Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC AND BIOMEDICAL COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF DANTADHAVANA CONTRAINDICATIONS AS PROTECTIVE GUIDELINES DURING SYSTEMIC ILLNESS

*Dr. Revathy P. S., Dr. Aiswarya S., Dr. Shalinee Kumari Mishra

Abstract

Background: Dantadhavana (tooth brushing) is an integral component of Ayurvedic Dinacharya practices, prescribed to maintain oral cleanliness, stimulate sensory organs, and promote systemic balance. Ayurvedic texts simultaneously prescribe several contraindications for brushing during specific systemic diseases: Ajirṇa (indigestion), Chardi (vomiting), Shvasa (dyspnoea), Kasa (cough), Jvara (fever), Ardita (facial paralysis), Tṛṣhṇa (excessive thirst/dehydration), Mukha-vraṇa (oral ulcers), Hṛdroga (heart disease), and Shiro- Akshi- Karna Rogas (disorders of the head, eyes, and ears). Rather than absolute prohibitions, these classical guidelines appear to function as protective, context-sensitive precautions during systemic imbalance. This review paper critically reinterprets these contraindications through the lens of contemporary biomedical science. Methods: Ayurvedic texts Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, and Bhavaprakasha were analysed for references to Dantadhavana indications, Nishedhas (contraindications), and associated pathophysiology. Contemporary biomedical literature was reviewed from PubMed and Scopus. Authoritative clinical guidelines were retrieved from the American Dental Association (ADA), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, National Cancer Institute (PDQ), MASCC/ISOO, NIDCR, and the NHS. A comparative interpretive framework was applied for thematic correlation. Results: Ayurvedic contraindications of Dantadhavana correspond with biomedical concerns: enamel erosion after vomiting; mucosal fragility during fever and dehydration; impaired oral motor control in facial palsy; bacteraemia risk in cardiac patients; cough-reflex and aspiration risk in respiratory compromise; mechanical trauma to ulcerated mucosa; and trigeminal-pathway sensitivity in craniofacial pain. The strongest direct evidence supports modifications in vomiting, cardiac disease, facial palsy, oral ulcers, and xerostomia. Moderate evidence supports respiratory conditions. Indigestion is supported by plausible reflex-based reasoning. Conclusion: Contraindications for Dantadhavana align with modern pathophysiological mechanisms and should be interpreted as relative, condition-specific precautions rather than rigid prohibitions. Both traditions advocate modified oral hygiene - Kavala, Gandusha, or gentle brushing during systemic illness. This integrative perspective supports individualised, safer oral-health practices.

Keywords: Dantadhavana, Dinacharya, Tooth brushing, contraindications, Systemic illness.