Oil Pulling - A Natural Solution For Healthy Teeth and Gums
“Oil Pulling” is an age-old ayurvedic technique which helps maintain oral hygiene and dental health. It is a method which involves swishing oil in one’s mouth for up to twenty minutes. The most popular oil is coconut oil, but other oils such as sunflower, sesame, olive and palm can be used as well. It is said to have many benefits, including its ability to “pull” bacteria from the mouth. Other advantages include:
- Moisturisation of the gums, promoting salivation (which also reduces bacteria)
- Reduction of inflammation
- Whitening of teeth
- Removal of bad breath
- Prevention of cavities and plaque buildup, as well as bleeding gums
- Strengthening of teeth and gums
- Relief from chapped lips and dry throat
These benefits sound pretty good to us! Here is an easy method with which to practice oil pulling. For a great, organic coconut oil, you could use the organic coconut oil from Taste of Nature from Auroville. However, if you suffer from coconut allergies, other oils such as sesame or olive oil can also be used.
Method
- Brush your teeth normally after waking up. Do this on an empty stomach.
- Measure approximately 10ml of your chosen oil.
- Raise your chin slightly so the oil spreads across your mouth, and use your jaws as if you were chewing something.
- Swish the oil around in your mouth for approximately 15-20 minutes, taking care not to swallow any. Build your way up to 20 minutes, starting with 5 minutes the first time you practice this method.
- After about 10 minutes, the oil should become more watery. If this does not happen, you are not doing it correctly.
- Once the time is up, spit out the oil. Do not spit into a sink or toilet, as this could cause an oil buildup and lead to clogging.
- Rinse your mouth well with water before consuming any liquids or food. For best results, wait 15-20 minutes before consumption.
- Start by practicing this method a few times a week, gradually working your way up to doing it daily (some people practice oil pulling 3 times a day).
This is a safe method, as it is gradual, and you can work your way up to a personalized routine. However, it is also important to understand the disadvantages of oil pulling as well. One of the worst side effects of oil pulling (if one does not practice a safe method) is lipoid pneumonia, which happens when the oil reaches the lungs. Accidentally swallowing the oil can also cause nausea and sudden flu-like symptoms. However, these are unlikely to occur if one uses a safe method of oil pulling, and is careful not to swallow any oil.
Have you tried oil pulling before? What is your experience?
