(Newswire.net — October 15, 2018) — What is oil pulling and why is it done? Oil pulling is a method of cleaning the mouth for various health benefits. The concept of oil pulling originated in India at least 3000 years ago.
The reason it is done is to cleanse the mouth of bacteria. The oil traps bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay and also bad breath. Because the process traps bad bacteria, it is important to spit the oil out at the end of the process. Do not swallow the oil.
The procedure is to put a tablespoon of oil in the mouth and swish it around for 15 to 20 minutes. While the longer you swish, the more benefit there is, 5 or 10 minutes will still bring some benefits. If you can’t do it for that long, do it for a lesser time, spit it out, and repeat. Spit it into a trash can. Again, do not swallow the oil. The oil has absorbed bacteria, you do not want to swallow it. Spit it out instead.
Typical oils used are sunflower, sesame, or coconut. Coconut is especially beneficial for oil pulling as it is 50% comprised of lauric acid which can kill viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
Benefits of oil pulling are decreased plaque buildup and reduced signs of gingivitis. Plaque is a film created on the teeth by bacteria. Too much plaque can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and bad breath. Additionally, the process of bacteria breaking down food particles creates an acid that destroys tooth enamel.
The best time to do an oil pull is first thing in the morning. As the weather gets cooler, a person may wake up with a bit of congestion. If you find yourself congested and clearing your throat a lot, an oil pull may help clear out some of that mucus.
Studies still need to be conducted as to which is more effective: coconut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil. Since coconut oil has a pleasant taste, it is popular in oil pulls. In one study, sesame oil was shown to reduce bad breath. Studies as to whether coconut oil is also beneficial in reducing bad breath have yet to be performed.
Why does oil pulling work? The outer cell of the bacteria is a fatty membrane. When bacteria touch the coconut (or sesame or sunflower) oil, the bacteria and oil attract and adhere to each other.
It is known that too much sugar, bacteria buildup, and poor oral hygiene lead to tooth decay. Oil pulling is not a substitute for good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing, but it is a good addition to an oral hygiene routine.
This report was submitted by DentalCareZone.