Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic practice which is quickly gaining traction in the modern wellness world. But what exactly is it, and does it live up to all of the hype? Let’s dive into the world of oil pulling and explore its many benefits for oral health and hygiene…
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling involves swishing oil, usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower, in your mouth for a period of time, typically up to 20 minutes, before spitting it out. The idea is that the oil pulls out bacteria, toxins and debris from your mouth, to promote cleaner teeth and gums.
Oil pulling may offer several oral health benefits:
- Reduced Bacteria: Studies have shown that oil pulling can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, including Streptococcus mutans which are a major contributor to tooth decay.
- Reduced Plaque and Gingivitis: Research indicates that oil pulling can help reduce plaque formation and gingivitis, leading to healthier gums.
- Fresher Breath: By eliminating bacteria and debris, oil pulling helps to contribute to fresher breath.
- Teeth Whitening: While it is not a substitute for professional whitening, some users report a whitening effect from oil pulling.
How To Oil Pull:
- Choose Your Oil: Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its antimicrobial properties and pleasant taste. Sesame and sunflower oil are also commonly used.
- Swish and Swirl: Take 1-2 tablespoons of oil and swish it around your mouth, gently pushing and pulling it between your teeth.
- Timing is Key: Aim to build up to 15-20 minutes of swishing. It’s crucial to avoid swallowing the oil, as it will contain the bacteria and toxins that you’re trying to remove.
- Spit and Rinse: Spit the oil into a the bin rather than the sink, to avoid clogging drains. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and then brush your teeth as usual.
- Consistency is Important: For best results, oil pulling is typically recommended daily, preferably in the morning before brushing your teeth.
Although oil pulling is not a replacement for traditional oral hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing, it can be used as a complementary practice. It’s normal to experience jaw soreness from prolonged swishing, as it gave my jaw and cheek muscles such a workout after only a few minutes of swishing, if this occurs you can reduce the swishing time or take breaks in between as you build up your stamina and duration with time.
GuruNanda Neem & Ashwagandha Oil Pulling Oral Rinse
A natural oil that I love to use for oil pulling is the GuruNanda Neem & Ashwagandha oil pulling rinse in coconut and cinnamon flavour. Formulated by an Ayurvedic expert using fractionated MCT coconut oil with ashwagandha, neem and turmeric, it also conatins pure essential oils to support your daily oral care routine. GuruNanda oil pulling is a pre-brush rinse, with a lighter consistency than traditional coconut or sesame oils, as it features a hydrophobic, lipid-inspired formula inspired by Ayurvedic traditions. This oil has been expertly designed to assist a complete oral care routine, working alongside tongue scraping, brushing, flossing and water flossing alike.
The natural oil and herb fusion of this oral rinse offers a modern, yet holistic approach to oral wellness, harnessing nature’s power with pure and natural ingredients. Containing Vitamins D3, E and K2, this oil blend combines ashwagandha, cinnamon, neem, clove, Roman chamomile, cardamom, tea tree and turmeric for a gentle cleansing experience without any burning sensations.
Oil pulling, whilst helping to freshen the breath and promote healthy gums, also provides a calming oral wellness experience as a supportive part of daily oral care, complementing brushing, flossing, and other hygiene practices. You simply shake the oil before pouring 10-15ml into the measuring lid, swishing it in your mouth for 2-10 minutes – for which you can gradually increase the duration – before spitting the oil into the bin to avoid clogging pipework. Swishing on an empty stomach is recommended for best use, and should always be followed by brushing your teeth as well as tongue scraping if you wish.
With no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours, it is also alcohol and fluoride free and is never tested on animals. Voted as the most popular oil pulling brand amongst dentists and hygienists, it’s clear to see why it’s so popular and I love how fresh, clean and healthy it leaves my mouth feeling. If you’ve never tried oil pulling before, I highly recommend it, as it can be such an affordable and valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine to keep your smile at its best and the dentist at bay!
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