Dr. Foram K. Patel¹, Dr. Poorvi K Vyas², Dr. Hardik Chudasama³
¹ P.G. Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, J S Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya Nadiad, Email ID: forampatel7007@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5145-4347
² Professor and Head, Department of Kriya Sharir, J S Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya Nadiad, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0074-0842
³ Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, J S Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya Nadiad, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9576-7201
Introduction: Āyurveda emphasizes maintaining health in a healthy individual before focusing on treating diseases. Central to this concept is Dinācārya, which encompasses daily practices that promote wellness. One of the significant practices in Dinācārya is Dānta dhāvana (tooth cleaning), aimed at preserving and promoting oral hygiene. This study explores the role of Prakṛti Siddhānta (Āyurvedic body constitution) in selecting medicinal plants for personalized oral hygiene, specifically for Dāntadhāvana, and assesses their effectiveness based on different Prakṛti types.
Methods: A comprehensive review of literature, including classical texts like Bṛhattrayī and Laghutrayī, as well as online resources, was conducted to understand how Prakṛti Siddhānta influences the selection of medicinal plants for Dāntadhāvana. The study focuses on identifying herbs suitable for different Prakṛti types (Vāta, Pitta, Kapha) and evaluating their properties and benefits for oral health.
Results: The review found that selecting herbal trees based on Prakṛti types offers tailored benefits for oral hygiene. For Kapha-dominant individuals, herbs such as Arka (Calotropis procera) and Karañja (Pongamia pinnata), known for their Kaṭu-Tikta properties, effectively reduce excess mucus and improve gum health. Pitta-dominant individuals benefit from herbs like Khadira (Acacia catechu) and Nimba (Azadirachta indica), with Tikta qualities, that soothe inflammation and enhance freshness. For Vāta-dominant individuals, herbs such as Madhūka (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Dāḍima (Punica granatum), known for their hydrating properties, can help prevent tooth sensitivity and dry mouth. These findings emphasize the importance of customizing oral care based on Prakṛti for optimal results.
Discussion: Integrating Prakṛti Siddhānta into Dāntadhāvana offers a personalized approach to oral hygiene, ensuring that individuals receive the full benefits of herbs suited to their unique constitution. The selection of plants according to Prakṛti helps in addressing specific oral health needs such as reducing plaque, soothing inflammation, improving gum health, and preventing dryness or excess salivation. This targeted use of medicinal plants provides a more effective, holistic approach to dental care. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of Prakṛti-specific herbal treatments in oral hygiene practices.
Dinācārya, Dāntadhāvana, Prakṛti Siddhānta, Herbal Plant
Website: www.ayurveda360.in/journal
International Journal of Ayurveda360
E-ISSN: 3048-7390 Print ISSN: 3048-7382
Volume 2 Issue 3: November-December 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63247/3048-7390.vol.2.issue3.1
Dr. Foram K. Patel, P.G. Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, J S Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya Nadiad, Email ID: forampatel7007@gmail.com
Patel FK, Vyas PK, Chudasama H. Ayurvedic Constitution-Based Oral Hygiene: Criteria for Choosing Plant-Based Dentifrices (Dānta-dhāvana). Int J Ayurveda360. 2025;2(3):791-803. DOI: https://doi.org/10.63247/3048-7390.vol.2.issue3.1
Manuscript Received: 28/09/2025
Review Round 1: 09/10/2025
Review Round 2: 14/10/2025
Review Round 3: 25/10/2025
Final Updated Received: 12/11/2025
Accepted: 24/11/2025
Published: 15/12/2025
Conflict of Interest: NIL
Funding: NIL
Similarity Check: 1%
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Āyurveda, the science of life, focuses primarily on the maintenance and promotion of positive health in healthy individuals, as well as the curing of the diseased [1]. To maintain and promote positive health, various regimens are prescribed in Āyurveda, including Dinācārya (daily routines), Ritucārya (seasonal regimen), Sadvṛtta (right conduct of life), Ācāra-Rasāyana (ethics and rejuvenation), and more. Personal hygiene, a crucial part of Dinācārya, is emphasized through specific practices aimed at maintaining oral health. Procedures like Dāntadhāvana [2] (tooth brushing), Pratisāra (massaging the teeth and gums), Jihvā Nirlēkhana [3] (tongue scraping), Gandooṣa and Kavala [4] (gargling) are all explained in detail in the classical texts of Bhāratī. Among these, Dāntadhāvana (tooth cleaning) is highlighted as an essential part of daily hygiene. Āyurveda recommends the use of chewing herbal sticks for daily use, both in the morning and after meals, as a preventive measure to maintain oral health [5]. Dāntadhāvana is considered the first line of defense in oral cleansing, helping to prevent common dental diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Dāntadhāvana (tooth brushing) is a non-negotiable practice in Dinācārya, with great importance placed on it in almost every Āyurvedic literature. According to texts like Suśruta Saṃhitā and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, the Dāntapāvana (tooth cleaning twig) should be approximately twelve Aṅgula long, the size of the little finger in thickness, straight, free of nodes, cuts, or worm damage, and fresh. The ideal Dāntapāvana is predominantly made of Kaṣāya, Kaṇja, and Tikta Rasa (astringent, pungent, and bitter tastes) [6].
This study aims to explore the role of Prakṛti Siddhānta in selecting medicinal plants for personalized oral hygiene, specifically for Dāntadhāvana, and to assess their effectiveness based on different Prakṛti types.
This study reviews literature from texts such as Bhāratī and Laghutrayī, alongside various online resources on the application of Prakṛti Siddhānta in selecting medicinal plants for Dāntadhāvana.
Regular use of Dāntadhāvana in the morning and after every meal can help maintain oral hygiene, prevent disease, and contribute to overall well-being. Many plants are enlisted in Āyurveda for this purpose, as they are known for their beneficial effects on the teeth and gums.
Table 1: List of Plants Used for Dāntadhāvana as per Laghutrayī (Bhāvaprakāśa Nigha) with their Botanical Sources & Family [7]
| Sr.No | Drug Name | Botanical Source | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madhūka | Glycyrrhiza Glabra | Leguminosae |
| 2 | Karañja | Pongamia Glabra | Leguminosae |
| 3 | Karavīra | Neriumodorum Soland | Apocynaceae |
| 4 | Arka | Calotropis Procera | Asclepiadaceae |
| 5 | Mālati | Luvunga Scandens | Rutaceae |
| 6 | Arjuna / Kakubha | Terminalia Arjuna | Combretaceae |
| 7 | Āsana / Vijayāsāra | Terminalia Tomentosa | Leguminosae |
| 8 | Nimba | Azadirachta Indica | Meliaceae |
| 9 | Khadira | Acacia Catechu | Mimosaceae |
| 10 | Nyagrodha | Ficus Bengalensis | Moraceae |
| 11 | Apāmārga | Achyranthes Aspera | Amaranthaceae |
| 12 | Sarja | Vateria Indica | Dipterocarpaceae |
| 13 | Arimeda | Acacia Farnesiana | Mimosaceae |
| 14 | Plakṣa | Ficus Infectoria | Moraceae |
| 15 | Bīla | Aegle Marmelos | Rutaceae |
| 16 | Udumbara | Ficus Glomerata | Moraceae |
| 17 | Āmra | Mangifera Indica | Anacardiaceae |
| 18 | Kadamba | Anthocephalus Cadamba | Rubiaceae |
| 19 | Champaka | Michelia Champaca | Magnoliaceae |
| 20 | Śirīṣa | Albizzia Lebbeck | Leguminosae |
| 21 | Dāḍima | Punica Granatum | Punicaceae |
| 22 | Kuñaja | Holarrhena Antidysenterica | Apocynaceae |
| 23 | Thāgara | Valeriana Wallichii | Valeriaceae |
| 24 | Gurvaka | Areca Catechu | Palmae |
| 25 | Tāla | Borassus Flabellifer | Palmae |
| 26 | Ketaka | Pandanus Odoratissimus | Pandanaceae |
| 27 | Nārīkela | Cocos Nucifera | Palmae |
| 28 | Kharjūra | Phoenix Sylvestris | Palmae |
Table 2: Pharmacological properties (Rasa Pañcaka) of plants used for Dāntadhāvana
| S.No | Drug Name | Rasa | Guṇa | Vīrya | Vipāka | Doṣaghna | Karma | Indications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drugs mentioned as Danta Pavana (tooth stick) | ||||||||
| 1. | Madhūka [8] | Madhura | Snigdha, Guru | Śīta | Madhura | Pitta, Anila-āsrajit | Vraṇa śodhana, Ropaṇa, Svārya, Rucya | Śophāhāraṃ, Kuṣṭa |
| 2. | Karañja [9] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Tikṣṇa | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha, Vāta | Vraṇa, Kṛimi hara, Danta-dārdhya-kara | Kuṣṭa, Viṣam |
| 3. | Karavīra [10] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa, Tikṣṇa | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha Pitta samaka | Arthi Nasanam | Arti-naśana, Kuṣa, Kṣimi, Viṣam |
| 4. | Arka [11] | Kaṭu, Tikta | Laghu, Rūkṣa, Sara | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha, Vāta | Vraṇa | Arthi naśanam, Viṣam |
| 5. | Mālati [12] | Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Mridu, Snigdha | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Anila āśrajit | Vraṇam, Śopham, Kuṣṭa | Mukha Dantaṛti, Kuṣṭa, Mukhāpaka |
| 6. | Arjuna / Kakubha [13] | Kaṣāya | Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Kapha Pitta samaka | Vraṇam, Rakta sthamba kṛta | Viṣam |
| 7. | Āsana / Vijayāsāra [14] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Śleṣma, Asra-Pitta hāraṃ | Tvachyam, Vātaarthi naśanam | Kuṣṭa, Kṛimi |
| 8. | Nimba [15] | Tikta | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Pitta kapha hāraṃ | Kṛimihara, Vraṇa śodhana karakam, Śophāpaka | Rucya, Vraṇam, Viṣam, Kuṣṭa |
| 9. | Khadira [16] | Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Pitta asra kapha-hara | Dantyaṃ | Kṛimi, Vraṇa, Śopham, Kuṣṭa |
| 10. | Nyagrodha [17] | Kaṣāya | Guru, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Kapha Pitta haraṃ | Varṇyam, Vraṇa, Śopham | --- |
| 11. | Apāmārga [18] | Kaṭu, Tikta | Sara, Tikṣā | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha-med -’nilāpaha | --- | --- |
| 12. | Sarja [19] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Snigdha, Uṣṇa | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha Vāta hara | --- | Viṣam, Kuṣṭa, Kṛimi |
| 13. | Arimedā [20] | Tikta, Kaṣāya | Uṣṇa | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha-Vāta haraṃ | --- | Mukha-danta Roga, Kṛimi, Viṣam, Śopham |
| 14. | Plakṣa [21] | Kāyu, Kaṣāya | Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Pitta, Kapha Asraghṇam | Vraṇa śodhana, Ropana | Śopham |
| 15. | Bīla [22] | Madhura | Laghu | Śīta | Madhura | Tri-doṣa ghnaṃ | Rucipradṃ | --- |
| 16. | Udumbara [23] | Kaṣāya | Guru, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Pitta kapha Raktaṃ | Vraṇa śodhana, Ropana | Śopham |
| 17. | Āmra [24] | Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Kapha Pitta Samānaṃ | Rucyaṃ, Vraṇam | Śopham |
| 18. | Kadamba [25] | Madhura, Lavaṇa, Kaṣāya | Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Vāta-Pitta Śāmaka | Vraṇa Saṃrohaṇ, Kapha Pitta Arthi-naśanam | Viṣam, Ārocakam |
| 19. | Champaka [26] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Kapha-Vāta haraṃ | --- | Kṛimi, Kuṣṭa, Vraṇam |
| 20. | Śirīṣa [27] | Madhura, Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu | Anuṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha Pitta hara | Vraṇa viśodhana | Viṣam, Kuṣṭa, Śopham |
| 21. | Dāḍima [28] | Āmla, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Snigdha | Anuṣṇa | Kaṭu | Tri-doṣa ghnaṃ | Rucyaṃ | Kaṇṭa-Mukha Roga |
| 22. | Kuñja [29] | Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Rakta, Pitta | Kṛimi-hara | Kuṣṭa, Kṛimi |
| 23. | Thāgara [30] | Kaṭu, Tikta, Kaṣāya | Laghu, Snigdha | Uṣṇa | Kaṭu | Kapha, Vāta | Viṣa, Śūlaṃ | --- |
| 24. | Gurvaka [31] | Kaṣāya | Guru, Rūkṣa | Śīta | Kaṭu | Vāta, Kapha | --- | Śopham |
| 25. | Tāla [32] | Madhura | Śīta, Guru, Snigdha | Śīta | Madhura | Kapha-Pitta | Rucanaṃ, Vakthra | Śopham |
| 26. | Ketaka [33] | Madhura, Kaṭu, Tikta | Laghu | Śīta | Kaṭu | Vāta-Pittaghnam | --- | Śopham |
| 27. | Nārīkela [34] | Madhura | Guru, Snigdha | Śīta | Madhura | Vāta Pitta | Rucipradṃ | Śopham |
| 28. | Kharjūra [35] | Madhura, Kaṣāya | Guru, Snigdha | Śīta | Madhura | Vāta | Śleṣma | Rucyaṃ |
Āyurveda specifies a distinct concept known as Prakṛti. The term Prakṛti means ‘nature’ and refers to a human being’s natural state on an anatomical, physiological, and psychological basis. It expresses an individual's distinct feature, characterized by the permanent composition of Doṣa from birth [36]. Determining one’s Prakṛti is crucial to understanding the type and severity of diseases, the body's reaction to medications, and other aspects, even during illness. It is the key to preserving health and preventing or managing diseases.
In the practice of Dāntadhāvana (tooth cleaning), choosing a herbal twig based on Prakṛti is highly effective, providing both therapeutic and preventive benefits. This study arises from the importance of personalized oral hygiene based on Prakṛti Siddhānta (Āyurvedic body constitution), which plays a crucial role in selecting suitable medicinal plants for Dāntadhāvana. Āyurveda emphasizes that different Prakṛti types (Vāta, Pitta, Kapha) have unique oral health tendencies. However, modern dentistry lacks personalized approaches based on an individual’s constitution. This study aims to bridge this gap by scientifically analyzing the relationship between Prakṛti and specific medicinal plants for oral hygiene. Establishing a Prakṛti-based herbal selection system could lead to more effective, holistic, and preventive dental care solutions.
The exploration of personalized oral hygiene through the lens of Prakṛti Siddhānta revealed distinct preferences for medicinal plants in Dāntadhāvana based on an individual’s dominant Doṣa—Vāta, Pitta, or Kapha. The findings indicated that the choice of herbal trees significantly influenced oral health outcomes when aligned with one’s Prakṛti.
Herbal trees with Madhura, Āmla, and Snigdha properties, such as Madhūka (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Dāḍima (Punica granatum), demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene. These plants were associated with improved gum firmness and reduced dryness in the oral cavity, managing gingivitis, which is a common complaint among Vāta types. Participants reported a notable decrease in sensitivity and a refreshed oral sensation after consistent use [37].
Tikta and cooling herbs, such as Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Khadira (Acacia catechu), showed superior results in reducing inflammation and controlling bacterial growth, as well as excessive salivation, aligning with the Pitta tendency toward heat and acidity. The antimicrobial action of these plants contributed to a cleaner oral environment [37].
Kaṭu, Rūḍa, and Uṣṇa herbs like Arka (Calotropis procera) and Karañja (Pongamia pinnata) excelled in combating plaque buildup and sluggish oral conditions. These plants helped reduce excess mucus and stickiness in the mouth, promoting a lighter and clearer oral sensation, which is beneficial for Kapha’s heavy and moist nature [37].
Across all groups, the use of herbal sticks tailored to Prakṛti resulted in enhanced oral health outcomes.
The integration of Prakṛti Siddhānta into Dāntadhāvana offers a personalized approach to oral hygiene, utilizing the unique properties of medicinal plants to balance individual Doṣa. This study highlights how different herbal trees address the specific needs of Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha constitutions, providing a holistic alternative to modern, one-size-fits-all oral care products.
Vāta: Madhūka and Dāḍima stand out for their Madhura, Āmla, and Snigdha qualities, which help tighten gums, manage gingivitis, and counter the dry, rough tendencies of Vāta. The herbal actions, including antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-ulcer, and anti-thrombotic properties, align with Āyurveda’s emphasis on using Madhura Rasas to stabilize and ground, making these herbs ideal for maintaining oral integrity in Vāta-dominant individuals. Additionally, their natural fibers mechanically remove debris, enhancing cleanliness without harsh chemicals.
Pitta and Bitter-Cooling Herbs: Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Khadira (Acacia catechu) excel in pacifying Pitta’s fiery nature. Nimba, with its well-documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, combats heat-driven conditions like gum inflammation and ulcers, common in Pitta types. Khadira, with its phenolic compounds, further supports this by inhibiting anaerobic bacteria and exhibiting antifungal properties. The cooling effect soothes irritation, while the bitter taste promotes detoxification, aligning with Pitta’s need for balance through cleansing and calming influences.
Kapha and Pungent-Drying Herbs: Karañja (Pongamia pinnata) and Arka (Calotropis procera) address Kapha’s propensity for excess moisture and stagnation. The Kaṭu and drying properties of these herbs reduce plaque and tartar, which thrive in Kapha’s damp environment. Arka’s robust structure aids in physical plaque removal, while Karañja's stimulating qualities revitalize oral tissues, countering viral infections. This reflects Āyurveda’s use of Kaṭu Rasa to cut through heaviness, ensuring a light and healthy oral state for Kapha individuals. Hence, the logic behind indicating twigs of a plant possessing Kaṭu, Tikta, or Kaṣāya Rasa for Dāntadhāvana is based on their minimum risk of allergic reactions and their Kapha and Kledāghna balancing actions.
However, in modern times, the primary purpose of Dāntadhāvana has been neglected due to the use of Madhura Rasātmakā toothpastes.
The broader implications of this approach lie in its sustainability and customization. Unlike plastic toothbrushes and chemical-laden toothpastes, herbal sticks are biodegradable and free of synthetic additives, aligning with nature-based health practices. By tailoring plant selection to Prakṛti, this method not only enhances oral hygiene but also supports systemic well-being. For example, Madhūka improves varṇa, śodhana, and svaryāma for Vāta, or Nimba enhances immunity for Pitta.
The synergy of mechanical cleaning (via the stick’s texture) and phytochemical action (from the plant’s properties) offers a dual benefit that modern tools often lack.
However, challenges remain, such as accessibility to specific trees and the need for education on proper Dāntadhāvana techniques. Future research could explore combinations of these herbs (e.g., Triphala-like blends) to address mixed Prakṛti types or compare their efficacy against conventional products in controlled trials. This personalized, Prakṛti-based approach underscores Āyurveda’s relevance in modern oral care, offering a natural, effective, and individualized path to oral health.
This study concludes that Prakṛti-based selection of medicinal plants for Dāntadhāvana offers a personalized approach to oral hygiene, aligning with Āyurvedic principles. Different Prakṛti types (Vāta, Pitta, Kapha) have unique oral health tendencies, and selecting herbs accordingly enhances efficacy in preventing and managing oral diseases. The analysis confirms that Āyurvedic herbs, when chosen based on an individual’s constitution, can provide targeted antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing effects. Integrating Prakṛti
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this work.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
All authors contributed equally to the conception, design, data collection, analysis, drafting, and approval of the final manuscript.
Not Applicable
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of their institution, colleagues, and technical staff who contributed to this work.
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