26 Apr How Oil Pulling Can Improve Your Dental Health
Does oil pulling really work? Yes, it does! Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, oil pulling can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. And when you do something that’s good for your dental health, you’re doing something that’s good for your whole body.
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that dates back thousands of years. And lately, this ancient remedy has been gaining scientific acclaim as a preventive treatment that promotes good dental health. Many recent studies support the practice of oil pulling as a beneficial addition to daily brushing and flossing. It helps to control plaque buildup by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. And that’s good news when it comes to fighting cavities and gum disease.
The Oil Pulling Procedure
- The best time for oil pulling is when you wake up in the morning, before you eat or drink anything, and after you brush and floss.
- Swish one tablespoon of oil around your mouth and through your teeth for ten minutes.
- Concentrate on moving the oil from right to left, front to back, and through the spaces between your teeth.
- After swishing for ten minutes, spit the oil out. Make sure to spit into a glass and then empty it into the trash or compost bin. If you spit oil down the drain, it might cause clogs.
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit again.
Which Types of Oil Work Best for Oil Pulling?
There are a few options to consider when it comes to oil pulling. You aren’t going to want to use just any cooking oil out of your kitchen cabinet. Only some types of oil can improve your dental health. Below we’ve outlined three great options to try if you want to incorporate oil pulling into your oral care routine.
Coconut Oil
Cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil is probably the most common choice. It has a slightly sweet flavor, and it’s antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory.
Sesame Oil
Make sure you use cold-pressed sesame oil, not toasted sesame oil. It has a distinctly nutty flavor, and studies show it to be just as effective at fighting bad breath and pathogens as chlorhexidine, which is considered the gold standard.
Sunflower Oil
Organic (non-GMO) sunflower oil is a less expensive alternative. It has a neutral flavor and possesses many of the same beneficial properties of coconut and sesame oil. It’s also a good alternative if you are allergic or sensitive to coconut or sesame.
A Natural Alternative to Mouthwash
When it comes to reducing bacteria count, mouthwash can be just as effective as oil pulling. But commercial mouthwash products often contain dangerous ingredients like chlorhexidine. Not only is it dangerous when swallowed, chlorhexidine can also stain your teeth. Oil pulling is a much safer alternative, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
But if you don’t have time for oil pulling—adding ten minutes to your morning oral care routine can be cumbersome—there are other natural alternatives to mouthwash that you can try. You can even make your own mouth rinse with Himalayan salt, baking soda, and distilled water, adding xylitol to sweeten it or essential oils like peppermint for flavor.
Holistic Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
At Prescott Dentistry, our focus is on prevention and whole-body wellness. From the materials we use to the treatments we offer, we want to provide the most natural, holistic dental care options available. To make an appointment, call us at 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Antonino Visalli on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/9/2024.