Oil Pulling

Surely, at some point, you have heard about the practice of Oil Pulling. But do you know what it is?

What is Oil Pulling?

The so-called oil pulling or oil rinse is a mouthwash based on vegetable oil. Its purpose is to improve oral hygiene and prevent the appearance of tartar, cavities and bad breath.

It is a practice used since ancient times in Indian medicine known as Ayurveda and there are references to its use for more than 3,000 years.

This type of medicine is based on the intake of certain foods, a series of health care recommendations and various actions that encompass certain changes in the daily routine.

What is the main function of Oil Pulling?

Its main function is to eliminate toxins that are lodged in your mouth through the passage of oil through the gums and teeth.

Thanks to its properties and density, the ideal oil that we recommend is virgin olive oil. To achieve the elimination of harmful toxins, the oil must be kept inside the mouth for more than 20 minutes in order to achieve absorption.

How is oil pulling practiced?

The promoters of this Indian medicinal technique recommend applying it in the morning and on an empty stomach.

A full tablespoon of olive oil should be placed in your mouth when you get up. At that moment all the bacteria that must be eliminated are in your mouth.

The oil must pass through the entire mouth, constantly sliding everywhere, and circulating between each tooth and throughout the gum, just as it would happen when applying a mouthwash.

It is vitally important not to swallow the rinse, as this would mean returning the bacteria to the body.

As it is understood that duration can be an issue, it is recommended to perform some daily activities while the oil is in your mouth.

Once the marked time has passed, you should rinse with water and perform your usual oral hygiene, since oil pulling does not act as a substitute in your tooth cleaning and brushing routine.

What benefits does oil pulling have?

There are numerous benefits that can be obtained from the practice of oil pulling in maintaining oral health. We highlight:

• Reduction in the appearance of cavities.
• Reduction of bacterial plaque.
• Eliminate halitosis.
• Reduction of periodontal diseases.