Gandusha, also known as oil pulling, is part of the daily morning routine. It removes metabolic waste (ama) and promotes a healthy mouth and throat, firm, well-perfused gums, and fresh breath. Regular oil pulling can also help tighten facial contours.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Gandusha removes metabolic waste (ama) and promotes oral health.
- Regular oil pulling tightens facial contours.
- Traditionally, sesame oil is used for oral rinsing.
Indications – When the Daily Morning Routine is Recommended
The classical indications from the Caraka and Sushruta Samhita:
- Bad breath
- Dry oral mucosa, lips and throat
- Stomatitis, aphthous ulcers, gum inflammation
- Facial neuralgias, facial palsy
Application of Ayurvedic Oral Care
Traditionally, you use sesame oil for oral rinsing. Take 1-2 tablespoons in your mouth and move it back and forth through your mouth and teeth with chewing motions for about 5 minutes. After spitting it out, rinse your mouth with some warm water.
For inflammations, the use of herbal oral care oil has proven effective. The contained ingredients such as Triphala and Curcuma have a soothing and strengthening effect, while the included mint provides a fresh taste.
Further Natural Recommendations for Healthy Teeth and Fresh Breath
Tongue scraper for a clean tongue
Scraping your tongue with a tongue scraper removes the deposits that have accumulated overnight. Open your mouth and gently scrape from back to front with the tongue scraper. Rinse the scraper thoroughly under running water after use.
Toothpaste – Ayurvedic or Vegan
Most dentists recommend toothpaste with fluoride for tooth care. We refrain from discussing the pros and cons of fluorides. In addition to regular brushing, what matters for healthy teeth is a proper diet without excessive sugar and sugary drinks.
Ayurvedic toothpastes contain herbs that have anti-inflammatory and strengthening properties and provide pleasantly fresh breath.
Vegans in particular benefit from B12 toothpaste, as the B12 is absorbed through the oral mucosa into the capillary system during brushing and thus supplied to the body.
Clean Interdental Spaces
Clean the interdental spaces with an appropriate interdental brush. The gum care gel has proven excellent for prophylaxis. Apply some of it to the small interdental brush and gently brush the interdental spaces 2-3 times daily.
Sage Mouth Rinse
You can easily make a sage mouth rinse yourself. Simply brew a cup of very strong sage tea with fresh or dried sage leaves and let it cool. The tea keeps for a few days, so you can rinse your mouth with it in the morning and evening. Your gums will thank you!
With all good care, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year, even if there are no problems!
Conclusion
Gandusha is a valuable practice in the Ayurvedic morning routine that contributes to oral health and offers additional benefits such as maintaining firm facial contours. Combined with other Ayurvedic care recommendations, you can achieve comprehensive oral health. Regular dental visits remain essential.
