What the Heck is Oil Pulling and Would You Try It?

What is Oil Pulling and How Does it Work?

Oil pulling involves swishing the oil around the mouth and has been used for thousands of years as an Indian folk remedy.
In order to oil pull, you put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth, then swish it around for 15-20 minutes.
The main benefit, of doing this, is that it reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
There are actually thousands of different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some of them are friendly, others are not.
The bacteria in the mouth create a “biofilm” on the teeth – a thin layer that they use to adhere to the surface. This is what we know as “plaque.”
Having some plaque on your teeth is normal, but if it gets out of hand it can cause all sorts of problems, including bad breath, yellow teeth, gum inflammation, gingivitis, and cavities.
The way oil pulling works is simple. When you swish the oil around your mouth, the bacteria “get stuck” in it and dissolve in the liquid oil.
Basically, you remove a large amount of the bacteria and plaque in your mouth each time you do this.

I Personally Prefer Coconut Oil

Traditionally, the Indians used other oils such as sesame oil or sunflower oil.
Oil pulling should work with pretty much any oil you choose, but I prefer coconut oil because it has many health benefits.
The Lauric Acid (one of the fatty acids in coconut oil) is also proven to be antimicrobial… it can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The taste of coconut oil is also fairly pleasant compared to other oils. I found it rather disgusting at first having my mouth full of oil, but I got used to it after a few days.
Now let’s look at a few studies on oil pulling…

Oil Pulling Can Reduce Harmful Bacteria in The Mouth

Streptococcus Mutans is one of the main bacteria in the mouth and a key player in plaque buildup and tooth decay.
In a study from 2008 with 20 boys, oil pulling (using sesame oil) caused a reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans in the plaque in as little as 2 weeks (3).
It was not as effective as a Chlorhexidine mouthwash, but much cheaper and MUCH less nasty.

Oil Pulling Can Reduce Plaque and Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by inflammation of the gums and happens when the immune system starts attacking the bacteria in the plaque.
Another study compared oil pulling and chlorhexidine in adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis. Both oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash were effective against gingivitis

How to Oil Pull

Oil pulling is incredibly simple and effective.
Here’s how to do it:

1. Put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth.

If you use coconut oil like me, then you may have to chew on the oil for a minute or so to let it melt, because it is solid at room temperature.
It is best to do this on an empty stomach, before you brush your teeth. I prefer to do it while I take a shower in the morning.
I put the oil in my mouth, swish it around while in the shower and try to “push” and “pull” the oil between my teeth.
When I get out of the shower I spit out the oil into the trash or toilet (not the sink… it can clog), rinse my mouth with water and then brush my teeth.
There is no need to use a lot of force here, if oil pulling causes pain in your facial muscles then just relax a bit. Try using less oil next time and don’t swish it around too forcefully.
Three weeks of oil pulling can give you lovely white teeth.

In addition to Oral Health, Traditional Medicine Reports that Oil Pulling will help with these Ailments.

It’s a long list. For a very long time, this alternative cure has been used to assist the immune system and to prevent or cure, among other problems, heart disease, arthritis, eczema, chronic infections, headaches, insomnia, kidney function, bronchitis and is even reported to help with hangovers. Mouth health reflects the health of the entire body, making oil pulling a common sense home remedy.
Oil pulling is an ancient natural medical treatment for many ailments. It also has cosmetic benefits, including whiter teeth and clearer skin and in addition It aids the immune system. This home remedy is safe, easy to do and effective.

To read the complete article please head over to:
Earthclinic

Author: Marsha Mellow

Hello dear friends. Welcome to Natural Medicine Box. My name is Melody and I love love, love natural medicine. This is my passion and joy of living. I hope you enjoy your visit today and please visit often. Thank you! View all posts by Marsha Mellow