Oil Pulling Is The New Mouthwash

I truly believe our oral health directly  affects our overall health and anything I can do to improve my overall health…sign me up. I am excited to share this ancient Ayurvedic technique with you so let’s dive in and learn why oil pulling is the new mouthwash and how it can boost your oral health naturally.

First of all, put that Listerine bottle down, because traditional mouthwash sucks and here’s why:

• Impact on Beneficial Bacteria: Some mouthwashes, particularly those with strong antibacterial properties, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth. While this may reduce harmful bacteria, it also negatively affects beneficial bacteria that contribute to oral health.
• Drying Effect: Many traditional mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause dry mouth. This dryness can potentially worsen bad breath and increase the risk of oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, as saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.
• Harsh Chemicals: Most traditional mouthwashes contain artificial colors, flavors, and other chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may have unknown effects on oral and overall health.
• Temporary Solution: Mouthwash can temporarily mask bad breath or oral odor without addressing the underlying cause, such as poor oral hygiene, dental infections, or systemic health issues. Relying solely on mouthwash without proper brushing, flossing, and dental care may neglect essential oral health practices.

So when you use that bottle of traditional mouthwash, you’re actually doing your mouth a big disservice. Lay off the blue bottle and replace it with oil pulling instead. 🙂

What Is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is not a TikTok trend, it’s an ancient Ayurvedic technique from India that dates back 5,000 years ago and is the act of swishing around an edible oil for serveral minutes to cleanse the mouth of toxins.

The concept is pretty straight forward, you simply “pull” an edible oil between your teeth and swish all around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes and the oil “sticks” to the bad bacteria from your teeth and gums then spit it out. Oil pulling is an easy way to rebalance the oral microbiome and improve oral and dental health.

The best oils to use are coconut and sesame oil because of their high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. “Cold-pressed oils are extracted from nuts and seeds through a manual pressing technique rather than by using solvents. Research indicates cold-pressed oils retain many beneficial bioactive components, such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids like omega-3’s.”

Major Benefits

Freshens Breath: Oil pulling supports a healthy oral microbiome and rids the mouth of the “bad” bacteria that cause halitosis (bad breath).

Prevents Cavities: Significantly reduces the number of harmful bacteria, such as S. mutans, in your mouth that causes plaque and tooth decay.

Improves Gum Health: Prevents bacteria from accumulating on the teeth, helping to avoid plaque buildup, which is a factor in gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

Improve Digestion: May help with digestion because it stimulates saliva production, which may help break down food particles.

Reduces Oral Thrush Symptoms: Oral thrush is basically a yeast infection for the mouth and can drastically affect quality of life. Certain medications can cause this overgrowth of candida. “Denture wearers, patients, undergoing prolonged antibiotic treatment or using inhaled corticosteroid for asthma, and patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy reportedly have a higher incidence of oral candidiasis” (NIH). Coconut and sesame oil have anti-fungal properties that kill the yeast overgrowth helping heal your oral microbiome.

How To Oil Pull

1. Floss and brush your teeth before you start oil pulling, preferably in the morning.
2. Place a tablespoon of prefered oil in your mouth.
3. Swish the oil around for a minimum of 1-3 minutes up to 15-20 minutes.
4. Spit out the oil in the trash can, not a toilet or sink (the oil can clog pipes).
5. Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove excess oil.
6. Tongue scrape!! This step is VERY important because you need to clear the tongue of the bad bacteria collected while oil pulling.
7. *Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing again to protect your tooth enamel.

Incorporating Oil Pulling into Your Routine

If you’re intrigued by the idea of oil pulling and want to give it a try, here are some tips for incorporating it into your daily dental care routine:

• Start Slow: Begin with just a few minutes of oil pulling and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Be Consistent: For noticeable benefits, aim to practice oil pulling regularly, ideally daily or several times a week.
• Choose Quality Oil: Opt for high-quality, cold pressed and organic oil such as coconut or sesame oil for the best results.
• Maintain Other Oral Hygiene Practices: While oil pulling may offer benefits, it’s essential to continue brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for comprehensive dental care.

Oil pulling is a fascinating ancient practice that holds promise for improving dental health. Whether you’re seeking fresher breath, healthier gums, or whiter teeth, oil pulling may be worth incorporating into your dental care routine.

Gina

This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider.