A growing body of research shows that the health of your mouth is crucial to your overall health. An unhealthy oral cavity raises the risk of developing serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Oil pulling is a simple, inexpensive method to balance microorganisms in your mouth and improve your health.
Oil pulling involves swishing a pure oil around in your mouth to draw out toxins from your body. The practice is Ayurvedic in nature, and it can improve gingivitis, halitosis, and dental plaque. Oil pulling on a regular basis has been shown to clear your skin, improve the luster of your hair, eliminate parasites, reduce joint pain, whiten teeth, and improve body odor.
The importance of good oral hygiene
Having a healthy balance of the microorganisms in your mouth has a critical role in your overall health. Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease and a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke.
One common oral bacteria is streptococcus mutans. Without good oral hygiene, it will grow unchecked and secrete toxins that enter your bloodstream. These toxins increase the level of cytokine Interleukin – 12 (IL-12), which causes inflammation and contributes to the development of chronic disease. Higher levels of IL-12 are linked to endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to stroke, dementia, or heart disease.
Oil pulling in addition to brushing and flossing
Brushing and flossing are important for oral hygiene. Still, oil pulling offers some unique benefits that brushing and flossing do not. Oil pulling can bind and eliminate more microorganisms while reaching areas that brushing and flossing do not, including deep pockets in your teeth and areas surrounding root canals.
Root canals can be problematic because they are dead tissue that harmful bacteria constantly feed upon. Brushing and flushing cannot affect an infection in a root canal. However, oil pulling can be very effective at reducing harmful bacteria in a root canal and your mouth.
What is the best type of oil to use?
Use a high-quality carrier oil such as organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, or organic sesame oil. Coconut oil is typically in solid form, but it will dissolve in your mouth into liquid oil.
What about an essential oil?
You can try an antimicrobial essential oil such as oregano oil, tea tree oil, or lemon oil. You need only 1 small drop due to their strength. An essential oil can amplify the anti-microbial benefits of the oil pulling process. Try it for one week to determine if this approach works for you. Stick to 1 small drop as more could be irritating to your gums and teeth.
How to practice oil pulling
Take 1/2 tsp of carrier oil and 1 drop of anti-microbial oil and put in your mouth and swish around for 10-15 minutes.
Do not gargle the oil. Slowly use pulling motions to ensure that you reach all the areas of your mouth. Most people find that the oil feels thinner after 10-minutes. Never swallow any of the oil as it is full of toxins and microbes.
After finishing the oil swishing, spit the oil into the toilet. Drink some clean water with a pinch of salt and wash the solution around your mouth to eliminate any of the toxic debris still in your mouth. Go ahead and brush your teeth really well to help eliminate any other toxins that would still be in your mouth.
How often should you practice oil pulling?
You can do this 1-4 times daily depending upon your health history and dental health challenges. Someone who has a root canal or multiple root canals may want to oil pull 3 to 4 times per day.
How long before you notice benefits?
Most people notice the health improvements within two weeks of beginning the oil pulling process. However, your mouth may feel cleaner right away. The most common benefits include better breath, whiter teeth, less joint pain, greater energy, and better body odor. This process is simple, easy, and inexpensive.
Can you oil pull with amalgam fillings?
Fortunately, oil pulling does not induce a detox reaction, nor will it pull mercury vapors out of fillings. It will not wear out or cause corrosion in your fillings. However, you will want to avoid using essential oils if you have amalgam fillings. The essential oil may cause a corrosive reaction. Simply use a carrier oil.
Can oil pulling cause gum bleeding?
There is nothing about the process of oil pulling that would cause the gums to bleed or any unwanted dental issue. However, some individuals have a sensitivity or even an allergy to a particular oil they are using. If this is the case, that oil will cause more inflammation in their body and could lead to gum bleeding.
Additionally, if you use too much of the anti-microbial essential oils, they could inflame your gum lining. Be sure to only use 1 very small drop and never more each time you oil pull.