Abstract

ROLE OF PRATISARAN OF KHAS KHAS (PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM LINN.) IN DANTA SHARKARA (DENTAL CALCULUS)

Puneet Girdhar*, Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Vimal Sikri

Abstract

Ayurveda text had described the Mukha Roga (Diseases affecting the oral cavity) and mentioned the diseases of dental under the heading of Danta (Teeth), Dantamula (Gum) disease. There are eight types of Danta Rogas (Dental disorders) described in the text, where Dantasharkara (Dental calculus) has been described as one of the Danta Roga. When gravel like dirt is deposited and fixed on teeth, destroying the normal characteristic of teeth, it is known as Dantasharkara. Pratisarana is gently rubbing over teeth with the tip of a finger. By Pratisarana, mechanical pressure is exerted which removes food debris, food impaction, plaque, calculus and bacterial colonies. It helps to remove remaining calculus after scaling. Khaskhas, Poshtadana or poppy seeds are the seeds of Ahiphenaa (Papaver somniferum Linn.) which belong to family Papaveraceae. Seeds contain a large percentage of a bland fixed oil called Maw or Poppy Oil. Pratisarana of poppy seeds is done to remove Danta sharkara. In today’s scenario due to hectic lifestyle, people do not have enough time to focus on their health. Poor routine health also includes oral hygiene which may lead to dental problems like dental calculus, toothache, stained teeth, cavities, or tooth sensitivity. Among them, dental calculus is the most common problem in the society which usually occurs due improper brushing and faulty dietary habits such as junk food, soft drinks, tobacco addiction, and using more cooked food instead of hard and raw food, etc. Dental calculus is one factor in the initiation and progression of a variety of oral diseases.

Keywords: Pratisarana, Dantasharkara, Khaskhas.