Oil Pulling is one of the ancient and natural remedies from India that involves swishing oil around the mouth. Because of its amazing benefits, the popularity of this technique has spread to other regions of the world.
People are not aware of the benefits of oil pulling. For centuries, oil pulling has been used to prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums, cracked lips, bad breath, and throat dryness.
The new age oil-pulling technique has even been said to work great for hangovers, acne, and even diabetes. So, what is true and what is false here? How is that oil pulling great for teeth?
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What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is the act of swishing a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily. This can be done for at least 20 minutes. You have to spit out the oil. The Ayurvedic method of oil pulling involves the use of sesame oil but contemporary oil pullers prefer the use of coconut oil and talk about the benefits of oil pulling with it.
While being less popular these days, the social media hype about this technique is still there. But this must be noted that oil pulling can never substitute for brushing twice a day and flossing. While this practice has been overrated for a few years, it does appear to have some of the benefits that can help you get your dental health better.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is definitely not one of the techniques that are the solution to all the problems, but it does carry some benefits that are undeniable. According to a study in 2017, it was said that oil pulling can be great for maintaining oral health and oral hygiene.
This is one of the most affordable and approachable practices in developing countries where products like mouth are limited access.
Let’s have a look at the benefits now.
1- Kills harmful bacteria
It should be known to everyone that our mouth contains diverse kinds of bacteria that are present in a large population. Before knowing more about the benefits of oil pulling, it must be known that some of these bacteria are harmful and can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth decay.
Oil pulling reduces the population of the bacteria present in the saliva and supports oral hygiene. The use of coconut oil is said to be a safe alternative to chlorhexidine which is an ingredient in some of the commercial mouthwashes present in the market.
2- Reduces inflammation and improves gum health
The bacteria present in the plaque can cause gingivitis which is a common gum disease that causes redness and inflammation. This can also cause the gums to bleed. A lot of pieces of research say that one of the top benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce inflammation.
Oil pulling when one with coconut oil can reduce plaque formation and can also help in the prevention of plaque-induced gingivitis.
3- Supports Detoxification
There are a number of research papers and studies that prove that oral health and the overall health of the body are closely related. According to the top dentists of Farooq Hospital, the bacteria present in the mouth eventually enter the body along with the food that is chewed and digested.
Now, this causes complications and even life-threatening inflammation in the cardiac system. Daily oil pulling can help in the elimination of bad bacteria from the mouth. In fact, one of the best benefits of oil pulling says that it also assists the body’s natural detoxification process.
4- Promotes Fresher Breath
Having bad breath can leave a really bad impression on someone that is meeting you for the first time. Bad breath is caused due to sulfur-producing bacteria that thrive in the microscopic grooves of the tongue and also in the back of the throat.
Oil pulling and gargling can help in flushing out the bacteria from the mouth. This leaves you with an odorless and fresh breath.
5- Promotes Healthy Sinuses
Although there is not much research present to back this up, it has been observed along with the other benefits of oil pulling that it can help immensely with sinuses.
Sinuses do have a very close link with the oral cavity. Now oil pulling can help with the maintenance of the oral microbiome that prevents sinus infections caused by bacteria.
Things to Consider Before Oil Pulling
Some people can be allergic to the oils that are used during the oil pulling. That is why it is very important to conduct a test patch in order to rule out the possibility of oil tolerance.
Apart from all this, there are no other risks attached to the technique of oil pulling.
As told by Dr. Zargham Ayub of JA Aesthetics Dental Skin and Hair Clinic, one more important thing to keep in mind here is that the benefits of oil pulling can never ever substitute brushing two times a day. This trick can be best used when it is opted as a supplement to promote a healthy oral microbiome.
The Bottom Line
The benefits of oil pulling are too many to be counted but on the other hand, it must be kept in mind that it is not an alternative for cleaning teeth. Do use it as an extra addition to the routine. Never rely completely on it, but also never forget the benefits that this technique holds.
In case of serious dental issues, you can contact the best dentists around you through contacting Healthwire.
