I've always been obsessed with oral hygiene because my teeth stain really easily and I get cavities all the time. My dentists have always told me that my genetics are to blame since I floss and brush after every meal in addition to daily use of the waterpik and rubber tip. Anyway, several months ago I started oil pulling, where you swoosh a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes first thing in the morning. I know it sounds disgusting and you are probably wondering why on earth I would do this. It is actually an ancient Ayurvedic practice done not only for oral health, but to detoxify the entire body! As you sleep, toxins are released through your tongue. If you've ever noticed a white layer on your tongue this is a sign that your body is getting rid of lots of bad stuff due to foods with high levels of pesticides or hormones, alcohol, sickness, allergies, etc. The oil works to pull out the bacteria, fungus, and other toxins from you mouth. The oil also helps to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. In organic chemistry I learned about how oil is a natural emulsifier, which can increase saponification creating a cleansing environment. If you keep your mouth clean and healthy, you will have better breath, whiter teeth, less cavities, etc. Oil pulling is not only done to keep a healthy mouth, but also to detoxify the entire body through the lymphatic system. It helps to remove harmful toxins and create a healthy environment for good bacteria to thrive.
Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:
• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms
How To Oil Pull
First thing in the morning before I drink any water or brush my teeth, I use my tongue scraper to remove some of the bacteria that has built up on my tongue during the night. I then put about 1 tablespoon of cold pressed organic oil into my mouth (sesame and sunflower work best for me, but I've also used olive, safflower, grapeseed, avocado and coconut). I swish the oil around my mouth for about 15 minutes. If this sounds crazy to you, try starting out with a few minutes and slowly increasing the time. Just relax and think about moving the oil around your mouth with your tongue. You don't need to forcefully swish it as if it were mouthwash. The oil will mix with your saliva turning into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oil begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, I spit it out before the toxins are reabsorbed. I recommend spitting out in the trash instead of your sink because it might clog your drain. I then use my tongue scraper, rinse my mouth out with salt water, and brush my teeth.
3/28/14 Update:
I have been doing oil pulling daily (pretty much) for over two years now and the results are amazing! I haven't had any cavities or stains on my teeth! I also find it a perfect way to start my day. I usually keep the oil right next to my bed so I don't even have to get up. I lie in bed while I swish the oil around in my mouth and I find it very meditative. I alternate between different oils since each one has its own unique benefits.
Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:
• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms
How To Oil Pull
First thing in the morning before I drink any water or brush my teeth, I use my tongue scraper to remove some of the bacteria that has built up on my tongue during the night. I then put about 1 tablespoon of cold pressed organic oil into my mouth (sesame and sunflower work best for me, but I've also used olive, safflower, grapeseed, avocado and coconut). I swish the oil around my mouth for about 15 minutes. If this sounds crazy to you, try starting out with a few minutes and slowly increasing the time. Just relax and think about moving the oil around your mouth with your tongue. You don't need to forcefully swish it as if it were mouthwash. The oil will mix with your saliva turning into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oil begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, I spit it out before the toxins are reabsorbed. I recommend spitting out in the trash instead of your sink because it might clog your drain. I then use my tongue scraper, rinse my mouth out with salt water, and brush my teeth.
3/28/14 Update:
I have been doing oil pulling daily (pretty much) for over two years now and the results are amazing! I haven't had any cavities or stains on my teeth! I also find it a perfect way to start my day. I usually keep the oil right next to my bed so I don't even have to get up. I lie in bed while I swish the oil around in my mouth and I find it very meditative. I alternate between different oils since each one has its own unique benefits.