Oil Pulling for Oral Health

What is Oil Pulling and How Does it Work?

Oil pulling involves swishing oil around the mouth and has been used for thousands of years as an Indian folk remedy. In order to oil pull, you put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth, then swish it around for 15-20 minutes. The main benefit of doing this, is that it reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

There are actually thousands of different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some of them are friendly, others are not. The bacteria in the mouth create a “biofilm” on the teeth – a thin layer that they use to adhere to the surface. This is what we know as “plaque.”

Oil Pulling Can Reduce Harmful Bacteria in The Mouth

Streptococcus Mutans is one of the main bacteria in the mouth and a key player in plaque buildup and tooth decay. In a study from 2008 with 20 boys, oil pulling (using sesame oil) caused a reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans in the plaque in as little as 2 weeks.³

Oil Pulling Can Reduce Plaque and Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by inflammation of the gums and happens when the immune system starts attacking the bacteria in the plaque.

Another study compared oil pulling and chlorhexidine in adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis. Both oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash were effective against gingivitis.⁴

Oil Pulling Can Reduce Bad Breath

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is in many cases (not all) caused by the smell of chemicals and gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. It makes sense that if you get rid of some of these bacteria, you reduce bad breath.

In a third study of 20 adolescents, oil pulling therapy significantly reduced all markers for bad breath and was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.⁵

 

How to Oil Pull

Oil pulling is incredibly simple and effective.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth.

2. Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes.

3. Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth.

4. Increase your benefits by adding an essential oil like peppermint, lemongrass, or lemon

 

Coconut Oil

The Lauric Acid (one of the fatty acids in coconut oil) is also proven to be antimicrobial… it can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.^1, 2

Oil Pulling for Oral Health