If you’re worried about the saturated fat content from the oils taking up space in your kitchen cabinet, don’t ditch them just yet. There may be a use for oil in not just your kitchen, but your bathroom as well. Indeed, the quest for improved oral health and hygiene can be accomplished through the daily practice of a 3,000-year-old, ancient Ayurvedic technique called oil pulling.
You’ve likely heard of oil pulling, but have you tried it yourself or been curious about this holistic practice? I have, and while it’s certainly touted as the latest health craze, this Indian folk remedy offers numerous benefits that may surprise you.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Our mouths are riddled with bacteria, housing billions of microorganisms — some beneficial and others, well, not so much. From cavities and gum disease to bad breath, these disease-causing bacteria can wreak havoc on your health. In fact, 30% of people around the world suffer from halitosis, which is caused by bacteria that breed under your tongue and sometimes in your throat and tonsils.
Before you reach for that white bristled toothbrush, you may want to grab some oil instead. A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventative Dentistry found daily oil pulling is an effective preventive practice to help maintain and improve oral health. They found a significant reduction of Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacterium associated with tooth decay, in children who oil pulled with sesame oil even after just one week. Another study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice showed a reduction of the same bacteria in the saliva by oil pulling with coconut oil for just 10 minutes a day.
How Oil Pulling Works
All of the microorganisms in our mouth are covered in a lipid (fatty) membrane. As you swish the oil in your mouth, the cells adhere to the oil or fat. In just 10 to 15 minutes of swishing, the microbes are picked up like a magnet as the oils begin to pull out toxins from your mouth.
How to Oil Pull
For best practices, oil pulling can be accomplished using extra virgin cold-pressed coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil. In fact, research reveals that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. Whichever oil you choose, be sure to use a high-quality, 100% organic oil.
- Place a tablespoon of oil in your mouth upon waking and before eating, drinking, or brushing teeth when oral bacteria is most prevalent.
- Swish the oil in your mouth by pushing and pulling between the teeth for about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Spit the oil out, then brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash. Note: It’s best to spit the oil in the trash or the toilet since the fat from the oils may clog your pipes.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
The daily act of oil pulling reduces harmful bacteria and plaque in your mouth, freshens breath, promotes healthy gums by reducing gingivitis, and strengthens teeth. The pulling action draws out bacteria, fungus, and other organisms from your gums, teeth plaque, saliva, and throat. A study, Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis, showed a marked reduction in plaque and gingival scores after 45 days of oil pulling with refined sunflower oil. Another study showed sesame oil to be effective in improving halitosis and organisms associated with bad breath.
Oil Pulling Remedies
Some people don’t like the taste of plain oil. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have you — and your mouth — covered.
Masigi makes oil pulling tasty and convenient, especially for those who travel frequently and would rather avoid having their oil confiscated at the TSA baggage check. I’ve used and love Masigi. Fourteen pre-portioned packets come in a box and are comprised of 100% organic virgin coconut oil and organic essential oils containing no chemicals or preservatives. The essential oils add natural flavor while providing health benefits. They come in two flavors choices:
- BOOST contains organic grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint essential oils.
- FRESH contains peppermint and spearmint essential oils.
The second solution I have tried and recommend is GuruNanda’s Pulling Oil. I like this brand because it’s based on Ayurveda principles to balance the three Doshas by blending an equal combination of pure sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. It is 100% organic, alcohol-free, and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. While you could easily make this yourself and save money, it is definitely convenient and may be just what you need to stay on track with your daily commitment.
Creating a new daily habit is never easy, but oil pulling each day may likely keep the dentist away.