Let us guess: you suffer from bad breath, cavities, and gum diseases but are clueless about how to get rid of these without painful dental options. Right?

You have landed at the right place. We have a solution for your oral issues. 

Have you heard of oil pulling? Do you know what it is and how does it work?

Well, scroll a little more to get answers to these questions. 

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling, an ancient Indian practice, involves swishing oil in your mouth to improve oral health. While it may reduce harmful bacteria and freshen breath, but, let us clear the air, there's no evidence it whitens teeth or removes toxins from the blood. 

Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling, gaining traction for its claimed health benefits beyond oral care.

How to do Oil Pulling?

Have you ever tried oil pulling? 

Honestly, most people have multiple misconceptions about the process and how it gives you a bad taste. But, the method of oil pulling does not allow any smell or bad taste to stay in your mouth. 

Oil pulling involves swishing edible oil in your mouth each morning on an empty stomach. Typically, sesame or coconut oil is used. Simply take a tablespoon of oil and swish it through your teeth vigorously for 3 to 20 minutes while keeping your mouth closed. Afterward, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water. Many believe this ritual enhances oral health and overall well-being.

What to Consider While Practicing Oil Pulling? 

1. Do it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
2. Use one tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil. 
3. Swish the oil around your mouth slowly. Ensure it reaches all corners.
4. DO NOT swallow. Swish for 5 to 15 minutes. Are you new to the practice? Start with 5 minutes and build it up slowly. 
5. Spit it out once done. Rinse your mouth with water.
6. Brush your teeth as the last step. Preferably with a toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride. 

It is a simple yet powerful practice and can be part of your morning and oral hygiene routine. We often get asked why one should not gargle or swallow. The simple reason being, this oil is supposed to pull toxins, bacteria, viruses, and fungi out of your mouth. Gargling or swallowing the oil will push them right back into your system. So, it is best to spit it out into the sink. If you live in a cold place, it is better to spit it into your garbage to avoid clogging your drain. 

What does science say? 

When you swish the oil in your mouth, it emulsifies at the end of five minutes. It coats your teeth, thereby inhibiting the bacteria from clumping together and reducing the chance of plaque formation. A study conducted among 16 to 18-year-olds with plaque-induced gingivitis concluded that 30 days of oil pulling with coconut oil helped reduce plaque and gingival indices significantly by 50%. 

 Pic Credits: Freepik

How does oil pulling help? 

Oil pulling is a traditional practice that has done wonders for many. More than science, it's the people who benefit from the practice who promote it. Here are some benefits of oil pulling. 

Fighting Mouth Bacteria

Our mouths are full of bacteria, some of which can harm our teeth and gums, leading to decay and bad breath. Swishing oil in your mouth can help reduce harmful bacteria, with coconut oil being a safe option.

Freshening Breath

Bad breath often comes from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth caused by poor hygiene or gum disease. Oil pulling could be a natural way to combat bad breath effectively.

Preventing Cavities

Cavities form when bacteria, poor hygiene, and sugar damage tooth enamel. Oil pulling may help reduce cavity-causing bacteria, offering another tool alongside brushing and flossing.

Soothing Gums

Plaque bacteria can lead to gum disease, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Coconut oil, used in oil pulling, can reduce inflammation and plaque formation, potentially improving gum health.

Boosts Immunity

By reducing the toxic load, oil pulling can help boost your immunity. If you are already going through a health condition, it helps your immune system fight it better. 

Improves Skin and Hormonal Health

Oil pulling is considered effective in improving hormonal balance and boosting skin health by reducing the number of bacteria and toxins in the body.

How does oil pulling work? 

Your mouth can be a gateway for toxins entering your body. If it's full of harmful bacteria, it adds to the toxin load, weakening your immune system and draining your energy. Feeling tired all the time could mean your body needs a cleanse. Try oil pulling for 5 to 20 minutes daily to remove toxins from your mouth, stopping them from entering your body. Whether it's for better health, weight loss, stronger hair, clearer skin, or anti-aging, detoxifying your system and getting rid of toxins is important.

Which oil should you use for oil pulling?

While some people also use olive oil or sesame oil, we prefer and recommend using good-quality organic coconut oil. It has fewer omega-6 fatty acids and is highly anti-inflammatory. Coconut oil has lauric acid, which is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Sesame oil and olive oil are not bad, but the science behind coconut oil makes it the best medium for pulling. Shop for it here. 

Try this ritual, especially if you have issues with your gum, teeth, mouth, and an overload of toxins. If you are going through any conventional medical treatment or are on antibiotics, chemotherapy, or radiation, this could be a powerful practice to cleanse the body. 

Disclaimer: Please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before introducing any new food item or beauty product into your lifestyle, especially if you have a medical health condition or are on medications. In case you are allergic to certain foods, please avoid them.