In the last year more and more of my patients have been asking about oil pulling. It’s a practice that has become more popular in the United States in the last year, especially for oral health. Although there is no extensive scientific research of the practice, it is an alternative medicine that can produce results and aid with prevention when used with regular brushing and flossing. I have also noticed it has produced whitening results in some patients.

Oil pulling, also known as oil swishing, is an ancient, traditional remedy that began in India some time ago and involves swishing oil in your mouth. It is believed to be a holistic approach to detoxifying your mouth from harmful bacteria, which may lead to decay in your teeth, help with bleeding gums, dry mouth, odor and tongue cleansing.

The process of oil pulling involves a choice of different types of oils: coconut, sesame, olive, or sunflower oils. It is recommended to use unrefined, extra virgin cold pressed oils for best results. COCONUT oil seems to be the oil of choice my patients are using.

After you have obtained an oil of choice, all you simply have to do is:

➢ Pour 1-teaspoon worth of oil.
➢ Place the oil into your mouth (be sure not to swallow it!)
➢ Swish it around for about 10-20 minutes.
➢ Spit the oil out when you’re finished.
➢ Experts agree that it must be performed consistently each morning to obtain the best results.

Afterwards, you should rinse your mouth out with either warm water or salt water to clean out the mouth and remove any remaining oil. Finish the process off with a proper brushing job for maximum effectiveness in killing off bacteria.

Some people may have trouble swishing the oil around in their mouths. This is why we recommend that you keep yourself occupied by reading a book, watching television, or something else to pass the time.

Oil pulling takes commitment, but it can pay off. Studies have been performed on sesame oil pulling and found a statically significant reduction in bacteria count for those who have used this technique for 40 days*.

Not only does oil pulling offer great oral health benefits, it also serves as an alternative teeth whitening method.

If you’re curious, then give it a try! Chances are you have some type of oil lying around; just make sure it’s unrefined, high-quality oil.

Read about a few oral health facts that may surprise you!

*Source:
http://www.walkbythewayjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Anand-et-al.pdf