Amla Juice: Boon or Bother?

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Written by Dr Amrita Jain

Medically reviewed by  Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali Kabade BDS, TCC

Last updated Dec 5, 2023

Written by Dr Amrita Jain

Medically reviewed by  Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali Kabade BDS, TCC

Last updated Dec 5, 2023

Home remedies evoke a sense of nostalgia- that of your grandmother massaging your head with oil, telling you about her grandmother’s special cold cure. In these days of a global pandemic, more and more people are turning to amla juice as an immunity booster. However, did you know amla juice benefits also help keep your mouth clean? 

A GIFT 

Amla or Indian gooseberry is a small fruit native to India. The ancients used Amla in Ayurveda in tonics that restored body energy. Amla has an abundance of Vitamin C and so, is good for your gums. Amla works to clear your throat and keep your digestive system healthy. Amla consumed in the form of a juice, as a whole or even as dry powder is equally good for your mouth as well as overall health.

NATURE’S MOUTHWASH: AMLA JUICE

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Studies show amla could actually help you keep your gum diseases at bay.
Dental benefits of Amla juice include: 

• Keeps away or fights harmful oral bacteria- Amla acts as an antibiotic agent.

• Reduces the incidence of plaque.

• Reduces the incidence of cavities.

• Strengthens the gums.

• Reduces bleeding from the gums.

• Helps to get rid of bad mouth odour.

Some studies also showed that amla juice along with Triphala and other natural ingredients could help cure mild gum disease. 

IS AMLA JUICE OVERRATED? 

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For many, the benefits of amla juice are too good to be true. There definitely are side effects to drinking too much amla juice. The acid content in are very high and works like soda to strip good enamel off your teeth. This stripping of your enamel can cause the inner sensitive dentine layer of your teeth to get exposed and cause teeth sensitivity. People argue about whether one should brush their teeth after having amla to help get rid of the acids, or if one should let saliva act as a buffer for the acid. 

All in all, we think that it can be consumed in moderation. The benefits of amla are real but are a part of a holistic approach to oral health. You should not try to cure any gum disease with juice, just visit your dentist! 

CONSUMING AMLA 

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One can mix a teaspoon of amla powder in a glass of water and use it as a rinse. If you are worried about your enamel being eroded, try drinking juice with a straw. You can also dilute juice with water to reduce its side effects! 

To make an amla rinse:

Steep a couple of green tea bags in hot water and allow to cool. Add one teaspoon of powder or juice and use this to rinse your mouth before bedtime. 

Juice made from amla has both benefits and drawbacks. As with anything you put in your body, consume juice in moderation. Always visit your dentist immediately if you think you have gum or dental problems! 

Highlights: 

  • Several studies prove the efficacy of amla in maintaining oral health.
  • It helps keep your mouth clean and fights dental cavities
  • Amla helps keeping gum infections like gingivitis and periodontitis away.
  • Excess consumption of amla could lower the pH in the mouth and the acidic nature could erode your teeth over a period of time causing teeth sensitivity.
  • Consuming amla in moderation is the key to keeping your gums healthy.
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Author Bio: Dr. Amrita Jain is a practicing dental surgeon since 4 years. She completed her B.D.S in 2016 and was has been a rank holder throughout her course. She suggests “Holistic dentistry is the best dentistry”. Her treatment line follows a conservative pattern which means saving a tooth is of utmost priority and preventing your teeth from getting decayed rather than curing it with a root canal treatment. She inculcates the same while consulting her patients. Apart from her interest in clinical practice, she has developed interest in research and writing over a period of time. She states “It is my clinical experience that motivates me to write and spread dental awareness”. Her articles are well researched with a combination of technical knowledge and clinical experience.

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2 Comments

  1. Archana Kurlekar Mirashi

    Good info Dr. Shreya. Thanks for sharing. Have a query, will we get the same benefits if amla is eaten in raw form?

    Reply
    • Dr. Shreya Shaligram

      Hello Archana,

      Amla will definitely have the same benefits in raw form. However, if eaten everyday for a long time, the fruit may cause the enamel on your teeth to slowly strip away. This is due to the high acid content in amla. To avoid this, you can consume it as juice with a straw or dilute it in water. There are also many other fun ways to consume amla- as chutney, dried candy, pickles or just incorporate it in your dal!

      Reply

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