Oil pulling has eventually become somewhat famous in the U.S. after a while. One of the most effective ways to eliminate bacteria and support strong teeth and gums is to engage in oil-pulling with coconut oil.
Studies demonstrate that it is more successful than flossing. Find out about the origins of the activity, what advantages it provides, and how to carry it out.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling, which is known as gandusha through the Ayurvedic school of medicine, is a amazing process of oral cleansing. To complete it, a spoonful of oil (generally coconut, olive, or sesame) must be swished around the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes.
Oil pulling functions to detoxify the mouth in the same way that soap eliminates dirt from plates and utensils. The product removes dirt (toxins) from the mouth, creating a sterile and antiseptic atmosphere which promotes the circulation of dental liquid to block out cavities and illness.
History
Many of us are unable to consider what life would be like if we didn’t brush our teeth and floss each day. In comparison to the entirety of human history, brushing teeth is a fairly modern concept; the nylon bristle toothbrush didn’t become widely available in America until the late 1930’s. Moreover, many people fail to floss on a daily basis.
It is essential to be mindful of the reality that, in spite of present-day Americans growing up with toothpaste, our predecessors did not use this product to clean their teeth for thousands of years. The archeological evidence indicates that for the majority of people throughout history, living to a strong, healthy, elderly age was common practice, with many having all of their teeth still present.
Why didn’t their teeth rot?
To start off, they had a diet consisting of fresh, natural food, instead of processed sugars and grains high in phytic acid, which erode and damage tooth enamel. Additionally, they practiced oral hygiene naturally, like using small branches to scrub their teeth – evidenced from relics from ancient Egypt from as early as 3000 B.C. In some parts of the world, oil pulling is a common practice among people, depending on their culture and geographical location.
How to Do Oil Pulling
- Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed — before you brush your teeth or drink anything. Often it’s a great thing to do in the shower.
- Gently swish one tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10–15 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks!)
- Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing… ask me how I know), and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
- Finally, brush your teeth as normal.
- Voila, easy as that!
It is evident that utilizing coconut oil for oil pulling has minimal effort with highly positive results. If 10–20 minutes feels like it would take too long, you can use the time spent in the shower or on your way to work in the morning to practice oil pulling. You can occupy yourself with it while managing tasks in your home in order to occupy your time.
Why Coconut Oil?
Up to this point, there have been approximately 33 research studies published concerning the positive effects of oil pulling on one’s health. It’s regrettable that it took so long for science to start taking ancient art seriously, but it’s heartening to see the number of published works on the subject increasing.
A study reviewed in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that oil pulling is one of the best natural methods available for curbing tooth decay and preventing tooth loss. Praised for curing more than 30 systemic diseases, the authors of this study have some profound things to say about this ancient natural healing practice:
A recent CAM remedy that has grown popular is oil pulling, an Ayurvedic way of detoxification with strong efficacy. It is used to treat a plethora of health issues. This approach could be utilized to keep away from needing to undergo surgery or take medications for a variety of chronic conditions. The oil therapy is preventative as well as curative. The most appealing factor of this therapeutic technique is its uncomplicated nature.
Ayurvedic treatments suggest gargling with oil to cleanse the entire body, as it is believed that different parts of the tongue associate to specific organs like the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestines, stomach, colon and spine, similar to reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Here are five studies showing how sesame seed or coconut oil pulling can help a wide range of oral health issues:
- According to researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Tamil Nadu, India, oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans bacteria — a significant contributor to tooth decay — in the plaque and saliva of children. In the authors’ words, “Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.”
- As uncovered by researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Chennai India, oil pulling significantly lessens aerobic microorganisms in plaque among children with plaque-induced gingivitis.
- From the same researchers in Chennai, oil pulling has been shown to be as effective as mouthwash at improving bad breath and reducing the microorganisms that may cause it.
- Further research published in the Nigerian Medical Journal found that coconut oil pulling can decrease plaque in those with gingivitis thanks in part to its lauric acid content.
- As far as bad breath — aka halitosis or oral malodor — researchers found that “oil pulling with sesame oil is equally efficacious as chlorhexidine in reducing oral malodor and microbes causing it. It should be promoted as a preventive home care therapy.” Chlorexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic used in oral health.
10 Benefits Of Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil
1. Improve Immunity
It has been said that oil pulling is a highly effective way to detoxify and strengthen the immune system.
Oil pulling involves rinsing your mouth with an oil, such as coconut or sunflower oil, for a period of several minutes. This serves to cleanse the areas between and around your teeth, underneath the gums, along the tongue, and on the surface of your teeth, thus eliminating bacteria. When you expel the oil, you’re eliminating these microorganisms from your body.
If the invasive organisms are eliminated from the mouth, they won’t be able to descend to the digestive tract – where the majority of our immunity is found.
Oil pulling is so impactful in boosting immunity that David Wolfe put it at the top of his 10 best suggestions for optimum wellness!
2. Boost Energy Levels
Sometimes, when we don’t feel our best, it may be the result of an immune system that is overworked. Strengthening the immune system allows the body to transfer its energy to other areas.
People that do oil pulling on a consistent basis claim that they start feeling more energetic in only two weeks.
3. Get Smooth & Glowing Skin
How can oil pulling heal skin?
This is an interesting inquiry and there does not seem to be much of a connection between the two.
However, issues such as acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis may be connected to the well-being of your digestive system. It has been acknowledged by scientists for over a century that there is a link between the gut and skin, referred to as the gut-skin axis.
When the bacteria in the intestines are in a state of equilibrium, it can lead to the skin healing and regaining its radiance.
4. Cure Bad Breath
Oil pulling has been clinically proven to be an effective method for bettering oral hygiene, reducing odors, and eliminating the bacteria that is usually responsible for bad breath, or halitosis.
A 2011 research project was conducted to observe the impact of using sesame oil for mouthwashes compared to traditional mouthwash in regards to bad breath.
After conducting an experiment where participants oil pulled for two weeks, researchers observed a decrease in the symptoms of halitosis as judged by tongue scrapings and breath odor judging.
They determined that oil-pulling is equally as successful as chlorhexidine (an antibacterial used in mouthwash) in treating bad breath and microbes related to bad breath.
A follow up study done three years after strengthens these conclusions.
At the end of three weeks, the people in the research saw a huge drop in plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and oral bacterial levels in both the oil pulling and chlorhexidine sets, and not in the control set, boosting the idea that oil pulling works equally as well as mouthwash when it comes to cutting down on bad breath.
5. Reduce Tooth Decay
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that tooth decay is the most widespread persistent ailment among both adults and children, even though it can be avoided rather simply.
Studies have suggested that oil pulling is a beneficial measure in order to avoid a certain health problem, as indicated in a paper from the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
A research analysis focusing on comprehensive methods of dental care revealed that oil-based rinsing is one of the most efficient natural options for protecting against cavities and tooth loss.
6. Prevent Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a regular and gentle form of gum ailment which leads to irritation, reddening and swelling of the gums.
When scientists investigated the impacts of sesame oil tugging, they discovered that this traditional remedy was just as useful as normal mouthwash at lessening the plaque that triggers gingivitis.
After a period of 10 days doing oil pulling, the research revealed lower levels of plaque, gingivitis, and oral microorganisms in the participants.
It’s not just sesame oil that provides a cure.
A 2015 study focussed on the effects of coconut oil on the development of gingivitis over the course of a 30-day period.
After using the coconut oil for only one week, the researchers observed a considerable reduction in signs of plaque and gingivitis, and this reduction was sustained throughout the rest of the month.
7. Say Goodbye to Sensitivity
If you have a negative reaction when eating something cold or drinking something hot, you may have very delicate teeth.
Advocates of oil pulling say that their daily swishing habit can lead to a decrease in sensitivity, which is a pleasant bonus.
Although there is no scientific proof, it is likely that oil pulling can help reduce tooth sensitivity resulting from dental decay close to the gum line, gingivitis, plaque accumulation and of course, bacterial-induced inflammation, which are commonly targeted through oil pulling.
The use of mouthwash can be associated with sensitive teeth, but it is not necessary when you start oil pulling.
8. Whiten Teeth
Oil pulling could lead to whiter teeth since not brushing and flossing properly to clear plaque produces discoloration.
It is said to be a potential consequence of engaging in this beneficial activity, but there is a lack of substantial proof.
Be certain to examine these other organic and efficient teeth bleaching treatments as well.
9. A Safer Alternative to Mouthwash
Once you begin oil pulling, you can stop using store-bought mouth rinses.
Products such as mouthwash may help reduce cavities, gum disease, and canker sores; however, there is a potential association with using mouthwashes that contain alcohol and oral cancer.
A research project detailed in the American Journal of Epidemiology observed the instances of 924 people with head and neck tumors in Europe plus 1,824 circumstances in Latin America.
The authors discovered that twice-daily usage of mouthwash with a maximum of 30% of alcohol was a significant variable for havng head and neck cancer.
Studies conducted as far back as the 1970s have established similar results. Yet others show no link.
The American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics announced that according to available information, using a mouthwash that contains alcohol is secure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not show a clear connection between mouthwash that contains alcohol and oral cancer, but they still suggest to avoid overusing it.
We come in contact with many hazardous elements through our beauty and hygiene products on a daily basis, so eliminating one item can only do us a world of good!
10. Help Your Heart
It is surprising that good dental care can be associated with a stronger heart.
Studies are increasingly indicating that inflammation and bacteria in the oral cavity are associated with issues like dementia and heart attack.
Researchers suspect that the connection between the two ailments could be due to the inflammatory response caused by periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine found in 2014 that if gum disease is treated, there will be an improved state of health, reduced healthcare expenses and fewer hospitalizations for individuals with frequent illnesses.
A study examined the medical and dental insurance histories of almost 339,000 individuals who were diagnosed with gum disease and one of five ailments (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, cerebrovascular illness, rheumatoid arthritis, or pregnancy).
People who did not experience rheumatoid arthritis and had at least one gum disease treatment exhibited lesser medical expenses and fewer hospital stays within a four-year time frame, in contrast to people who weren’t treated for gum disease in any way.
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