Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient, Indian oil therapy that involves swishing oil in your mouth and actually 'pulling' it between your teeth for a length of time (between five to twenty minutes) before spitting it out. It started as an Ayurvedic ritual  in India and allegedly dates back over 3000 years but is still practiced today and is renowned as an effective oral health remedy. Experts believe that the best oils to pull are Coconut, Olive and Sesame oils.


As much as we might not like to believe it, millions of bacteria and toxins are present in the mouth and the bacteria in the mouth go on to create a biofilm on the teeth which is a thin layer that sticks to the tooth enamel and creates what we know as plaque. Well, oil pulling when done regularly, can actually make your teeth whiter while strengthening your teeth and gums. Recent studies also show that oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque and micro organisms that cause bad breath.

So here's how to Oil Pull

Put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. If it feels too much for you, start with a full teaspoon then bump it up as you get used to oil pulling.

Swish the oil around in your mouth. Start with just five minutes a day as twenty minutes of swishing and pulling is a long time for such activity especially when it is foreign to you.
While the longer you pull, the more bacteria you'll remove, five or ten minutes will still do you a great world of good. it also helps to do something while pulling so you don't get bored and tired when you've barely started.

Be careful not to pull too hard as that can cause your jaw to start aching early into the routine. Gently pulling and sucking the oil through your teeth is all that's required to do the trick.

Do not swallow the oil because after pulling it, now contains toxins which should not be absorbed back into the body as they are harmful for the body systems. When you are done, spit out the oil then brush your teeth. It is advised that you spit the oil into some tissue then dispose in a trashcan as spitting the oil into a sink will cause pipes to clog.

Rinse out your mouth with salt water (regular clean water will do) to wash out the oil before brushing your teeth. It is best to do this before you brush your teeth.

Remember, oil pulling should not replace brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.

Source; fab.me
Written by; Yewande Marquis
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