Oil pulling has been gaining immense popularity on social media, and for good reason. This ancient Ayurvedic remedy has proven to be instrumental in transforming users’ dental hygiene and overall skin health. Typically using edible oils derived from coconuts or sesame seeds, oil pulling promotes exceptional gum health, clearer skin, and fresher breath. Incorporating this practice into your morning and night routines can seem daunting, but let’s explore the benefits and origins of this time-honored tradition.
Oil pulling began thousands of years ago in ancient India as a specific routine to rid the body of harmful toxins. The oil is said to act as a mode of absorption that sneaks into the divots in one’s gums to remove any unwanted food or bacteria. The routine is directly linked to ancient Ayurvedic medicinal practices, which prioritize natural and holistic approaches to healing the body and mind. In ancient practice, oil pulling was used to align our “doshas”; these are energies in the body that are said to determine our physical, mental, and emotional systems as humans. Many still utilize this practice for these reasons, however, the physical benefits are coming back into conversations surrounding dental health.
The most common cause of poor gum health is the absence of flossing. Food and bacteria get stuck between teeth and build up until the bacteria start to eat away at your gum structure. When practicing oil pulling, you’re supposed to swish a tablespoon of the oil around in your mouth for 2 to 20 minutes. In this time span, the oil is actively pulling the unwanted food and bacteria from your gums and is said to also draw out internal impurities from deeper in the body. The best-supported theory for why oil pulling benefits gum health is that the oil’s viscosity inhibits plaque growth, which is one of the main issues concerning gum health and gingivitis.
Oil pulling is said to prevent harmful toxins from manifesting themselves inside your oral cavity for prolonged periods of time, so naturally, these toxins will not be able to make it into your bloodstream if they are eliminated. As a result, the practice is said to foster better skin health because it keeps unwanted bacteria outside of your gut’s microbiome and, in turn, levels out your hormone levels. It is important to add that Ayurvedic medicine is not factually backed by Western clinical medicine, yet those who have been practicing oil pulling and have shared their experiences online did notice their dental and skin health improve.
Clinically bad breath is a result of poor gum health in most cases. When oil pulling, treating the teeth and gums by removing plaque and other bacteria allows the integrity of your mouth’s microflora to stay intact. Commercial mouthwash is said to cause taste disturbance and irritation of the mouth. So, if you are considering a gentler alternative to keep your breath fresh and clean, oil pulling might be a practice you’d like to try.
It’s important to address that oil pulling should not be a replacement for teeth brushing and flossing. This is an additional method to be carried out before you brush your teeth in the morning and/or at night, so don’t skip out on your regular routine! More studies will be conducted by Western medical professionals as oil pulling becomes more and more popular, but at this moment in time, there are no recorded adverse side effects of oil pulling. Meaning — this can only help you! By incorporating this natural remedy into your daily routine, the benefits have the potential to be a worthwhile addition. Try out the age-old practice and discover the positive impact it can have on your health.
