Abstract

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES

Nirmal Krishnan R.* and Ahalya S.

ABSTRACT

Oral health is an important component of health and overall well-being. Now a days Oral diseases pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 estimated that oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people. The majority of oral health conditions are: dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral ulcers, oral cancers etc. In most developing countries, with increasing urbanization and changes in lifestyles, the prevalence continues to increase. Most of the oral health conditions are preventable and can be treated in their early stages. The treatment for oral ailments is very expensive and usually has shown limited success. Also, the outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly affected the practice of Oro-dentistry. There is a global need for safe and effective alternative for prevention and treatment of the oral manifestations. Ayurveda can be a good alternative for this hurdle. It provides a way of life that incorporate various diets, regimens, rasayana yogas and special procedures to maintain the oral health and hygiene. This paper, is an attempt to scientifically review various Ayurvedic drugs and techniques for the maintenance of oral health and to prevent oral diseases.

Keywords: Oral health, Prevention, Ayurveda, Gandusha, Dantadhavana.