Oil Pulling-an Ayurveda Remedy for Dental health

Oil pulling is an age-old remedy recommended by Ayurveda for Dental Health that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it is beneficial in improving gums and removing harmful bacteria!

What is Oil pulling?

Oil pulling is a simple procedure, infact a powerful Do-it-Yourself (DIY ) practice supposed to  draw toxins from your oral mucosa and destroying mouth germs while stimulating bodily eliminations and increasing metabolism, thus reportedly leading to various amazing healing benefits and enhanced health including whitening of teeth, fixing/fastening loose teeth, eliminating bleeding gums, stopping tooth sensitivity, decay & abscesses, and preventing cavities.

Oil pulling has been credited with a number of amazing oral health benefits since the times of Ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system we know of. In Ayurveda, oil pulling is called “Kavala Graham“, and the Charaka Samhita sutra sthana chapter  states that “by oil pulling with til-taila (sesame oil), teeth are not affected with cavities and they become firm-rooted. Toothache and sensitivity to sour items will be healed and one will be able to chew the hardest items.”

Dr. Karach MD, the “author” of Oil Pulling book, said: “The oil therapy heals tooth pain totally. Obvious results are re-fixing of loose teeth,  the stopping of bleeding gums and the whitening of teeth.” In continuity , oil pulling also removes dental infections, stops further tooth decay, and reduces/eliminates sensitivity of teeth.

The popular oral benefits reported includes the cleaning of the tongue that had been coated with a white-yellowish film,  the healing of aphtous ulcers and a salivary gland infection, no more tartar forming,

How to do Oil Pulling?

The procedure involves rinsing (swishing) approximately one tablespoon of oil around in your mouth. As the oil hits your teeth and gums, microbes are picked up as though they are being drawn to a powerful magnet. Bacteria hiding under crevices in the gums , in pores and tubules within the teeth are sucked out of their hiding places and held firmly in the solution.

• Put  1 table spoon of cooking oil (Sesame oil /Sunflower oil/ Coconut oil) into your mouth.
• Swish for 20 minutes continuously. The oil will get thicker and foamy with a milky white coloration as it is mixed with saliva.
• At the end of the process the liquid will turn creamy white when you spit out.
• Spit out into a trash bin.Do not spit this into the wash basin or sink. It will clog the pipelines and the septic tank will become messy too.
• Do not swallow the liquid either as the liquid is having high bacteria.
• Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better. Swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of your mouth.
• Brush well. You will feel and smell fresh. Your teeth will have an improved look.

Timing is the key. The longer you push and pull the oil through your mouth, the more microbes are pulled free.

Benefits of Oil Pulling:
People that “oil pull” state that it has helped whiten their teeth, alleviate halitosis, and even reduce gingivitis. In many cases, people also claim that it helps “prevent” cavities, as well as relieve gum and tooth sensitivity.

It truly makes sense from a mechanical perspective. As all of you know that the primary cause of tooth decay is bacteria. This simple oral health technique will immensely improve dental health. Oil pulling is a very inexpensive therapy that could potentially have great benefit on oral health.

Watch outs while following Oil Pulling:

Those individuals practicing Oil pulling for their daily teeth cleaning regimen should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Swish gently. If your jaw starts aching after five minutes, slow down. You’re working too hard!
• Do not swallow the oil while swishing. if you find it hard not to, you likely have too much oil in your mouth. Spit it out and try again with a smaller amount.
• Once you have finished pulling, spit the solution into the trash. Do not discard the oil in the sink or down the toilet because over time the oil may build up and clog the pipes.
• Do not drink anything before rinsing your mouth. Rinse with water first before consuming a beverage.

Also read: Gargling Salt water in the Morning Improves Health

Coconut oil is preferable as it is having antibacterial properties, mild in taste than other oils and is recommended by oral health experts too. In winters when oil becomes thick, heat the oil and use.

You will start noticing whiter teeth after you start oil pulling in your daily routine. Your teeth will start becoming smooth. Go ahead and try this simple practice for a bright smile and improved dental health.

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