Abstract

Background: Kavala (oral rinsing), an Ayurveda oral rinsing procedure described in Dinacharya (daily routine), is traditionally recommended for oral hygiene and systemic well-being. However, classical texts provide limited quantitative guidance on the ideal volume of liquid and duration of retention, leading to variations in practice. Objective: This study aimed to empirically standardise Kavala in healthy adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at an Ayurveda tertiary-care teaching hospital in southern India from April 2022 to March 2023. A total of 400 healthy volunteers aged 18–70 years were recruited; 387 completed the procedure. Participants filled the oral cavity with lukewarm water to determine full oral capacity, and half of this volume was designated as the Kavala quantity. Retention time was recorded until classical signs or discomfort occurred. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, independent t-tests, and linear regression. Results: The mean full oral capacity was 69.13 ± 16.85 mL, yielding an average Kavala volume of 34.48 ± 8.54 mL, with a mean retention time of 1.07 ± 0.88 minutes. Both volume and retention time showed a declining trend with age. Gender did not significantly affect Kavala volume (p = 0.097), though females retained the liquid slightly longer than males (1.19 vs. 0.97 minutes, p ≈ 0.015). A weak but significant positive association was observed between volume and retention time (r = 0.224, R² = 0.050, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The volume of liquid for Kavala may be standardised as approximately ≈35 mL retained comfortably for about one minute, with adjustments for age, supporting a personalised yet measurable clinical approach.

Key words: Ayurveda, Cross-sectional study, Dinacharya; Kavala, Oral health, Oral rinsing