SERIOUSLY? OIL PULLING TO CLEAN TEETH AND GET RID OF BAD BREATH?
I must say when I first heard about oil pulling I was very sceptical. So I went to investigate and this is what I found….
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic tradition dating back 2000 years. It involves swishing oil in the mouth for 10-20 minutes prior to brushing teeth. Supposedly it cleans the mouth by removing bacteria and microorganisms that not only cause bad breath and tooth decay but also enter the bloodstream and cause low grade inflammation.
A report released by Dental Health Services Victoria (2011) say that bacteria and microorganisms that live in the mouth, can make their way into the bloodstream causing low grade inflammation and organ and tissue damage which leads to chronic and degenerative diseases. Brushing alone only removes about 15% of bacteria in the mouth.
SO, WHERE’S THE EVIDENCE THAT OIL PULLING WORKS?
A recent study (2014) in the IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences reported that Oil pulling had helped significantly improved tooth motility, due to bone regeneration, and improved breath (halitosis score had improved) for a 34yr old man who suffered from a loose tooth and bad breath (halitosis) (1).
A 2013 review of Oil Pulling concluded that “coconut oil strongly inhibited the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria including S. mutans – a causative organism of dental caries.” Its antibacterial properties help to eradicate the bacteria and other debris from adhering to the oral cavity. It reduces the accumulation of plaque, prevents halitosis, cavities, gingivitis.(2)
Another study (2009) compared mouthwash (chlorhexidine) to oil pulling (sesame oil) on plaque-induced gingivitis. The 2 groups did oil pulling every morning before brushing. Both groups had a “considerable reduction in the total colony count of aerobic microorganism”. Showing that oil pulling is effective in helping gingivitis. (3)
THESE ARE THE REPORTED HEALTH BENEFITS
Strengthens teeth, gums and jaw.
Whitens teeth (not sure about this, but my teeth looked shinier).
Really cleans the mouth and teeth (seriously it does!!)
Prevents plaque buildup.
Prevents halitosis (bad breath).
Prevents cavities and diseases such as gingivitis (some report that it has healed small cavities).
Helps to soothe sore throats (great if suffering from tonsillitis as it removes harmful bacteria)
Reduces inflammation.
Reduces the toxic load in the body.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO IT?
Ideally every morning, for 15-20 minutes, before you eat breakfast. This is a tad hard at times especially if you’re like me and get out of bed 5 mins before running out the door with an apple, boiled egg and a coffee. But if you’re an early riser then get up and start oil pulling while you’re getting your breakfast ready and getting dressed. If mornings are a ‘no go’ for you, then do it last thing at night. I usually do it while I am having my shower in the evening.
SO, HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Oil pulling should be done on an empty stomach (preferably first thing in the morning, but ‘anytime’ is better than ‘no’ time).
Before starting, it is best to floss your teeth. You should get into the habit of doing this.
Next, rinse your mouth with water to lubricate the mouth.
Use one tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil – you may want to start with ½ tablespoon and work your way up to a tablespoon. The oil will be harder in winter but will melt quickly in your mouth. I keep a small jar of coconut oil with a small measuring cup in the bathroom cupboard.
Move the oil around in your mouth, swishing it from side to side for 15-20 minutes, trying to pull it between teeth. Do not gargle or swallow.
When first starting out, just do it for 5 minutes and work your way up to 15-20 minutes.
When the time is up, spit out the oil into a bin. Not down the drain as it may harden and clog it!.
Rinse your mouth out with water and then brush teeth afterwards (with a natural organic toothpaste. WELEDA do some good ones)
PUTTING IT TO THE TEST, MY RESULTS
While traditionally Sesame oil and sunflower oil have been used, Coconut oil is being used more frequently among oil pullers and it’s easy to get Organic Coconut Oil. From a Naturopathic perspective coconut oil is a wonderful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral oil. I usually oil pull 3-5 times a week. After I do my mouth is super clean, my teeth are sparkling and my breath smells good (or so I have been told!) It far outweighs commercial mouthwashes that not only kill ‘bad’ bacteria but also kills ‘good’ bacteria, creating an environment where bad bacteria can take a strong foothold, which leads to bad breath which leads to more mouthwash, more bad breath – you get the picture.
When oil pulling – Some people take the opportunity to sit and meditate while others use the time to get ready for work, cook breakfast etc. Try different things and see what works for you. Some people have reported feeling a bit ill during or after oil pulling. This generally goes away after a couple of times.
REFERENCES
Iosr J, Dr. Seema Diwan DAKDSLJVG. Efficacy of Oil Pulling Therapy. Figshare; 2014.
Lakshmi V, Rajendran V, Krishnan V. Perspectives of oil pulling therapy in dental practice. Dental Hypotheses. 2013;4(4):131-4.
Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2009;20(1):47-51.