How can oil pulling help your teeth?
💡 You may have heard of oil pulling as a way to help improve oral health, but what exactly is it?
You may have heard of oil pulling as a way to help improve oral health, but what exactly is it?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 5-10 minutes to help remove bacteria.
This practice is said to whiten teeth, freshen your breath, and reduce inflammation.
But does it really work? Let's take a closer look.
❔How Does Oil Pulling Work?
Oil pulling helps remove toxins from your mouth by binding to the bacteria and plaque in your teeth.
Once the oil has bound to the plaque, you spit it out and brush your teeth as usual.
The theory is that by removing these toxins from your mouth, you will also be reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
⚙️ Does Oil Pulling Really Work?
There is some scientific evidence to support the claims that oil pulling can improve oral health.
One study found that oil pulling was effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis (gum inflammation).
Another study found that oil pulling was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash (a common antibacterial mouthwash) in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
A third study found that sesame oil was effective in reducing cavities and periodontal disease.
However, it's important to note that most of the studies on oil pulling are small and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
That being said, there is certainly some preliminary evidence to suggest that oil pulling may be beneficial for oral health.
😐 How to do oil pulling?
If you're interested in trying oil pulling, it's important to use a high-quality oil such as coconut oil or sesame oil.
To learn more about best oils to use for oil pulling check out our article 👉 Oil Pulling 101: What's the best oil for oil pulling?
Start with 1 tablespoon of oil, swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes, and then spit it out into a trash can.
Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual.
It's best to do this first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
🪥 Oil Pulling vs Traditional Brushing and Flossing
So, should you ditch your toothbrush and start swishing oil around your mouth instead?
Not so fast!
While there may be some benefits to oil pulling, it's important to remember that traditional brushing and flossing are still the best ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
That being said, if you're looking for a natural way to improve your oral health, give oil pulling a try!
And if you are looking to make your dental routine more eco-friendly, have a look at our articles on sustainable teeth brushing 👇👇👇
