What is oil pulling? How do you oil pull and what are the benefits?
What is oil pulling? How do you oil pull and what are the benefits?
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. In fact, it’s been proven to be even more effective than flossing, and it’s one of the best ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
It has taken quite some time, but oil pulling has finally gained some popularity. "This oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine [a traditional Indian system] that dates back 3,000 years," says Jessica T. Emery, DMD, owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft in Chicago. "It involves swishing approximately 1 tablespoon of oil -- typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil -- in your mouth for up to 20 minutes and then spitting it out."
How does it work?
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease.
Unlike some so-called natural home remedies, it's not a practice that's based on pseudo-science. Recent studies show that oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque, and microorganisms that cause bad breath. How? "Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell," Emery says. "Cells are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane, which is the cell's skin. When these cells come into contact with oil, a fat, they naturally adhere to each other."
What are the benefits?
This unbelievably effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:
- Treat tooth decay
- Kill bad breath
- Heal bleeding gums
- Prevent heart disease
- Reduce inflammation
- Whiten teeth
- Soothe throat dryness
- Prevent cavities
- Heal cracked lips
- Boost the immune system
- Improve acne
- Strengthen gums and jaws
How to oil pull?
I generally use coconut oil as is effective in attacking Streptococcus Mutans bacteria which causes cavities (I'm very susceptible to cavities as I was born with deep tooth groves :( ). It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid.
Floss first(!) to loosen up the bacteria and plaque in between your teeth/gums.
Put 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil into the mouth. I also pour a few drops of Brushing Blend or Essential Oil into the mix. (Just make sure any essential oil is safe to use in the mouth).
Swish for 5-10 minutes. The longer the better, as it needs to be long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not long enough that the body starts re-absorbing the toxins and bacteria. The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixed with saliva during this time and it should be creamy-white when spit out.
Spit oil into the trash/or down the sink if you have a good septic system (just rinse it down with hot water!). Do not swallow the oil as it is hopefully full of bacteria and plaque that are now no longer in the mouth!
Rinse well with warm water.
Continue with your regular brushing routine.
Keep checking back for more health information and tips :)
- Victoria xox
