Oil pulling! That sounds like something you do in a car, doesnβt it? But no! Oil pulling is an ancient and natural practice of swishing oil in your mouth to improve oral hygiene. It dates back to ancient Ayurvedic medicine and is gaining popularity today as people look for more natural ways to keep their mouths healthy. This practice has been found to reduce bacteria and plaque buildup, freshen breath, whiten teeth, and even aid in preventing gum disease. This article will explore the benefits of oil pulling for your teeth and give tips on getting started.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is a traditional oral health practice that involves swishing oil, typically coconut or sesame oil, in the mouth for several minutes. The idea is that the oil binds to and removes bacteria, toxins, and other harmful substances from the mouth. Proponents of oil pulling believe it can improve oral health by reducing plaque, freshening breath, and promoting a healthy mouth. While there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, some studies have shown that oil pulling can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, making it a potential addition to an oral care routine and even relaxing your dental health.
Benefits Of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to improve oral health. Its potential benefits include the following:
1. Reduced Plaque & Harmful Bacteria
Oil pulling has been shown to reduce the amount of plaque and harmful bacteria in the mouth, potentially improving oral health.
2. Fresher Breath
The removal of bacteria from the mouth through oil pulling may help reduce bad breath.
3. Whiter Teeth
Some people have reported that this ancient teeth-cleaning practice has helped improve the whiteness of their teeth over time.
4. Softer, Smoother Gums
The oil used helps improve the health of gums by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy mouth.
5. Improved Oral HealthΒ
By reducing harmful bacteria and promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth, oil pulling may improve overall oral health.
It’s important to note that while oil pulling has been used for thousands of years and is considered safe, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and how it compares to other forms of oral hygiene. Consult your dentist to determine if oil pulling is right for you.
Method Of Oil Pulling
There are several methods to clean your teeth this way. However, there’s one method that is most popular. Here’s how to do oil pulling:
1. Choose Your Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling due to its antimicrobial properties and mild flavor, but sesame oil is also commonly used.
2. Put A Tablespoon Of Oil In Your Mouth
Place a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 20 minutes. Make sure not to swallow the oil.
3. Swish The Oil Around Your Mouth
Swish the oil around your mouth and through your teeth as if you were brushing your teeth with the oil. The oil should become thin and milky as you swish.
4. Spit Out The Oil
After 20 minutes, spit out the oil into the trash. Do not swallow it, as it will contain bacteria and other toxins that have been pulled from your mouth.
5. Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any remaining oil and bacteria. You can also brush your teeth as usual.
6. Repeat Daily
For best results, oil pulling should be done daily, either in the morning before eating or brushing or at night before bed.
It’s important to start slowly and work your way up to the full 20 minutes, as swishing the oil for that long can be difficult for some people. If the oil becomes too thick or uncomfortable, you can spit it out and start over with a fresh tablespoon of oil.
The Bottom Line
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that can effectively help improve your oral health and prevent gum disease. It has been shown to reduce plaque, whiten teeth, and fight bad breath. With its ease of use and numerous benefits, it should be part of everyoneβs daily dental routine. Give it a try today for cleaner and brighter teeth!