TikTok Trend or dental miracle? Truth about oil pulling revealed

Soniya
Oil pulling for oral health: Does it work? (Image via Pexels / Tijana Dmdarski)
Oil pulling for oral health: Does it work? (Image via Pexels/Tijana Dmdarski)

The ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling has made a comeback in recent years as an alternative method for oral health.

So, how does it work? How can it benefit your oral health, and is oil pulling safe or effective? Here's everything you need to know about this ancient technique and why it might be good for your teeth.


What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that has been around for centuries. It involves swishing oil in the mouth and spitting it out. That's believed to have many health benefits, including:

  • Strengthening teeth and gums
  • Reducing plaque build-up on the teeth, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay
  • Boosting oral health by reducing bad breath or halitosis (bad breath)

Does it help with oral health?

An ancient ayurvedic technique to prevent cavity and bacteria (Image via Pexels / Anna Shvets)
An ancient ayurvedic technique to prevent cavity and bacteria (Image via Pexels / Anna Shvets)

It's an ancient Ayurvedic technique that uses the power of oil to cleanse the mouth and prevent tooth decay, plaque, bad breath and other dental problems.

The practice involves swishing a tablespoonful of cold-pressed sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for about 15 minutes daily to remove toxins from the gums and teeth.

The oil softens hardened plaque on the surface of the teeth before it's spit out into a garbage bin (not down the sink). This activity also helps improve circulation in the gums by massaging them gently with this medium-viscosity substance.


How to do oil pulling for gums?

To oil pull, put 1-2 tablespoons of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth, and swish it around for 10-20 minutes. Spit out the oil (do not swallow), and rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat that twice daily for the best results.


Can you do oil pulling at night?

It can be done at any time of day. (Image via Unsplash/Megumi Nachdev)
It can be done at any time of day. (Image via Unsplash/Megumi Nachdev)

This is a simple process that can be done at any time of day. It's not a replacement for brushing teeth but rather an additional tool in your oral health arsenal.

It works, as the oil draws toxins out of the mouth as it passes through the gums and tongue. This process also helps loosen plaque build-up and removes stains from teeth.

The longer you swish, the more effective it is at removing toxins, so if you have time in your morning routine, consider doing some swishing before breakfast.


Is it fine to use coconut oil for mouth rinse?

Promotes overall oral health. (Image via Pexels / Arvind Philomin)
Promotes overall oral health. (Image via Pexels / Arvind Philomin)

Coconut oil is a healthy oil and can be used for oil pulling. Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal the mouth and gums.

It also contains medium chain triglycerides, which have been shown to help prevent cavities by killing bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay.


How long should you oil pull each time?

The recommended time for oil pulling is 10-15 minutes. You can do it longer if you want, but there's no evidence that it's better.

The length of time required to see a difference in your oral health varies from person to person based on the condition of teeth and gums at the start of the oil-pulling practice.


Can you use other liquid and oils for oil pulling?

Coconut oil is more preferable. (Image via Pexels/Karolina Grabowska)
Coconut oil is more preferable. (Image via Pexels/Karolina Grabowska)

The first question that comes to mind is, "What liquid can I use for oil pulling?" The answer is almost anything.

The important thing to remember is that the liquid needs to be thin enough so that it can be easily swished around in your mouth. If it's too thick or viscous, you won't be able to move it around and get the benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic technique.

Coconut oil is best for oral health, as it has antimicrobial properties and helps fight bacteria in the mouth. Sunflower seed oil works great on skin, as it contains vitamin E, which helps prevent wrinkles. Olive oil does wonders for heart health by lowering cholesterol level.


Can oil pulling reverse cavities?

Swirl it around your mouth for 15 mins and rinse. (Image via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)
Swirl it around your mouth for 15 mins and rinse. (Image via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

No, oil pulling cannot reverse cavities. Once tooth decay has occurred, the only way to repair the damage and prevent further decay is through dental treatment like fillings, root canals or crowns.

Oil pulling can prevent cavities by reducing bacteria in the mouth but cannot reverse existing cavities.


How often should you do a dental hygiene routine with coconut or sunflower seed oils?

It should be done every day, as it's an important part of oral health routine. It's also important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once.


Oil pulling is a simple yet effective practice that can have numerous health benefits. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can improve oral health, boost immune system and promote overall wellness.

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