Getting Started with Ayurveda Oral Hygiene: 3 Simple Practices for a Healthy Mouth😁

Let’s talk about mouths. Not in a weird way - but in a wise way🦉.

Modern science has caught on to something Ayurveda knew thousands of years ago: your oral health is deeply connected to your overall wellbeing. Your mouth isn’t just for speaking, smiling, or sipping your chai🍵- it’s a microbial gateway to the rest of your body.

Research now links poor oral hygiene to chronic inflammation, gut issues, even heart disease. Ayurveda? She’s been nodding knowingly all along🙃.

In Ayurveda, the mouth is part of your kapha zone (kapha is one of three doshas, or mind-body energies in Ayurveda), and it’s the first place where digestion begins - not in your belly, but on your tongue👅. So, what you do in the morning to clean your mouth doesn't just freshen your breath - it balances your doshas, boosts immunity, and sets the tone (and taste) for your day.

Ready to get started? Here are three super simple, fun-to-do Ayurvedic practices that’ll make your dentist proud and your body grateful.

1. Tongue Scraping 👅(Jihwa Prakshalana)

Alright, confession time: this might feel weird the first time you do it—but it’s oddly satisfying. Overnight, your tongue collects a mix of ama (toxins), bacteria, and debris. Scraping it off first thing in the morning removes this gunk before it gets swallowed back into your system.

How to do it:

• Use a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper (ditch the spoon or toothbrush, trust me).

• Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the front, 5–10 times.

• Rinse the scraper in between. Don’t go too hard—it’s not a gym session for your tongue.

Why it matters:
Removes toxins, improves digestion, freshens breath, and honestly—it feels like you’ve just pressed the reset button on your mouth.

2. Oil Pulling🧴(Gandusha / Kavala)

This one’s been trending in wellness circles, but it’s OG Ayurveda. Think of it as a mouth detox. Swishing oil around your mouth pulls out fat-soluble toxins from your oral tissues and glands.

How to do it:

• Take a tablespoon of sesame oil (cold-pressed and organic is ideal).

• Swish gently in your mouth for 5–15 minutes. Yep, minutes!. Keep it mellow, no need to gargle or bubble.
  Beginner’s Tip: start with a couple of minutes and work your way up to the 5-15 goal.

• Spit it out in the bin (not the sink—your plumbing will thank you).

• Rinse with warm water and brush if needed.

Why it matters:
Oil pulling strengthens teeth and gums, reduces bacteria, soothes dry mouth, and can even brighten your smile. Plus, it’s strangely meditative once you get into the rhythm.

3. Herbal Mouth Rinse or Gargle 👄(Kavala / Gandusha with Decoction)

Your modern mouthwash might kill 99.9% of germs - but it often kills the good guys too. Ayurveda takes a gentler, more balanced approach with herbal rinses and decoctions.

How to do it:

• Make a simple gargle with warm water + a pinch of turmeric and Himalayan salt.

• OR brew a decoction of triphala (Ayurvedic herbal powder constituting 3 herbs), licorice root, or neem leaves and use once cooled.

• Gargle or swish for 30 seconds to a minute. Spit and smile.

Why it matters:
Reduces inflammation, tightens gums, and supports the oral microbiome (yes, your mouth has one too!). It’s also a perfect way to round out your oral routine if oil pulling feels too extra.

Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Ayurveda Nerd 🤓

Ayurveda doesn’t demand perfection. It celebrates small, consistent rituals that reconnect you with nature - and yourself. So whether you're a curious newbie or a seasoned spice-sipping wellness warrior, these three oral hygiene practices are an easy, nourishing way to start your day with intention.

Start with one. Build from there. Laugh if you drool mid oil-pull. We’ve all been there.

Your mouth is the mirror to your inner world—so why not make it sparkle?

With oil-slicked gratitude,
Priya
Helping you keep it ancient, awesome, and absolutely achievable.