If you are a person who is into keeping their oral health tidy and in line, you have most probably heard of oil pulling. While it has a large number of benefits and drawbacks, in this article we are going to take a look at what it actually is, what are its benefits, how it is done, and whether you should try oil pulling.
Now let’s get started.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is a method used in Ayurvedic medicine. People using this technique swish oil in their mouth for about 15-20 minutes and then spit it out. It is believed that oil pulling can remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene.
Proponents say oil pulling can improve oral health in many ways.
For example, it’s said that doing this regularly will reduce plaque and tartar build-up, the main culprits behind tooth decay and gum disease. What’s more, is that it can even make your teeth whiter by taking off any superficial stains and generally making your mouth cleaner. Some claim their breath is fresher and their mouth feels cleaner after oil pulling than it does when they use traditional mouthwashes containing alcohol and other chemicals.
Oil pulling does more than just promote good oral health. It is believed that by reducing bacteria in the mouth, oil pulling can help prevent systemic illnesses associated with oral bacteria such as heart disease and diabetes.
Though more scientific proof is necessary to support these claims fully, many people use oil pulling as a natural method for sustaining their oral hygiene fostered by the whole body wellness idea in recent times.
Does Science Back Oil Pulling?
So far we have learned one or two things about oil pulling but what does actual science say about it?
According to certain research, it has been suggested that oil pulling can play a central role in improving oral hygiene. For example, there is scientific proof that coconut oil can decrease the number of harmful bacteria present in the mouth like Streptococcus mutans which significantly contributes to tooth decay and gum diseases. Furthermore, small studies have indicated that plaques are reduced while the health of gums is enhanced through using oils for pulling just as traditional mouthwashes do. These findings thus imply that they could be used as adjuncts in maintaining dental care.
Nevertheless, it should be known that there is still a lack of uniformity among scientists about whether or not oil pulling works effectively. This is because a lot of trials done in connection with this matter were either too small or had loose ends, which made drawing definite conclusions difficult. In spite of the promising nature shown by oil-pulling therapy, more extensive high-quality research needs to be carried out to verify its benefits fully as well as comprehensively understand how they come about.
Until then, people should be made aware that using these substances is not meant to replace conventional methods like cleaning teeth by rubbing them with toothpaste and then rinsing off (brushing), flossing, or seeing the dentist regularly.
How is Oil Pulling Done?
Oil pulling is an easy method that can be included in your daily routine. After all, it is only swishing oil around in your mouth for some time. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do oil pulling effectively.
Step 1: Choose Your Oil
The first thing you need to do when oil pulling is choose the right type of oil. Some common options are coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Coconut oil is loved by many people because it has a good taste and also has antibacterial properties. For best results, make sure that whatever kind of oil you select is high quality and organic if possible.
Step 2: Measure The Oil
Get about one tablespoonful of the oil you have chosen. If this is your first time doing oil pulling or if it’s something new in general then start by using a smaller amount such as one teaspoonful and increase gradually as time goes on and until comfortable with the process.
Step 3: Swish The Oil
Put the oil into your mouth and swish it around. You should move it all over inside your mouth so that it gets to every part including between teeth and along gums. Do not swish too hard as there’s no need for that; doing so can make jaws tired easily without achieving much else. Continue doing this for 15-20 minutes which allows enough contact between bacteria/toxins in the mouth with oil.
Step 4: Spit Out The Used Oil
After 15 minutes or so spit out what has been used up into a bin, not a sink or toilet since it may solidify leading to blocked drainage systems. Now if examined closely one will find that it should be milky white/yellowish in color showing the presence of bacteria/toxins.
Stage 5: Gargle and Scrub
Use warm water to gargle your mouth and get rid of the remaining oil. For more thorough cleaning, some people prefer using salt water at this point. After gargling, brush your teeth as you normally would so that any remaining bacteria and oil can be eliminated.
More Ideas for Effective Oil Pulling
- Do it on an empty stomach – preferably in the morning before eating or drinking anything else;
- Regular practice is essential – make it a part of your everyday routine or at least several times per week;
- Never swallow the oil – it contains all the harmful substances and microorganisms extracted from your oral cavity during the procedure.
What oils Can I Use?
One of the most critical parts of oil pulling is choosing the right oil. The following are oils recommended for oil pulling as well as their specific benefits:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is among the most used oils in the practice of oil pulling for good reason too! This is because it contains lauric acid which is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Such an element can help eliminate harmful mouth bacteria such as streptococcus mutans known to cause tooth decay and gum disease. Also, coconut oil has little taste making it favorable among starters.
Sesame Oil
Another great selection for carrying out oil pulling would be sesame oil; an oil that has been used traditionally within Ayurvedic medicine systems all over India. It is packed with antioxidants while possessing antibacterial features thus making it very beneficial towards improving overall oral health status. Besides, sesame oils are thought to work effectively against reducing gum inflammation as well as fighting plaque formation. Due to their unique nutty taste though, some people may find this quite strong initially but eventually, they get used to it.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a common choice when performing oil pulling owing to its widespread availability and affordability across the globe. This type of oil contains linoleic acid among other compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects within them. Even though sunflower oil may not be as popular as either coconut or sesame oils in terms of carrying out this particular activity, still it can serve well enough to lower levels of bacteria while enhancing general dental cleanliness at the same time.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, known for its heart-healthy benefits, can also be used for oil pulling. It’s equipped with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities which help in enhancing good oral health. Despite its taste being stronger than that of coconut oil, many people use it for mouthwashes because it is very effective in oral hygiene maintenance.
Other Oils
Although the aforementioned oils are the most popular ones, certain individuals try out other kinds including avocado, flaxseed, and almond among others. These also contain good properties but their use and study concerning this practice are limited.
Final Words
While oil pulling is said to have magical results, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting this. It is important to note that oil pulling does not replace brushing, flossing and your dentist appointments. It is rather a simple home remedy for extra care.
