Oil Pulling for Beautiful Teeth, Healthy Gums & More

 

 

 

 

I have a simple yet powerful health practice for super white teeth & healthy pink gums.  In fact, according to ancient Ayurvedic medicine, my daily ritual provides not only complete oral health, it can assist the body in healing at the root of a great many overall bodily issues.  My little secret to a beautiful smile and potentially much more is called Oil Pulling.

 

The Ayurvedic technique of Oil Pulling has been practiced for centuries.  It consists of the simple practice of slowly swishing a spoonful of cold-pressed oil (coconut -my fav, sesame, or sunflower oil) around the mouth on an empty stomach for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out.  I do this every morning while showering and getting dressed, followed by a gargle with salt water.  I was instantly hooked after my first try, during which I'd swished for a marathon 30 minutes, and found my teeth so much whiter after just one session I couldn't believe my eyes.  As I continued for the next few weeks, I noticed the bit of recession I'd had around a few lower teeth where there was a greater tendency for plaque between cleanings, was completely dissapearing.  Soon, the plaque was gone and the recession had completel reversed!  Now, all my teeth are whiter than they've ever been (and that includes, before I knew better, when I'd used bleaching trays from the dentist which made my teeth hurt and my gums turn white while doing who knows what to my enamel) and all my teeth have pink, healthy little gumline 'turtlenecks' around them with no more 'cowl necks' forming around those few on the lower left!

 

While whiter, healthier teeth, pinker gums and a pristine oral cavity are hugely worthwhile in themselves (oral health being linked to the health of all the various parts of the body - the most well known of which being heart health) the potential health benefits don't stop there.  Let's delve into a little more detail on the history, these additional potential benefits and how the practice works.

 

History

As mentioned, the therapy of Oil Pulling from traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine dates back 3000 years.  Ancient Ayurvedic texts discuss oil pulling as a tool for detoxification of the entire body claiming it can be a cure for a wide variety of diseases. While there aren't scientific studies to support such benefits beyond the oral cavity, there are many individuals who claim to have reaped miraculous results beyond just the mouth. Orally, however, scientific studies do show that the practice helps strengthen teeth (including fastening loose teeth), jaws and gums, prevents decay and bleeding gums and combats gigivitis, plaque and microorganisms that cause bad breath.  Results are shown to be especially pronounced if coconut oil is used as it's a powerful destroyer of all kinds of harmful microbes, from viruses to bacteria to protozoa.

How it works & Benefits to the mouth and beyond

 

Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell.  Cells are surrounded by a lipid or fatty membrane.  When these cells make contact with the oil, also a fat, they naturally adhere to one another, thereby, trapping the lipid coated pathogens in the oil which are eventually spit out.  Additionally, research has shown that the enzymes in the saliva, which mix with the oil in the process of swishing, increase the ability of coconut oil in particular, to inhibit the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including the bacterium that is a major cause of tooth decay.(2) Enzyme-modified coconut oil has also shown to be harmful to the yeast Candida albicans.  I've personally experimented with both sesame and coconut oil and, while both yielded results, I found the results from coconut oil more pronounced.  That said, Ayurvedic medicine and the researchers at OilPulling.com advocate use of sesame oil over coconut oil.  The following is an excerpt from OilPulling.com on the relationship between oral disease and systemic disease: 

"Scientists at the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, reported new studies connecting oral diseases with systemic diseases. A recurring theme is the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and infant prematurity, diabetes, or stroke.  

The Mouth is known to have numerous bacteria. Usually we can keep these bacteria under control with good oral care, via brushing and other healthy routine activities. Saliva is a key defense mechanism against bacteria and viruses. It contains enzymes that destroy bacteria in different ways. But harmful bacteria can at times grow out of control and lead to serious gum infection.  Sometimes the first sign of a disease shows up in the mouth. In other cases, infections in the mouth, such as gum disease, can cause problems in other parts of the body. Conditions of the mouth can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection (related to other parts of the body). For example, systemic diseases, which affect the entire body, such as diabetes, AIDS and cancer, may first become apparent because of a mouth injury or other oral problems.

When the gums are healthy, bacteria in the mouth usually don't enter the bloodstream. However, when there prevails gum disease bacteria many enter into the bloodstream by one of the two ways. Firstly, through aggressive dental treatments. Secondly, through treatments that reduce saliva flow or disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth which also may lead to oral changes, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream." (1) 

  

  

The potential of this healing system in which oil is swirled back and forth in the mouth, is due the stimulating effect it has on the body's eliminatory system. It is said that it's possible to heal individual cells, cell conglomerates such as lymph nodes, and more complex tissues such as internal organs simultaneously.  According to OilPulling.com, this occurs because the beneficial microflora throughout the body are provided with a healthy continuum, in the absence of which the usual pattern of human health tends to lean toward illness rather than wellness.  Dr. Karach, of OilPulling.com, feels that regularly reversing this process so that wellness is the dominant state of the body, would likely increase the average human lifespan dramatically.  Additionally, he states, "This cleansing of the mouth and tongue is the basis for the next phase of the therapeutic process. If you have studied acupuncture you may be aware of the many points on acupuncture meridians that become congested and blocked from food, bacteria and environmental toxins which our bodies absorb. The tongue is very important to the function of most of the organs and biochemical reactions taking place in the body.  It is my theory that by removing the toxins and various microbes from the tongue we free the congestion and blockages from the important meridian pathways that interconnect our many organs." 

Method

First thing in the morning on an empty stomach before drinking any water, pour a spoonful of cold-pressed oil (sunflower, sesame or coconut -my fav) into your mouth. Swish the oil slowly around, without swallowing it, moving it through your teeth and using your tongue to help move the liquid around (however, don't gargle with it).  As you swish, you'll notice the volume of the oil expands and becomes thinner as your saliva combines with it.  If your jaw muscles get too tired, you've used too much oil and you'll know to use less the next time. It's a very simple process with no right or wrong way to swish and pull the oil. Just be natural and gentle for about 20 minutes.  Avoid spitting the oil out into the sink as coconut oil, for example, becomes solid below 76F and will clog your sink.  Additionally, the oil will be teaming with harmful bacteria and toxic bodily waste that you don't want in your sink.  For example, if this liquid were magnified 600 times under a microscope one would be able to see microbes in their first stage of development!  Twenty minutes is a general rule of thumb however you can experiment with how long you proceed.  After spitting the oil out, rinse the mouth with warm salt water as a helpful antimicrobial and to soothe any inflammation as well as to rinse away any remaining toxins which may be left out in the mouth. Lastly, brush your teeth.

 

Important Tips

 

• Don't swallow the oil as it's full of toxins.
• Don't spit into the sink if using coconut oil as it can clog the sink.
• Rinse with salt or baking soda water after.
• Don't use an oil you may be allergic to.
• Do your own research and proceed at your own risk.
• Start slowly to ensure less risk.  For example, swish for 5 minutes at first then build up to a longer period of time.  Perhaps start by oil pulling just once a week, and so on.  Sesame oil has been found to be less detoxifying than coconut oil, and may be a safer oil with which to start.
• Understand that to achieve dramatic results, say beyond oral benefits, the practice may need to be adhered to for a long period of time.
• Each person will have different results as the symptoms we seek to alleviate are caused by infinitely different roots which oil pulling may or may not be able to remedy. 
• See the below resources for in depth white paper details on the science, FAQ's, personal testimonies and more.

Sooo, that's Oil Pulling in a nutshell!  An ancient trick I was thrilled to find works wonders on my own teeth and gums.  Oh, and one last tip, it's ok to oil pull more than once a day - even three times a day to achieve even more remarkable results - just be sure to do it a few hours after each meal to be certain of an empty stomach for optimum affect.  Apparently, however, even if one doesn't adhere to the empty stomach rule, results can still be achieved.  Let me know how it works for you! 

 

Have you ever tried Oil Pulling?

Share your experiences in the comments if you decide to try it out.

 

 

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Much Love,

Juliane

 

Thank you for visiting :)

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References:

1.  http://www.oilpulling.com/precautions.htm

2. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/05/oil-pulling-coconut-oil.aspx

 

I am not a healthcare practitioner or provider. To the extent that any information is provided through this website, it is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or substitute for medical advice or counseling, the practice of medicine including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, the creation of a physician-patient or clinical relationship, or an endorsement, a recommendation or a sponsorship of any third party, product or service by me. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Comments

[kelly]

Thanks for posting this. I've been wanting to do this and now i'm going to give it a go this week. I'm going to start with the coconut oil since you prefer that.

[juliane]

You're welcome Kelly! It's wonderful to meet you. Let me know how it goes. Have a beautiful day, and thanks for your lovely comment. Much love, Juliane

[Jules Longo]

I love oil pulling and natural tooth care! Best thing I ever did was go to a holistic dentist who is now a great friend. Far better than the traditional sorts. Coconut oil also tastes yummy during the swishing marathon!

[juliane]

Hi Jules,

Exactly, I love scooping out my yummy coconut oil every morning too :) How long have you been oil pulling? It will be fun to see what affects it has over a longer period of time - tho I suppose w/ an overall healthy lifestyle it all works in tandem. That's fantastic that you've found a great holistic dentist!

Thanks for your comment and have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo
Juliane

[Ciao Florentina]

Great Article ! I am a huge fan of coconut oil, will link to this from my site. Great content!

[juliane]

Thank you, Florentina,
Just one more amazing reason to love Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! So fabulous! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend :)
Love,
Juliane

[Amy]

I've been oil pulling with organic, cold pressed, non gmo coconut oil for 4 days. Noticing no change in oral health and no change in overall health and well being. I was wondering due to my lack of patience but not lack of willingness to give up, has anyone seen real results yet? And how long should I expect?.
Sincerely,
Passionist.