Abstract

*Dr. Navedita Kumari and Dr. Chavan Ramdas Dhanna Ji

ABSTRACT

The ayurvedic texts Charaka Samhita mentions kavala gandusha. Kavala refers to that which is related to the oral cavity and gandusha is a gargle. According to Yogratnakara, oral cavity is made up of seven parts. These are lips, teeth, gums, palate, pharynx and all parts as a whole. Oral cavity is a part of our body which is easily and constantly get exposed to exogenous risk factors. In day to day life, oral cavity is a part of body which significantly exposed to external environmental pollution. Cold drinks, fast foods, tobacoo, khara chewing, smoking, alcohol intake. To avoid oral health damage, Ayurveda gives specialized therapy kaval and gandush to maintain good oral hygiene. It takes sufficient amount of medicated fluid inside mouth such that the mouth cannot be moved is called gandush. When a lesser amount of fluid is taken in the mouth such that the mouth can be moved easily, it is called kaval. It strengthens the jawbones. It makes the tone sweet and sharp. It nourishes the face. It enhances interest in food and enriches the sense of taste. It prevents dryness of throat and cracking of lips. It strengths the teeth and also maintain oral cavity teeth.