MUKHA ROGA - CLASSIFICATION & SAMANYA CHIKITSA

MUKHA ROGA - CLASSIFICATION & SAMANYA CHIKITSA

BASED ON ADHIṢṬHĀNA (SITE OF ORIGIN):
The classification of Mukha Roga (oral cavity disorders) is based on the anatomical location affected. As described in Suśruta Saṃhitā, these are:

• Oṣṭha Gata Roga (Lips) – 4 types

• Danta Gata Roga (Teeth) – 8 types

• Danta Mūla Gata Roga (Gums) – 15 types

• Jihvā Gata Roga (Tongue) – 11 types

• Tālu Gata Roga (Palate) – 6 types

• Kanṭha Gata Roga (Throat) – 11 types

• Saras (Salivary secretions related disorders) – 2 types

• Mukha Gata Roga (General mouth disorders) – 11 types

Reference:
दन्ता ओष्ठं जिह्वा तालु दन्तमूलं स मूर्धजा।
रसा मुखं च कण्ठं च रोगाः सप्तत्रिंशदुच्यते॥
(Suśruta Saṃhitā, Uttara Tantra 1/8)

BASED ON SĀDHYA-ASĀDHYATĀ (PROGNOSIS):
Diseases are also classified based on their curability:

• Sādhya (Curable)

• Kṛcchra Sādhya (Difficult to cure)

• Yāpya (Palliable, manageable)

• Asādhyā (Incurable)

Factors for prognosis consideration include:

• Duration of disease

• Severity of doshic involvement

• Extent of tissue damage

• Strength of patient and disease

• Response to previous treatments

NIDĀNA PANCHAKA OF MUKHA ROGA

1. HETU (CAUSATIVE FACTORS):

• Excessive intake of tikta, kaṭu, uṣṇa, rukṣa aahara

• Poor oral hygiene

• Smoking, alcohol, tobacco chewing

• Excessive consumption of salty and sour foods

• Improper brushing techniques

• Genetic factors, stress

2. PURVARUPA (PRODROMAL SYMPTOMS):

• Dryness in mouth

• Mild pain or irritation

• Slight discoloration

• Sensitivity to hot or cold substances

3. RUPA (SYMPTOMS):

• Swelling of gums, ulcers, bleeding

• Bad breath, pain, burning sensation

• Difficult mastication and speech

• Discoloration of teeth/tongue

4. UPASHAYA/ANUPASHAYA (RELIEVING/AGGRAVATING FACTORS):

• Relief by oil pulling, gargles, herbal mouthwashes

• Aggravation with spicy, hot, dry food

5. SAMPRĀPTI (PATHOGENESIS):

• Involves Kapha and Pitta doshas primarily

• Local doshic vitiation affects mucosal tissue, rakta dhatu, leading to inflammation and infection

SAMANYA CHIKITSA FOR MUKHA ROGA

KAVALA (GARGLE THERAPY):

Indications:

• Stomatitis

• Gingivitis

• Halitosis

• Oral ulcers

• Weak teeth/gums

Contraindications:

• Severe inflammation, ulceration, or mouth injury

• Children below 5 years

Types:

• Sneha Kavala – using medicated oils

• Kṣīra Kavala – using medicated milk

• Kāṣāya Kavala – using decoctions

• Takra Kavala – using buttermilk preparations

Procedure:

• Medicated liquid is taken in the mouth and moved thoroughly

• Not swallowed

• Repeated 2–3 times a day

Sloka:
कवलेनाभ्यसेद्भक्तं दोषसंशमनाय वै।
(Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 22/4)

GANDUṢA (OIL HOLDING THERAPY):

Indications:

• Dental pain

• Dryness of mouth

• Cracks in lips and tongue

• Bad breath

• TMJ stiffness

Contraindications:

• Acute infections or trauma to oral mucosa

• Children or uncooperative patients

Types:

• Snigdha Gandūṣa – with oils/ghee

• Tikta Gandūṣa – with bitter decoctions

• Lavana Gandūṣa – with salt water

• Madhura Gandūṣa – with milk or sweet herbs

Procedure:

• Liquid is filled in the mouth completely and held without movement until salivation increases or discomfort

• Then spit out and rinse

Sloka:
गण्डूषो दिवसे कृत्वा वदनं सुसमञ्जसम्।
(Suśruta Saṃhitā, Cikitsā Sthāna 24/12)

PRATISĀRAṆA (TOPICAL APPLICATION):

Indications:

• Gum infections

• Dental plaque

• Oral ulcers

• Weak gums

• Pigmentation of gums

Contraindications:

• Severe ulceration

• Bleeding disorders

Types:

• Lepa Pratisāraṇa – using pastes

• Chūrṇa Pratisāraṇa – using powders

• Dhāraṇa – application with pressure over affected area

Procedure:

• Powder or paste is rubbed over gums, teeth or tongue using fingers or soft cloth

• Usually followed by gargling or rinsing

Sloka:
प्रत्यग्निकर्म च कुर्यात् प्रातः काले दिने दिने।
द्विरंशुला प्रातिसार्यं शुद्धिस्थैर्यबलप्रदम्॥
(Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 2/10)

PATHYA-APATHYA IN MUKHA ROGA

PATHYA (WHOLESOME DIET AND HABITS):

• Lukewarm water for drinking and gargling

• Soft, unctuous, non-spicy food

• Green leafy vegetables, fruits like pomegranate

• Regular brushing with herbal dantamanjana

• Oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil

• Adequate hydration

• Avoidance of stress and good sleep

APATHYA (UNWHOLESOME):

• Excessively hot, spicy, sour foods

• Smoking, alcohol, tobacco

• Cold and dry food

• Stress, anxiety, night watching

• Overbrushing, use of harsh toothbrush or chemical toothpaste

MODERN PERSPECTIVE (BASED ON ENT & DENTAL TEXTBOOKS):

• Stomatitis, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, leukoplakia, oral candidiasis, periodontitis, halitosis are common oral disorders

• Causes: microbial infections (e.g., Candida, Streptococcus), nutritional deficiencies (esp. B12, iron), poor oral hygiene, smoking, systemic diseases (diabetes, HIV)

• Modern Treatments:

  • Antiseptic mouthwashes (chlorhexidine)

  • Antifungal lozenges for candidiasis

  • Vitamin and mineral supplementation

  • Dental scaling and root planing

• Preventive Measures:

  • Regular dental check-ups

  • Professional dental cleaning

  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

  • Balanced diet