Ayush Institutes Organize Free Dental Check-ups & Workshops for Oral Health Awareness

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day various organisations and institutes of the Ministry of Ayush organized a nationwide awareness drive to emphasize the significance of maintaining oral hygiene and its impact on overall health. Students, community members, and doctors, actively engaged in interactive workshops, demonstrations, and free dental check-ups. The primary objective was to educate the public on good oral hygiene habits and preventive measures to maintain optimal oral health.

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 estimated that oral diseases affected at least 3.58 billion people worldwide, with caries of the permanent teeth being the most prevalent of all conditions assessed. In Ayurveda, to improve oral hygiene and prevent oral cavity related problems, techniques like Danta Dhavana (tooth brushing), Jihwa Nirlekhana (tongue cleaning), Kavala (gargling), Gandoosha (holding of medicated liquid in oral cavity) are included under Dinacharya (daily regimen).

Highlights from key Initiatives: –

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi: Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Head of the Shalakya Department, shared valuable insights on foods responsible for tooth decay, emphasizing the importance of making mindful dietary choices. During the lecture, she highlighted using a soft-bristled toothbrush, replacing it every three months, and avoiding junk food, sticky food, soda drinks, and ice cream to maintain good oral health.

On World Oral Health Day at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi- A lecture was delivered on the importance of oral health and raising awareness about the significance of maintaining good oral health and its impact on overall well-being.

Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), New Delhi: Organized an educational session and free dental check-up at CRIYN, Jhajjar, for students from Government Higher Secondary School Munda Khera, Government High School Devarkhana, Mata Nand Kaur Higher Secondary School Dhansa, New Delhi and villagers. The team of Subharti Dental College also participated in the health awareness drive.

National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), Hyderabad: Conducted various awareness programs targeting school students, the general public, and patients. Educational material on oral hygiene was also distributed to spread awareness.

Clinical Research Unit (Unani), Bengaluru: An informative lecture on the “Importance of Oral Hygiene” was delivered by Dr. Fakeha Firdous, Research Associate (Unani), under the supervision of Dr. Arisha Shahid, Research Officer In charge. The session, held at Government Urdu School, Bengaluru, educated students about brushing, flossing, and rinsing, emphasizing the consequences of poor oral hygiene. IEC materials on oral health, published by CCRUM, were also distributed among students, teachers, and staff.

Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Patiala: Dr. Rinku Tomar (RO – Ay.) Delivered an awareness lecture on “Importance of Oral Hygiene” at the OPD. Dr. Shamini (SRF – WCH-SCSP), delivered an awareness lecture and enlightened the community about effective oral care practices at Manakpur (Mohali).

National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune: Dr. Rhutika Mahajan, Assistant Professor, delivered a lecture on “Oral Hygiene from a Naturopathy & Yogic Perspective”, promoting traditional wellness practices for oral care.

In Ayurveda, maintaining oral hygiene and preventing oral cavity-related issues is a vital part of the Dinacharya (daily regimen). Traditional practices include:

• Danta Dhavana (Tooth Brushing): Cleaning teeth with herbal formulations.
• Jihwa Nirlekhana (Tongue Cleaning): Removing deposits from the tongue for better oral health.
• Kavala (Gargling): Using medicated liquids to cleanse the oral cavity.
• Gandoosha (Oil Pulling): Holding medicated oil or liquid in the mouth for oral detoxification.