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Oil pulling has been used in India for hundreds of years to provide dental health benefits. Claims have been made that it will freshen a person’s breath, whiten their teeth, and improve their overall oral health. This treatment is starting to be used in many other countries and is increasing in popularity.
Some individuals say that oil pulling has other health benefits. This article will discuss if these claims are true and how to perform the treatment.
Learn More about Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves swishing around about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. It is swished around in the same way that a person would use mouthwash. However, the amount of time that it is swished around for is a lot longer, typically lasting anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.
This old Indian folk remedy offers the benefit of reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth, which is helpful because hundreds of types of bacteria exist in the mouth. Some are considered good bacteria. Others are not.
Plaque builds up on the teeth when the bacteria is not removed. While it is normal to have some plaque on your teeth, if it gets out of hand, it can cause many problems. Some of the problems that having excessive plaque can cause include gum inflammation, gingivitis, bad breath, and cavities.
Using extra virgin coconut oil as a mouthwash is a great way to sweep away and dissolve bacteria. Other forms of oil can be used, but coconut oil is one of the most popular choices because it has a pleasant taste. It also contains lauric acid, which is beneficial because of its antimicrobial properties.
Reduce Harmful Bacteria and Bad Breath by Oil Pulling
A common form of bacteria in the mouth is streptococcus mutans. This plays a big role in plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Studies prove that oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce this harmful bacteria in the mouth. One study involved 60 adults. They swished around coconut oil in their mouths for 10 minutes each day. In just two weeks, the number of streptococcus mutans in their mouths were greatly reduced in comparison to the individuals who used a mouthwash that consisted of distilled water.
Another study that involved children pulling oil had similar results. The study showed that coconut oil was just as effective as using a chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Halitosis is caused by gases and chemicals that are produced because of bacteria in the mouth. Having bad breath is associated with gingivitis and poor oral hygiene.
A study showed that oil pulling using sesame seed oil reduces the markers of bad breath and is as effective as common mouthwashes on the market.
Some Common Misconceptions regarding Oil Pulling
Some individuals claim that oil pulling will whiten a person’s teeth. However, no studies have proven this to be true.
Another common misconception is that oil pulling can detoxify the body by drawing toxins from the blood. At this point, there is no evidence to support this claim.
Additionally, there are no studies that have proven that oil pulling can treat other diseases that affect the rest of the body.
The Simple Process of Oil Pulling
Many people are surprised to find out how easy oil pulling really is. The first step is to put a tablespoon of coconut or some other form of oil in your mouth. Then, you swish it around for about 15 to 20 minutes. The last step is to split the oil out and then gently brush your teeth. The entire process should be done in a relaxed manner.
