Common Dental Problems in Ayurveda and Modern Medicine

Danta (Tooth) in Ayurveda

Danta (tooth) is considered Asthi in Sushruta Samhita and in many other Ayurvedic texts. The number of Danta is 32, and the type of Asthi is called Ruchakasthi (there are 5 types of Asthi). Asthi and Majja are responsible for the formation of teeth.

Dental problems are described in Sushruta Samhita Nidan Sthana and Chikitsa Sthana under Mukhrogam. There are 15 Dantamulgata Vyadhis (diseases of the roots of the teeth) in Nidan Sthana and 8 types of Danta Roga (diseases of the teeth proper) in Chikitsa Sthana.

8 Types of Diseases of the Teeth Proper

1. Dalana – A disease in which cracks appear on teeth with severe pain due to vitiation of Vata Dosha.
   
   
2. Krimidantaka – A disease in which the teeth are eaten by worms, characterized by black holes, swelling, and severe pain due to vitiation of Vata Dosha, followed by Pitta and Kapha.
   
   
• Treatment: For Krimidantaka, drugs having Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Rasa, and properties of Laghu, Rooksha, Tikshna Guna with Krimighna (antimicrobial), Vranaghna, and Ushna Veerya are to be used. Ushna Veerya herbs pacify Vata and Kapha. Tikta Rasa pacifies Pitta and helps in removing toxins/debris. Kashaya Rasa relieves pain. Laghu, Rooksha, and Tikshna Gunas balance Kapha, thereby reducing swelling.
  
  
3. Danta Harsha (Tooth Sensitivity) – A condition where the teeth cannot bear heat, cold, or touch.
   
   
4. Bhanjaka (Degeneration of the Teeth) – The teeth break with severe pain, and the face is distorted due to a change in the angle of the mouth. This is due to vitiated Vayu and Kapha.
   
   
5. Dantasarkara – A disease in which a fine substance deposits and hardens by the action of deranged Vayu on or between the teeth in crystallized form. Such deposits destroy healthy growth and functions of the teeth.
   
   
6. Kapalika – A disease in which the preceding crystallized deposits get cemented together and later separate from the teeth, taking away a part of the Danta Kawach (enamel), thus destroying the teeth.
   
   
7. Syava Dantaka (Black Teeth) – A condition in which the tooth turns black or blue due to vitiated Pitta.
   
   
8. Hanu Moksha – A condition in which Vata, aggravated by causes such as loud talking or chewing hard substances, produces dislocation of the jawbones.
   
   

15 Dantamulgata Vyadhis (Diseases of the Root of the Teeth)

1. Sitada (Scurvy/Gingivitis) – Occurs due to vitiated Kapha and Rakta. Symptoms include Raktasrava (bleeding gums), Krishnata (discoloration of gums), Shotha (gum swelling), and Mukh Daurgandhya (halitosis).
   
   
2. Danta Pupputaka (Gum Boil) – Roots of 2 or 3 teeth are affected with violent swelling and pain, similar to a periodontal abscess. Caused by vitiated Kapha and Rakta.
   
   
3. Danta Veshtaka – Characterized by pus discharge, bleeding from gums, and loosening of teeth due to vitiated Rakta.
   
   
4. Saushira – Swelling at the root of the tooth with pain and free flow of saliva, caused by deranged Rakta and Kapha.
   
   
5. Maha Saushira – Teeth become loose, sinuses or fissures occur in the palate, gums putrefy, and the whole oral cavity becomes inflamed due to an imbalance of all three doshas.
   
   
6. Paridara – Gums putrefy, wear off, and bleed due to deranged Rakta, Kapha, and Pitta.
   
   
7. Upakusa – Burning sensation and suppuration in gums, with loosening and shaking of teeth, caused by vitiated Rakta and Pitta.
   
   
8. Danta Vaidarbha – Swelling, burning, and pain in gums with loose teeth, caused by trauma.
   
   
9. Vardhana – Eruption of an extra tooth causing severe pain, which subsides once the tooth erupts. Caused by deranged Vata.
   
   
10. Adhimansa – Violent, painful swelling around the root of a tooth, causing dribbling of saliva, due to increased Kapha.
    
    
11. Nadi (5 Types – Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, Abhighataja) – Sinus conditions similar to Nadi Vrana.
    
    
    

Ayurvedic Treatment for Dantamulgata Roga:

• Raktamokshana
  
  
• Application of herbal paste (Mulethi, Lodhra, Patranga powder with honey)
  
  
• Massage gums and teeth with Khadiradi Taila or mustard oil
  
  
• Triphala mouthwash
  
  
• Alum + Saindhav Lavan mouthwash
  
  

Common Dental Problems Today

1. Toothache – Usually due to pulp inflammation from cavities, infection, trauma, or fractured teeth.
   
   
• Home remedies: Clove oil, garlic paste with salt, warm salt water with alum.
  
  
2. Cavities/Tooth Decay – Caused by bacteria using sugars to produce acids that erode enamel.
   
   
• Prevention: Good oral hygiene, Triphala rinse, limit sugar/acidic foods, calcium-rich diet, Yashtimadhu rinse or intake.
  
  
3. Tooth Sensitivity – Pain when dentin is exposed due to enamel loss (from acid, brushing hard, GERD, gum recession, etc.).
   
   
• Relief: Gentle brushing, avoid acidic foods, oil pulling, guava leaves, salt water rinse.
  
  
4. Dental Abscess – Pus collection in teeth/gums from untreated decay or infection.
   
   
• Remedies: Salt water rinse, oil pulling, and coconut oil massage.
  
  
5. Gingivitis (Gum Disease) – Plaque buildup leads to swollen, bleeding gums; risk increases with vitamin C deficiency, hormonal changes, or poor hygiene.
   
   
• Natural care: Turmeric + salt gum massage, Triphala rinse, oil pulling.
  
  
6. Bad Breath (Halitosis) – Persistent odor from bacterial activity, trapped food particles, or systemic causes (acid reflux, dry mouth, infections).
   
   
• Lifestyle tips: Maintain oral hygiene, stay hydrated, avoid tobacco/alcohol, chew fennel seeds, use herbal rinses (Triphala, Mulethi, Amla).

Maintaining good oral health is essential, and gentle Ayurvedic options like Maharishi Ayurveda’s Ayurdent Toothpaste can be a supportive part of your daily routine.


Modern-day habits that cause dental problems

1) Intake of too many Sugary foods and beverages- because sugar is consumed by acid-producing bacteria in your mouth, and that acid eats away at tooth enamel.

2) Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain and damage your teeth. Smoking and tobacco chewing also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

3) Alcohol intake- Alcohol is also acidic. alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva helps remove plaque and bacterial accumulation.

4) Consumption of acidic foods and beverages regularly can cause sensitivity, tooth decay, and discoloration of teeth

5) Chewing of ice, pens, pencils –can cause wear and tear on the tooth enamel.

6) Aggressive brushing-brushing too hard may cause damage to your teeth and gums.

7) Opening bottles and packets with your teeth may cause damage to your teeth.

8) Not maintaining good hygiene- this is the most common reason for all dental problems. People usually don’t pay much attention to this.

What Makes You More Susceptible to Dental Problems

Common health conditions include:

1. Diabetes
   
   
2. Pregnancy
   
   
3. Post-pregnancy
   
   

1) Diabetes

In Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. According to Ayurveda, diabetes is caused due to nidana sevana (excess intake of sweets like jaggery, dairy products, cold, oily, heavy foods, and sedentary lifestyle habits). This aggravates Kapha and vitiates Medo Dhatu in the body.

Mukhshosha (xerostomia) is a common symptom of Madhumeha, where there is reduced secretion of saliva. This dryness makes the oral cavity acidic, leading to dental problems. Ayurveda emphasizes balancing all three doshas through a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote overall health, including oral health.

In this disease, there is also an accumulation of dirt or tartar (malina danta) on the teeth.

Common dental problems seen in Madhumeha include:

• Danta Harsha (tooth sensitivity)
  
  
• Krimidanta (dental caries)
  
  
• Danta Vaidarbha (gingivitis)
  
  
• Saushira (periodontal pockets)
  
  
• Kapalika (enamel hypoplasia)
  
  

Diabetic individuals are more susceptible to gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. Both diabetes itself and certain medicines used to treat it can reduce saliva secretion. Saliva helps prevent cavities by washing away food particles and inhibiting bacterial growth. If saliva flow is reduced, the risk of dental problems increases.

Additionally, high blood glucose levels in diabetes cause an increase in glucose content in saliva. Harmful bacteria feed on this glucose and produce acids that, combined with food particles, form plaque — leading to cavities and gum disease.

2) Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) undergo significant changes:

• Vata imbalance – Leads to dryness in the mouth (due to reduced saliva secretion), constipation, and anxiety. Excess Vata is responsible for toothache and tooth sensitivity.
  
  
• Pitta imbalance – Causes acidity, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. High Pitta can lead to dental issues such as tooth decay, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
  
  
• Kapha imbalance – Causes hypersecretion of saliva and a thick white coating over the tongue. It contributes to gum inflammation and plaque formation.
  
  

Pregnancy also involves major hormonal changes. The placenta produces higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, which alter tissue responses and increase gum sensitivity to irritation. Gingivitis (bleeding gums) is very common during pregnancy. Tooth decay, toothache, and loose teeth are also frequently seen.

Why is Gingivitis common in pregnancy?
High levels of progesterone increase vascular permeability, making gums more prone to swelling and bleeding.

Other causes of dental problems during pregnancy include:

1. Vomiting (causing enamel erosion)
   
   
2. Low calcium concentration
   
   
3. Low Vitamin C
   
   
4. Excessive intake of carbohydrates and sugary foods
   
   
5. Hormonal changes
   
   
6. Increased acidity in the mouth
   
   
7. Reduced attention to oral health
   
   

3) Post-Pregnancy (Post-Partum) Dental Problems

Dental care after pregnancy is as important as during pregnancy. New mothers, who are often busy with many responsibilities, tend to neglect their own health, especially oral health.

Common reasons for dental problems after pregnancy:

1. Hormonal changes
   
   
2. Low calcium levels
   
   
3. Untreated dental issues from pregnancy
   
   
4. Dietary changes (more sugary foods, dry fruits, etc.)
   
   
5. Neglect of oral hygiene
   
   

Conclusion

Dental health is a reflection of both oral hygiene and overall systemic balance. Ayurveda, through the teachings of Sushruta Samhita, emphasizes the role of doshas, Asthi, and Majja in the formation and maintenance of teeth, while modern medicine highlights bacterial activity, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

Whether described as Dantamulgata Vyadhis or as gingivitis, cavities, and abscesses, the core understanding remains the same: prevention is the key. Conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, and the postpartum phase make individuals more vulnerable, reminding us that oral health cannot be separated from general health.

By maintaining regular oral hygiene practices, following a wholesome diet, balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and avoiding harmful lifestyle habits like excessive sugar intake, tobacco, or aggressive brushing, one can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems.

A holistic approach where ancient Ayurvedic wisdom meets modern dental science offers the most effective way forward. Daily practices such as oil pulling, Triphala rinses, and mindful brushing can complement modern treatments, ensuring strong teeth, healthy gums, and overall well-being.

Ultimately, oral health is not just about a smile; it is about sustaining harmony in the body, preventing systemic illness, and supporting lifelong vitality.


Written by

Dr. Bhanu Sharma, BAMS, DNHE
Dr. Bhanu Sharma is a seasoned Ayurvedic physician with over 15 years of clinical experience, specializing in Marma Therapy and Agnikarma. A former Medical Officer with the Government of Rajasthan and Senior Ayurveda Consultant at Maharishi Ayurveda, she brings deep-rooted expertise in classical healing practices and modern wellness education.

Dr. Sharma has authored numerous health articles for reputed platforms, including Samvaad and Dainik Bhaskar, and has led wellness sessions at organizations like HCL Technologies. Her integrative approach bridges tradition with modern lifestyle needs, making Ayurveda accessible and relevant for today’s world.