Efficacy of Kashaya Rasa and Tikta Rasa in Danta Dhavana.

Abstract

Ayurveda science emphasizes equally on preventive and curative aspects of health. Teeth are most important organs of mechanical digestion in body. Unless the teeth pulverize the food, enzymes cannot chemically digest it. Ayurveda recommends chewing sticks in the morning to prevent from the oral diseases. Ayurveda insists on herbal brushes. These herbal sticks should either be “Kashaya” (Astrigent), Katu (acrid), or Tikta (bitter) in taste. These herbal sticks facilitate salivary secretion and possibly help in plaque control while some stems have an antibacterial action. Pathology commonly seen in teeth is Dantamalinta (dentalplaque), Dantamala (debris), Mukhdaurgandhya, Dantasharkara (dental calculs). These all are due to Kapha and Pitta Doshavridhi in mouth. Khadira is the best in Kashaya Rasa while Nimba is the best in Tikta Rasa. Rubbing of Khadira and Nimba Churna helps in removing food debris stuck in the teeth. Khadira has Katu Vipaka, Laghu, Ruksha, Pittaghna and Kaphaghna properties. Nimba has Katu Vipaka, Laghu and Kaph Pitta Shamaka properties. The trials were conducted on two groups of people for 30 days. The active extract of Khadira having astringent property and Kusthghna Prabhava helps in freshening up of the breath and protects teeth from other infections. Statistical analysis of Khadira Churna shows approximately 70% satisfactory results in Dantamala and Dantamalinta whereas extract of Nimba has antibacterial, antimicrobial and vermicidal action which leads to Doshbalakshaya and Vyadhibalkshaya. Satatical analysis of Nimba Churna shows approximately 72% results in Asyavairasya, Mukhadaurgandha. Hence Khadira and Nimba having Kashaya and Tikta Rasa are optimum in Danta Dhawana to have healthy teeth and protect the oral cavity from diseases.