Oil pulling is a popular natural remedy for improving your oral health, and detoxing your mouth. Is oil pulling possible? Learn what dentists think about oil pulling and how to keep your smile healthy.
For whitening your teeth and detoxing your mouth, natural remedies are very popular. Oil pulling, an ancient technique that purportedly removes all impurities and improves your oral health, is still in use. Before making any decisions about your oral health, it is important to get all facts and consult your dentist.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is a method to stimulate saliva production and eliminate bacteria. As described in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medical article oil pulling involves swirling one tablespoon of oil around your mouth early in the morning.
The oil can be “pulled” between your teeth, around your mouth, and for up to 20 minutes. You can spit out the oil once it becomes milky-thin. After pulling, do not swallow the oil. It is full of bacteria.
What is oil pulling?
Many studies have been conducted on the impact of oil pulling on oral hygiene, and overall oral health. It has been much debated about what oil is best.
- One study showed that oil pulling with coconut oils was just as effective in reducing Streptococcus Mutans bacteria, which is responsible for tooth decay.
- Another study, published in Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, found that coconut oil can be used for oil pulling with less severe gingivitis.
- Olive oil is a great substance for oil pulling because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
These small-scale studies and others have shown positive results for oil pulling. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable method of dental hygiene or a replacement for flossing.
Side Effects Of Oil Pulling
There are no known side effects to oil pulling. At first, oil pulling can cause headaches and sore jaws. If you swallow the oil, you might feel diarrhoea or stomach upset.
Oil pulling should not be used to replace flossing and brushing. Stick to your dentist’s recommended routine and only consider oil-pulling if your dentist has discussed it.
Keep your Mouth Healthy
There is no one magic way to whiten your smile and keep it healthy. You need to establish and follow a routine for dental care. While flossing and brushing are essential to a good routine it’s easy to maintain it.
- It is vital to eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste
- Fluoridated water should be recommended
- Use a mouth rinse if your dentist recommends it
Make sure to floss every day and to brush your teeth each morning and evening.
You only have one set of permanent teeth, so it is important to care for them. While oil pulling does have some promising properties, further research is required to verify its safety and effectiveness. No matter which natural remedy you choose, flossing and brushing your teeth daily is not an option.