In case you missed it, oil pulling has become a routine practice for many and others are wondering if it’s worth all the hype. Individuals are insisting that this practice is beneficial in more ways than one.
What is it?
Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around your mouth for a longer period of time than normal mouthwash.
“It has been used for thousands of years as an Indian folk remedy,” states Healthline.com.
What kind of oil should I use?
Sesame, sunflower, and coconut oils are best used for oil pulling and have several health benefits. All contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to minimize and prevent bacteria overgrowth in your mouth.
What are the benefits of oil pulling?
1. Reduces bad breath
2. Prevents cavities and tooth decay
3. Reduces inflammation and improves gum health
How do I do an oil pull?
It’s very important to state that you should only oil pull before you brush your teeth. You take a tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil and swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. If you cannot start out for this long, doing 5-10 minutes while you’re still getting used to it is okay too. Once you spit out the oil, most would recommend that you wash out your mouth with water. Finally, you can go about your typical routine with brushing your teeth and tongue to remove any oil residue.
Healthcare professionals say that performing this practice once a day will do the trick, but can be done more often as this practice is low-risk for your overall health.
