Article for your teeth.

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Times of India:

Yogi Ashwini continues his series on dincharya and explains the importance of dental hygiene for overall well-being

The routines and diets prescribed by ancient rishis form the basis of an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Healthy habits bring the body in harmony with nature and keep imbalances at bay. The dincharya or daily routine is an essential component of an Ayurvedic lifestyle and supports the body and mind through the entire day's activities. Cleanliness comes first as it removes used up prana or wastes from the system and prepares the body for absorption of fresh prana required for the day. Every morning, after emptying the bowels one should check the tongue. A coated tongue indicates the presence of toxins (ama) in the body. The colour of the coating indicates disturbed dosha in the body. The mouth and teeth should be thoroughly cleaned. Chewing and flossing teeth with neem twigs is still the best and most effective method for strengthening and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Bad breath is indicative of decay, either in tooth cavities, gums or in the digestive organs. An effective remedy is frequent rinsing and gargling with mint tea. This can be brewed by boiling some mint leaves in water or steeping the leaves for 5 minutes in hot water. Dried and powdered mint leaves with some rock salt can be used as a toothpowder. The tongue should also be scraped everyday. This can be done using a neem twig, a wooden tongue cleaner or a silver spoon. This practice removes toxins and is also effective in improving digestion. For the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums and prevention of tooth decay, gargling and massaging the gums with sesame seed oil is very beneficial. Regular practice is good not only for the teeth and gums but also for the face, head and hair. Gargling with sesame seed oil promotes hair growth and shine and retards premature graying and hair fall. It also strengthens sense organs and prevents cough and throat infections. Regular gargling nourishes the skin and prevents early advent of wrinkles and imparts a glow and suppleness to the face.