Ayurveda and oral health - Cleaning the teeth, gums, and tongue

Ayurveda which owes its origin to the Vedas is by far the most ancient oral-treatise (subsequently written) on medicine. The Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas are merely compilations and commentaries of what is extant in the Vedas. The primary focus of Ayurveda is disease-prevention. Even when used as therapy Ayurveda retains its focus on treating the "Cause" and not the symptoms. This is one of the reasons why Allopathy is more popular as it provides fast symptomatic relief (even if and usually not a permanent cure). Oral health is given a lot of importance in Ayurveda. 

Below is a summary of recommendations from Charaka's Samhita along with comments:

• Cleaning of the Teeth: (1) To be done two times a day and after every meal (2) Clean the teeth with the crushed twigs of plants such as Karanja (Millettia pinnata; Honge in Kannada, Pungai in Tamil, Kanuga in Telugu), Jati (Jasmine), Arka* (Yerukkai in Tamil, Ekka in Kannada), Babul (Acacia arabica; Karuvela-maram in Tamil, Karijali in Kannada) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) - the idea being, one must use a cleansing agent that has astringent, pungent, and bitter properties. (3) While cleaning, care should be taken not to injure the gums.

Nowadays, we use plastic toothbrushes with nylon bristles to clean our teeth without stopping to think how when we are concerned about plastic lunch boxes, and the use of plastic for food storage, we don't worry about repeatedly inserting a plastic toothbrush into our oral cavity! 
Additionally, studies have also shown that toothbrushes harbour innumerable bacteria. The American Dental Association (ADA) in its position statement says the following : 

"...It may also be possible for microorganisms that are present in the environment where the toothbrush is stored to establish themselves on the brush. Toothbrushes may even have bacteria on them right out of the box since they are not required to be sold in a sterile package." (ADA-position)

The presence of microorganisms in brush-bristles is particularly possible given how "attached" toilets are the norm today and the chances of fecal bacteria getting transferred to toothbrushes is very high. You can read about it here: (Fecal Matter in toothbrushes).
Studies have also shown that tooth-powder and a clean index finger is better than toothpaste and brush but that will be the subject of a different post. 

Let us now explore the rest of Charaka's recommendations:

• Cleaning of the Tongue: The tongue is to be cleaned with a curved and not very sharp scraper made of gold, silver, copper, tin, or brass (steel scrapers are available nowadays). Cleaning has to be from the root of the tongue downwards as the tongue tends to collect dirt nearer its root. Tongue cleaning/scraping is one of the most important methods to prevent halitosis / bad-breath. You can read more here (Halitosis).
• Oil-pulling / gargling: Oil-pulling or gargling with oil (Gingelly/Sesame/Til oil) must be done everyday. According to Charaka, it helps to prevent mouth ulcers, dental caries (cavities, tooth-decay), and teeth-sensitivity. It is also useful in preventing and managing tooth-ache and helps in firming-up the gums.
• Massaging and polishing the Teeth & Gums: Use the forefinger (index / pointer) and thumb to polish the teeth and massage the gums after cleaning and gargling.

These are Charaka's recommendations on oral health and they are relevant even today. 

Finally, on the subject of tooth-powders my personal favourite is the Nanjangud (B.V. Pundit's) toothpowder which is probably the only non-chemical tooth-powder around. They even have an online store at: B.V. Pundit-Sadvaidyasala. 

*I am not sure about the use of Arka as a tooth cleanser, but Charaka does mention it.
Ref: M.S. Valiathan. The Legacy of Charaka. University Press. 2009.