Oil Pulling: Ancient Practice for Oral Health

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic technique, has gained significant popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for oral health. It involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes to draw out toxins and improve oral hygiene. Ayurveda views the mouth as the gateway to the body and believes that oil pulling helps maintain oral health, detoxify the system, improve digestion and restore balance to the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).

Some of the Benefits of Oil Pulling:

1. Improved Oral Hygiene: Oil pulling helps remove bacteria, plaque, and toxins from the mouth, reducing the risk of oral health issues such as tooth decay, cavities and bad breath. By reducing the bacterial load in the oral cavity, oil pulling promotes a cleaner and healthier mouth.

2. Gum Health: Oil pulling may contribute to healthier gums by reducing inflammation and preventing gum disease. By eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins, oil pulling can support gum tissue regeneration and overall gum health.

3. Reduce Bad Breath: The presence of bacteria in the mouth often leads to bad breath. Oil pulling can help eliminate these bacteria and freshen breath naturally, providing a more pleasant oral experience. This is a much better alternative to mouth wash that tend to also get rid of the healthy bacteria in the mouth that facilitates digestion.

4. Detoxification: Oil pulling helps draw out toxins from the body through the oral mucosa. As the oil is swished in the mouth, it binds with toxins, which are then expelled when the oil is spit out. This detoxification process aids in purifying the body and supporting overall well-being.

5. Digestive Health: As digestions starts in the mouth, improving oral hygiene will improve digestive health. The action of swishing oil activates the salivary glands and encourages the production of digestive enzymes, leading to improved digestion and absorption of nutrients.

6. Skin Health: Ayurveda believes in the interconnectedness of the body systems. Oil pulling is thought to enhance skin health by eliminating toxins from the body. As toxins are expelled, the burden on the skin is reduced, potentially improving complexion and promoting a healthy glow.

How to Perform Oil Pulling 

1. Choose the Right Oil: Organic black sesame oil is traditionally used for oil pulling and is considered the best option. However, if it is hard to come by, alternatives such as coconut oil or olive oil can be effective too. Ensure that the oil is organic, cold-pressed, and free from additives or preservatives.

2. Timing: As part of a morning routine (Dinacharya), oil pulling should be performed in the morning on an empty stomach.

3. Technique: Take approximately one tablespoon of oil into your mouth. Swish the oil around, pulling it through your teeth and gums. Be gentle especially if you have dental fillings.

   Begin with 5-10 minutes and gradually work your way up to 15-20 minutes.

   Avoid swallowing the oil, as it may contain bacteria and toxins.

   After the designated time, spit the oil into a trash can or tissue. Do not spit into the sink, as it can clog the drains.

   Brush your teeth after oil pulling. Some Ayurvedic practitioners recommend oil pulling after brushing your teeth and this is also perfectly fine. It's a matter of personal preference. 

 ****Level up your oral hygiene with tongue scrapping after brushing to complete your routine. You can use a tongue scraper made of copper or stainless steel. Gently glide the scraper from the back of the tongue to the front, removing the coating and rinsing the scraper after each stroke.

By incorporating oil pulling into your daily routine, you can experience the potential advantages of this ancient practice. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and give oil pulling a try for a healthier mouth and a refreshed sense of vitality.