Oil pulling – the latest trend in dental health
Oil pulling is an inexpensive treatment to complement your everyday brush and floss.
What is oil pulling?
Extra virgin coconut oil is packed with nutrient-rich lauric acid making its consumption hugely beneficial for our bodies. But it’s only recently that the ancient Ayurvedic practice of spitting the good oil out has started to enter the mainstream health world. In the past, sesame and sunflower oils were used, but these days the more palatable coconut oil is a hot favourite. Swish a teaspoon of it around the mouth for at least 10 minutes before spitting it out for numerous health benefits.
Benefits of oil pulling
Two studies completed by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at India’s Meenakshi Ammal Dental College indicated oil pulling therapy reduced plaque, halitosis and gingivitis in participants. Other health benefits can include whiter teeth, better digestion, and clearer skin, and some Ayurvedic practitioners and naturopaths believe it helps with heart disease and hormone imbalances.
By swishing and sucking the oil around your mouth and through your teeth, the oil pulls at hard-to-reach plaque from your teeth and gums. Like an oily mouth massage, your teeth should feel cleaner post-cleanse and your breath sweeter and fresher.
What's the best time of day to do it?
Best done in the morning when your body is in a natural state of detox after fasting overnight, oil pulling is an inexpensive treatment to complement your everyday brush and floss. A word of advice – this is another case of ‘spit don’t swallow’, as the resulting liquid should be full of the toxins you’ve removed.
