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International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research

Review Article

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON DANTAHARSHA IN SHALAKYATANTRA

Suchitra Chawan1*, Suja K. Sreedhar2
*1Assistant professor Dept of Shalakyatantra, SHES AMC&H, Kalburgi, Karnataka, 2Deputy Director of
Ayurveda, RGUHS Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
ABSTRACT
Mukha is considered as one of the Nava dwaras. Danta is the Anga (part) of Mukha. There are
various diseases affecting the Mukha and their Angas. As preventive therapy our Acharyas have
mentioned Kavala, Gandusha, Dantadhavan, Mukhaprakhalana etc in Dincharya. One who does
not indulge in such regimen is sure to be affected by the diseases of the Mukha.
Dantaharsha is one of the 8 Dantaroga explained by Acharya Sushruta and it is the most
common disorder of the mouth. Clinically, if teeth do not tolerate cold or heat or any other kind
of touch, it is known as Dantaharsha. It can be compared with dental hypersensitivity. Several
people all around the world experience this painful condition and are highly prevalent in the
adult populations. Dantagatharogas, its causes, prevention and treatment are explained in
detail in all the ancient texts of Ayurveda. This shows the importance given to oral health during
those eras and even now, it is rightly said oral health is equal to overall health. Many remedies
are prescribed in modern medicine for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity like use of
fluorides, oxalates etc in the form of paste, lasers etc. But these methods are quite expensive
and often recurrence of the symptoms is seen. Long use of these are said to cause allergic
reaction to gums. So it becomes relevant to develop an easy, economic, non toxic and
approachable modality as a treatment measure in Dantaharsha.
KEYWORDS: Dantaharsha, Pratisarana, Shalakyatantra, Dental hypersensitivity.
INTRODUCTION
Good oral hygiene is not just important, its exposure to the oral environment. [3] The mechanism
probably even more important than we think. Bad of dentine sensitivity is explained by various theories
oral hygiene can kill us. Over the past decade, like neural theory, Odontoblastic Transduction
researchers have discovered that bad oral hygiene theory, Hydrodynamic theory[4]. Currently most
can trigger immune system reaction that can lead to investigators accept that dentin sensitivity is due to
heart attacks and strokes. The CDC estimates that the hydrodynamic fluid shift, which occur across
more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 have exposed dentin with open tubules. This rapid fluid
tooth decay due to bad oral hygiene. In Ayurveda movement intern activates the mechanoreceptors
Dantaswathya was explained very clearly. If oral nerves of A-group in the pulp.
hygiene is not maintained, it will lead to various Definition
dental illnesses. Dantaharsha is one among the eight Dantanamharshoyasmat[5]
Dantarogas mentioned by almost all Ayurveda
Dantaharsha is a Pullingashabda. That which
Acharyas. Clinically, if teeth do not tolerate cold or
produces Harshata or tingling sensation in Danta is
heat or any other kind of touch, it is known as
called as Dantaharsha.
Dantaharsha[1].
Dantaharsha is a Dantagataroga explained in
The disease Dantaharsha can be compared to
Ayurvedic texts. Separate Nidana for Dantaharsha is
dentine hypersensitivity. Clinical experience suggests
not available but, in general the causative factors of
that Dentine Hypersensitivity is relatively, a common
Mukharoga can be considered as the etiology for all
cause of pain in the teeth. Despite this, the condition
Dantarogas.
has been described as “An enigma, being frequently
encountered, but ill understood[2]. DH is a painful Mukharoga Samanya Nidana and Samprapti
clinical condition that affects 8 to 57% of the adult Partaking meat of fish, buffalo and boar,
population and is associated with the dentin uncooked Moolaka; (greater in indulgence), in soup
of Maasha, Dadhi (curds), Ksheera (milk), Sukta
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 Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2020;8(8):87-91
(fermented gruel), juice of sugar cane and Phaanita Phaanita is Amlarasayukta, Abhishyanda karaka,
(half cooked molasses), sleeping with the face down, Sheetaveerya, Madhuravipaka, Kaphavardhaka.
not cleaning the teeth daily, improper administration All these are Kaphavardhakas leading to Mukharogas.
of therapies like inhalation, emesis, mouth gargles, • In the chapter of Pranashtashalyavignana, there is
and venesection etc. by these causes the Doshas with a reference regarding vitiated Annamala, which is
the predominance of Sleshma (Kapha) get aggravated a Shalya and if get deposited on Danta or
and produce diseases inside the mouth.[6] (A.H.Ut. Dantamoola, causes the diseases respectively.
21/1-2, p.184)
• According to Su.Su. 42/9, Sushruta has explained
Matsya is having Madhura rasa, Sheetaguna, the Nidana based on Rasas. Excessive consumption
Ushnaveerya, Amlavipaka, Pitta kaphavardhaka. of Madhura rasa causes Upalepa, where as
Mahisha is Madhura rasa, Guru guna, Ushnaveerya, excessive intake of Amla rasa causes Dantaharsha
Katuvipaka, Kapha, Rakta pitta vardhaka and excessive salivation.
Masha is Madhura rasa, Snigdha guru guna, Flow chart no.1 Showing Samprapti of
Ushnaveerya, Katuvipaka, Kapha pitta vardhaka. Samanyamukharoga
Dadhi is Amlarasayukta, Guru guna, Ushnaveerya, Nidanasevana
Amlavipaka, Kapha pitta vardhaka.
Ksheera is Madhura rasa, Snigdhaguna, Ushnaveerya, Vitiation of Shleshmadosha
Amlavipaka, Kaphavardhaka.
Ikshu rasa is Madhura rasa, Snigdha guru gunayukta,
Sheetaveerya, Madhuravipaka, Kaphavardhaka.
Diseases of Mukha
Showing Classification of Dantarogas according to different Acharyas
Sushruta, Bhavaprakasha[7], Yogaratnakara, Shodala (Gadanigraha) opined number of Dantarogas are 8,
Shararangadhara quotes 10; Harita[8] quotes 5 types of Dantagatarogas.
S.No. Danta Rogas Su.Sa VAG B.P Y.R Sha.Sa G.N H.S
1 Dalana/Sheetadanta + + + + + + _
2 Krimidanta + + + + + + +
3 Dantaharsha + + + + + + _
4 Bhanjanaka + _ + + _ + _
5 Dantasharkara + + + + + + _
6 Kapalika + + + + + + _
7 Shyavadanta + + + + + + _
8 Hanumoksha + _ + + _ + _
9 Karaladanta _ + _ _ + _ _
10 Dantachala _ + _ _ + _ _
11 Adhidanta/vardhana _ + _ _ + _ _
12 Dantabheda _ + _ _ + _ _
13 Vataja _ _ _ _ _ _ +
14 Pittaja _ _ _ _ _ _ +
15 Kaphaja _ _ _ _ _ _ +
16 Raktaja _ _ _ _ _ _ +
17 Krimija - - - - - - +

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 Suchitra Chawan, Suja K. Sreedhar. A Critical Review on Dantaharsha in Shalakyatantra
Dantaharsha Laxana
The Laxanas of Dantaharsha are explained by almost all Acaryas. In Ayurveda it is considered as a
separate disease where as in modern science it is a symptom found in many diseases.
“Sheetamushnam cha Dashanahsahantesparshanamna cha |
Yasya Tam Dantaharshamtuvyadhimvidyatsamiranam||” (S. Ni. 16/30; p.106).
If teeth do not tolerate cold and heat and any other touch it is known as Dantaharsha caused by Vaata. [9]
“Dantaharshopravatamlasheetabhakshaakhshmadwijah” |
Bavantyaamlaashanaanevasarujaschaeva ||” (A.H.Ut.21/12; p.186)
In Dantaharsha the teeth become incapable of tolerating breeze, eating sour and cold things, feels painful as
though shaking. This produced by eating too much of sour things only. [10]
“sheetarukshapravatamlasparshanamasahadvijah |
Tatrayasyuvaatapittabyamdantaharshasakirtitah||”[11] (B.P.66/68; p.744)
Teeth unable to tolerate cold, touch of dry things, heavy breeze and sour taste- are the symptoms of
Dantaharsha caused by Vaata pitta together.
Showing Dosha involvement according to different authors
No. Authors Dosha Pradhanyata
1 Sushruta Vata
2 Vagbhata -
3 Madhavakara Pitta Vata
4 Yogaratnakara Vata Pitta
5 Bhava prakasha Vata Pitta
6 Shodhala Vata
7 Kalyanakaraka Vata Pitta
Showing Different Laxanas according to different Acharyas
S.No. Lakshanas Vag Su.Sa B.P. Y.R. M.N. K.K G.N
1 Sheetaasahishnuta + + + + + + +
2 Rukshaasahishnuta _ _ + + + _ _
3 Pravaataasaha + _ + + + _ _
4 Amlaasahishnuta + _ + + + _ _
5 Sparashaasahishnuta _ + + + + _ +
6 Sarujadanta + _ _ _ _ _ _
7 Chaladanta + _ _ _ _ _ _
8 Ushnaasahishnuta _ + _ _ _ + +
Sadhya Asadhyata Warm gargles of fats or Traivrtaghrta, or of
“yapyastuharshobhedashchashastraaushadaijayat|” decoctions of Vata alleviating plants control
[12] (A.H.Ut 21/69, p.850) Dantaharsha (tingling of teeth). Smoking, snuff,
Dantaharsha and Dantabheda are Yapya; the unctuous food, meat-soup, gruel made with meat-
remaining should be treated with surgical and soup, milk, supernatant fatty layer of milk,
medicinal treatments. ghee(extracted of milk) and Shirobasti, are beneficial
and also whatever is Vata alleviating.[13] (S.Chi.22/34-
Samanya Chikitsa for Dantaharsha
35.p.478).
Kapha and Raktadosha are involved in
In all types of Dantarogassukhoshnataila
diseases of throat, gums, and teeth. Soraktavisravana
prepared with Vataharaaoushadhis used as a
chikitsa should be performed. (Y.R. Mukharoganidana
chikista 84)
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 Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2020;8(8):87-91
Kavaladharana. (Y.R.Mukharoganidanachikitsa.123. the main causative factor, which produces pain in the
p.720). body.
In Dantaharsha and Dantabheda, either the The early diagnosis and adequate treatment
oil cooked with drugs mitigating Vata or marrow of Dantaharsha will definitely relieve the patients
cooked with Ela, Kushta, and bark of Patali should be from the disease without leading to much
used for holding in the mouth, nasal medication etc complications like tooth loss.
which are unctuous (are desirable).[14] (A.H.Ut. Awareness should be brought about in the
26/11. p.226) society at the early stage of life regarding oral
In Danatashoola, Dantaharshavataharakavala should hygiene methods like Dantadhavana, Kavala,
used for the treatment. [15](Cd. Dantarogachikitsa 6) Gandusha, avoiding intake of acidic food and drinks
Oral cavity is sticky and moist always because that aggravate acidity in the oral cavity leading for
of presence of saliva. Kaphadosha naturally the primary prevention of oral and dental disorders.
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Cite this article as: *Address for correspondence

Suchitra Chawan, Suja K. Sreedhar. A Critical Review on Dantaharsha in Dr Suchitra Chawan
Shalakyatantra. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. Assistant professor,
2020;8(8):87-91. Dept of Shalakyatantra,
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared SHES AMC&H,
Kalburgi, Karnataka.
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 8210508316

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