shankar Shukla, Assistant Professor, Dept of Sharir Kriya, Poornayu Ayurveda Chikitsalaya evam Govt Ayurvedic College Anusandhan Vidyapeeth, Jabalpur Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Shiv Shankar Shukla, Astha Sharma, A Scientific Approach of Dantadhawana with Herbal and Non Herbal Toothpastes - A Literary Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;09(06):197-200.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3300

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-08 2024-04-18 2024-04-29 2024-05-10 2024-05-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 12.14 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Shiv Shankar Shukla, Astha Sharmaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Ayurveda is the science of nature. It deals with the two principles i.e. preventive and curative approach. The preventive approach includes some strategies like Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Achara Rasayana.

If we talk about Dinacharya modalities, each and every step of daily practices is important in its own. In today’s era, most of the lifestyle disorders are increasing day by day due to improper practices of daily regimen. Dantadhawan (tooth brushing) is one of the practices of Dinacharya. It seems to be a regular and very small of Dinacharya but this step of 5 to 10 minutes has uttermost importance in daily routine.

In the present scenario, we have so many toothpastes or tooth powder is available in the market to maintain our oral health. In ancient times, people used to clean their tooth by the twigs of the Ayurvedic trees mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. These herbal twigs are having Tikta, Katu and Kashaya Rasa predominantly.

But, due to civilization, Dantakashtha (twigs) were replaced by toothbrushes and toothpastes. The American Dental Association recommends that toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed, according to Ayurveda, Dantakashta should be used freshly to avoid micro organisms growth and oral infection due to long usage of same toothbrush.

Also, if we talk about toothpastes, emulsifying agents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Ricinolate etc. are used which are harmful for the health.[1] Nowadays, many pharmaceutical companies are preparing herbal toothpastes contains Lavang, Tulasi, Nimbi, Lavana etc.

So, it shows that ancient practice of Dantadhawan was more appropriate and good for oral health as the whole world is moving towards the Ayurvedic principles to maintain the oral health. Hence, it is the need of hour to focus on the details of herbal and regular toothpastes available for the healthy individual.

Toothbrushing - An Ayurvedic view

As we have stated above, Dantadhawana is an important part of Dinacharya. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Dantadhawan first in Dincharya part.

According to Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridya, Dantadhawana Kashtha ( twig) should be of twelve Angula in length and size of the little finger in thickness, straight, not having nodes, not having any knots and fresh.[2]

Acharyas has mentioned Katu, Tikta, Kashaya, Rasa, for Dantadhawan in which twigs of Karanj, Nimba, Khadira, are indicated respectively.[3] Acharya Charak and Acharya Vagabhatta has mentioned some drugs indicated for Dantadhawana like Arka, Nyagrodha, Khadira, Karanja, Kukubha, Karveera, Malati, etc.[4]

Dantadhawan Churna (Toothpowder)

In Ayurvedic classics, some conditions are mentioned which are contraindicated for Dantadhawana, like Talu Roga, Ostha Roga, Jihwa Roga, Mukhapaka, Shwasa, Hikka, Kasa, Chardi, Ardita, Karnashool, Ajeerna, Mada Peedita, Murcha, Shram, Klant, etc.[5]

In these conditions one can go for Dhantadhawana with the help of powder. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned some drugs in the classics used for Dantadhawan (cleaning of teeth), mentioned as Dantashodhana Churna. It contains Madhu,Tejovati, Trikatu, Daalchini, Ilaichi, Tail, Saindhav. Regular practice of Dantashodhana Churna helps in preventing the diseases of jihva, Danta, Mukharogas, develops taste for food, cleanliness of mouth, and feeling of lightness. It alleviates foul smell and tastelessness.[4]

In between 18th to 19th century, these herbal twigs and Dantadhawana Churna are replaced by plastic toothbrushes and toothpastes manufactured by different companies. In the manufacturing of these toothpastes, soap was used as an emulsification factor. Nowadays, many agents are used in toothpastes which are harmful for health.

Contents commonly present in the toothpastes:

1. Abrasive agents: calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate dehydrate, alumina, silica.
2. Binding agents: cellulose, alginate, colloidal silica
3. Detergents: sodium lauryl sulphate- for foaming action-[5]

  • It is harmful for body, it is a cancerous agent
  • Responsible for foaming in toothpaste.
  • Mostly added in toothpaste.

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  • Rash on the mouth and skin irritation and also causes problems in the functioning of taste buds.
  • If used in long run, may absorb by our body, harmful for us

4. Humectants: sorbitol, glycerine, polyethylene glycol - to maintain texture
5. Flavouring Agents: peppermint oil, spearmint oil
6. Triclosan: It is an antibacterial agent.

  • Prevents from plaque but has side effects.
  • Causes disturbance in hormones and weakens our immune system

7. Fluoride:

  • Prevents dental caries
  • But, if swallowed, it has its own disadvantages like it causes problems in hormones and enzymes.
  • Even more harmful for kids, as they usually swallow it.[6]

Classification of Toothpastes on the basis of contents:

1. Chemical toothpastes-
2. Herbal toothpastes
3. Fluorinated toothpastes and non fluorinated toothpastes

Chemical toothpastes: these toothpastes mainly contains aqua, sorbitol, sodium lauryl sulphate, hydrated silica, sodium saccharin, etc. Some examples are –[7]

  • Meswak toothpaste
  • Colgate, pepsodent, close up, sensodyne etc.
  • Main target of chemical toothpastes are-
  • Teeth whitening
  • Strong teeth
  • Palatability
  • Removes smell and plaque
  • Herbal toothpastes: These toothpastes mainly contain herbal contents like Bakul, Manjishtha, Patang, Babool, Harda, Vajradanti, Azadirachta indica, etc. Their effects are freshness, strong teeth, removes stains and the most important, it is safe. These are safe for kids also. But these toothpastes have some limitations to brightness and shade of teeth. Examples are Vicco Toothpaste, Patanjali Dantakanti[8]
  • Fluorinated and non fluorinated toothpastes -
    • There are no doubt that fluorine prevents from the cavity, but early staging of cavity. In modern society, the water we consume contains adequate amount of fluorine. Hence, Toxic effect of fluorine depend on its concentration. For anticavity activity- 1500ppm or 1.5 gm per litre is required in the toothpastes. Toxic effect of fluorine is 2.8gm per litre. Improper proportion of fluoride in toothpastes and powder can lead to many conditions like discoloration or white spots on teeth (dental fluorosis) and skeletal fluorosis, a bone disease.[6]

Discussion

Healthy teeth and healthy gum are the basis of oral hygiene. Dantadhawan with herbal twigs or with herbal toothpastes or powder is necessary to maintain this goal. Dantadhawan with the herbal twigs is our ancient custom, nowadays it has been replaced by commercially prepared toothpastes. The food debris which is present in the mouth causes acid formation which in turn causes teeth decay. It causes dental plaque, give rise to dental diseases.

As in Ayurvedic classics, mentioned that ingredients having Katu, Tikta and Kashaya Rasa beneficial for the oral cavity. These Rasa’s are having Karmas like Vaktra Shodhana (cleanses the oral cavity), Rochana (increases appetite), Krimighna (anti- microbial), Vishaghna(anti toxic), etc. related to Kapha Nirharana property (expulsion of vitiated Kapha Dosha). Also herbal twigs with Tikta, Katu, Rasa alters the salivary pH and it becomes alkaline which helps to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.[9]

This principle is very much important for oral health and hygiene. Hence one should bring into practice herbal paste and powder having Katu, Tikta and Kashaya Rasa. So, from the above classification of toothpastes, a person with healthy oral hygiene can go for herbal toothpastes.

If brightness of teeth is not essentiality, one can practice herbal toothpastes or toothpowder regularly as herbal toothpastes has limitation of brightness as compared to chemical toothpastes. The herbal toothpastes complete criteria to maintain oral hygiene. It contains all herbs having Katu, Tikta and Kashaya Rasa predominantly removes Kapha and provides freshness to mouth.


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Chemicals like triclosan, calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, flavor, sodium laryl sulphate, sodium monofluorophosphate, cellulose gum, sodium saccharin etc. are used in toothpastes and mouth washes to prevent plaque nowadays. But these chemicals have toxic effects too. Hence, herbal twigs are more beneficial in maintaining oral health and hygiene. And to some extent, herbal toothpastes with Kaphahara and Krimighna contents may be used to maintain oral health as these toothpastes do not have toxic effects.

Conclusion

Dantadhawana is an important step of Dinacharya to maintain the healthy lifestyle. Hence, we should follow Ayurvedic principles while doing Dantadhawana. Rather than using chemical toothpastes which may be harmful for health, one must use herbal twigs or herbal toothpastes. These herbal toothpastes or herbal twigs having Tikta, Katu and Kashaya Rasa, fulfill both preventive as well as promotive benefit. Hence it can be concluded that regular Dantadhawana with Ayurvedic principles not only helpful for maintaining the oral health but also prevents from the side effects of using chemical toothpastes.

References

1. A Comprehensive History of Dentistry and Dental Care-[cited 2021 September 13]. Available from : http://www.thoughtco.com/history -of-dentistry-and -dental -care-1991569

2. Kaviraaj Dr.Ambika dutta shastri, Sushruta Samhita part-1-savimarsha-vidyotini- hindivyakhyyopeta- page no 132,printed by Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi.

3. Harishchandra Singh Kushwaha, Charak Samhita Sutrasthana, part 1, page no 85, printed by Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi.

4. Kaviraj, Atridev Gupt, Ashtang Samgrah, Sutrasthana, part 1, page no 23, Chaukhambha Krishnadasa Academy, Varanasi.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate- Induced irritation in the human face: Regional and age-related Differences [cited 2021 September 18]. Available from: http;//www.karger.com/Article /Abstract/93112

6. What is Fluoride, and Is it Safe?- [cited 2021 September 17].Available from : http://www.healthline.com/ health/what-is-fluoride# side-effects

7. Formulation ingredients for toothpastes and mouthwashes-[cited 2021 September 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7245492/

8. How your toothpaste become a part of natural crisis-[cited 2021 September 10]. Available from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment /article/story-of-plastic-toothbrushes.

9. Willershausen B, Gruber I, Hamm G; The influence of herbal ingredients on the plaque index and bleeding tendency of the gingival; J Clin Dent. 1991; [cited 2016 Feb12]: 2(3): 75-8.


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