Babul (Acacia arabica) occurs wild in the Indian subcontinent and tropical Africa. Babul is used as datun for teeth cleaning. It has astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic and germicidal activities . Babul as datun and tooth powder is very useful in treating bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and other oral problems.
Latin Names: Acacia nilotica Delile. (Sub species indica (Benth.) Brenan / A. arabica Willd. var. indica Benth
English Names: Indian Gum Arabic Tree, Black Babool
Hindi Name: Babul
Benefits of using Acacia or Babool for mouth care
- Strengthens teeth and gums
- Antimicrobial action that causes reduction in oral problems
- Reduces plaque formation
- Reduces gingival inflammation (inflammation of the gums )
- Causes alkalinity of saliva that is pH of saliva increases which helps in protecting teeth from cavities, decay
- Prevents cavities, gum swelling
How to use Babul or Acacia
Take fresh twig of Acacia. Chew it and form like a brush. Use this to clean teeth and massage gums. Do datun for few minutes and spit out saliva. Rinse mouth with water.
If you cannot obtain fresh twig daily, then collect fresh twigs and dry them. Now before using dried twig soak in water for a night. Next morning brush with it.
For mouth ulcer you can chew fresh leaves of Babul.
Homemade Tooth Powder
You can also use Acacia bark for teeth and gum problems. Dry bark of acacia and grind it to make powder. Now add clove, Black pepper powder. Mix well to prepare tooth powder. Use this powder for massaging gums and teeth cleaning purpose.