Introduction
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian practice which is regaining popularity after winning over health-conscious people in the West. Ayurveda suggests oil pulling, also known as gandusha kriya, as a morning ritual for improving oral health and hygiene and removing microorganisms from the mouth. One can do oil pulling by swishing the oil through the gums, tongue and teeth.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is a centuries-old Indian practice involving swishing edible oil in the mouth to naturally clean and whiten the teeth. It removes impurities from the body and purifies it far more effectively than mouthwash.
Sesame oil and coconut oil are edible oils frequently employed as a pulling or absorption medium.
Swish a teaspoon of oil in the mouth for 20 minutes and spit it out. This can be done daily. Sesame oil is required for the ancient Ayurvedic procedure. However, many modern oil pulling practitioners choose coconut.
People continue to tout the health benefits of oil pulling. The bottom line of oil pulling is that it cannot replace flossing and brushing twice daily, according to the studies.
Benefits of oil pulling
Oil pulling is not a miracle treatment. In developing nations where mouthwash is not widely available, oil pulling may be a helpful preventive home therapy for maintaining oral hygiene.
Oil pulling can enhance oral hygiene when carried out correctly, consistently, and in combination with brushing and flossing.
Benefits gum health
Oil pulling reduces gingivitis, a moderate, early type of gum disease. The teeth and gums must have a healthy oral microbiome, which requires regular maintenance. A type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans in the mouth is one of the most frequent causes of tooth decay.
Doing oil pulling every day for 10 to 15 minutes can help lower the amount of S. mutans in the mouth and protect a person against dental issues.
Removes plaque
Plaque that toothpaste cannot remove is removed via oil pulling. Compared to water-based mouthwashes, it removes plaque effectively.
There is evidence that oil pulling, especially using coconut oil, may be able to reduce the risk of plaque formation.
Oil pulling is just as efficient at maintaining and enhancing dental health as using mouthwash.
Fresh breath
Bad breath can harm our relationships in addition to getting us weird looks from others. The bacteria that cause bad breath live in microscopic grooves on the tongue and the back of the throat. One may get rid of these bacteria in the mouth by oil pulling and gargling, which will give us fresh and odourless breath.
Doesn’t kill good bacteria
By using oil, one can delicately balance the good and harmful microorganisms in the body. Good bacteria won’t be completely killed by oil pulling. It is not a good idea to clean our mouths with substances that are highly potent chemically. The oil keeps our mouth bacteria in excellent shape and improves tooth health.
Helps detoxification
Several studies have shown a connection between good oral hygiene and general health. The unhealthy bacteria present in the mouth eventually enter the body with meals, leading to health issues and even potentially fatal heart inflammation.
By removing harmful oral bacteria on a daily basis, oil pulling supports the body’s natural detoxification process.
Boosts digestion
Regular practice of Gandusha and Kavala helps balance the doshas and activates the digestive system, which protects against several illnesses. There is a positive impact on the vata dosha in the gut when the mouth is stimulated. Also, it aids in digestion improvement and the regulation of metabolic issues.
How to do oil pulling?
Use only high-grade, edible oil when doing oil pulling. Common varieties include sesame, sunflower and coconut oils. Swish a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes.
The goal of oil pulling should be to move the oil as much as possible. There is no right or wrong method to do it. Force it between the teeth while giving it a quick side-to-side swish.
It’s important to keep oil pulling long enough to reap the benefits. Beginning with five minutes, progressively extend the oil pulling sessions as one gets used to the sensation.
The amount of the oil increases as one does oil pulling regularly as it gathers up other liquids and air as one swishes it about the mouth. It makes many people feel as though they must spit before they finish oil pulling. If that occurs, spit some oil into the garbage (so it doesn’t clog the sink) and then continue pulling.
A person can gradually progress to longer oil pulling sessions. Spit the remaining oil into the garbage after the process is done. After swishing about for so long, it will seem foamy and white. An individual can start the day by brushing their teeth to remove any residual oil or pollutants.
To try the practice, follow these instructions.
- Gargle a teaspoon of edible oil (Sesame or coconut oil) for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do not swallow the oil. Instead, swish it about the mouth as one would do with mouthwash.
- Spit the oil into the trash after 20 minutes. Throwing oil down the drain will harm the pipes, so keep that in mind.
- Use water to rinse the mouth.
Best oils for oil pulling
Coconut oil
Due to its high lauric acid concentration, coconut oil has great antibacterial properties, making it a preferred option for oil pulling therapy. This is an easily accessible ingredient throughout the entire nation.
Arimedadi Thailam
It is the ideal oil for oil pulling since it is fortified with several herbs and oils that are beneficial to oral health. It eliminates harmful germs from the soft tissues of the mouth and stops gum bleeding, tooth decay, bad breath and tooth hypersensitivity. It can be purchased from Ayurveda outlets.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil, the king of herbal oils, is one of the best options for oil pulling. It aids in eliminating bad breath and guards against tooth decay and gum bleeding. Also, daily swishing with sesame oil can help to strengthen the gums and jaw.
What happens during oil pulling?
More than 600 bacterial species can be found in our mouths. While some of the bacteria in the mouth are beneficial and contribute to a healthy microbiome, others are harmful and are responsible for problems like tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, etc.
The easy oil pulling method can eliminate these bacteria. A lipid membrane that adheres to the lipid structure of the oil encloses the unicellular bacteria. These bacteria become separated from the soft tissues when we swish the oil in the mouth, adhere to the oil, and eventually spit the oil out. The procedure is similar to how detergent gets rid of dirt particles from clothing.
Conclusion
Oil pulling, also known as kavala or gundusha in Ayurveda, is said to have health benefits such as improving oral flora, avoiding tooth decay, reducing bad breath and strengthening the tissue of teeth and gums.
Oil pulling using sesame oil or coconut oil is a safe and beneficial supplement to a good dental hygiene regimen, along with brushing, flossing and tongue scraping.
