Oil Pulling – An Ancient Ayurvedic Practice For Modern Oral Care

Oil pulling has levelled up the oral hygiene goals with just 15 to 20 minutes of oil swishing and swirling in the mouth. The ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing one tablespoon of oil in the mouth for around 15 to 20 minutes as a dental remedy. Traditionally known as “Kavala” or “Gundusha”, oil pulling with coconut oil is a celebrity and dental community-approved oral cleansing method.

Backed by numerous scientific studies and Ayurveda research, the oil-pulling method is known to provide a positive effect on all the organs in the head and scalp area, improve sensory abilities, strengthen the scalp, and improve cognitive functions. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the ancient technique.

Our recommendation: Birdsong Oil Pulling Jar with Citrus

What are the benefits of oil pulling?

According to National Cancer Institute, the practice that originates in ancient India is over 3,000 years and help create “balance to the body, mind, and spirit”. Regular practice of oil pulling is known to offer a range of benefits:

• Oil pulling for gum disease or periodontal conditions is quite effective and prevents tooth decay. It aids in the removal of food particles stuck between teeth and prevents germ incubation.
• It prevents acidity build-up in the oral cavity and maintains a healthy pH in the mouth. A less acidic environment in the mouth prevents foul odour and ensures all small particles are swished out.
• Daily practice of oil pulling prevents bad breath and is safer for children and adults. As the oil blend consists of herbal extracts, it gives a fresh smell and refreshing feel.
• Oil pulling improves blood circulation to the gum and ensures healthy, stronger gums. It strengthens and brightens teeth making them naturally strong.
• The oil blend consists of anti-bacterial and anti-viral ingredients which help in preventing a range of oral infections like gingivitis, pyorrhea etc. Some studies show that sesame oil is effective in reducing S.mutans and L.acidophilus in the oral cavity. Hence, it protects against the majority of pathogens and helps develop immunity against microbial infections.
• As oil pulling protects against a range of infections in the oral cavity, it reduces the possibility of infections in various parts of the head region. The antiseptic effect protects oral muscles from stiffness, numbness, swelling etc. It protects against chronic colds, chronic headaches, and sinusitis.
• One of the surprising benefits of oil pulling is reducing signs of ageing as it improves and tones facial muscles. Swishing the oil content helps with rate increased rate of cell regeneration in the facial skin that prevents wrinkles, blemishes, and dryness.

Our recommendation: Perfora Oil Pulling

How to practice oil pulling?

The oil-pulling technique is most effective when practised on an empty stomach in the early morning after brushing your teeth. Traditionally, sesame oil or mustard oil was used for its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. However, coconut oil has become a popular option for the method lately.

Here are the steps for oil pulling:

• Take a spoonful of the oil-pulling concoction and swish the liquid in your mouth. 
• Swirl and swish the fluid inside the oral cavity for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not swallow the oil mix. 
• Spit it out and rinse your mouth with normal water. 

Our recommendation: Birdsong Oil Pulling Jar with Mint

Two ways of performing oil pulling 

There are often two ways of performing ancient practices.

• The first method is known as Ghandusha but it is slightly different compared to oil pulling. The process involves filling the mouth with medicated oil, keeping it in the oral cavity for 3 to 4 minutes without swishing, and spitting.
• The second method is known as Kaval Graha where the oil is gently swished in the mouth for around 15 to 20 minutes, which ultimately becomes thin in texture, expelled, and the mouth rinsed with saltwater.

Our recommendation: Birdsong Oil Pulling Jar with Vanilla and Cinnamon

Daily oral cleansing is suitable for optimum oral hygiene and helps in keeping the mouth clean, and free of germs and cavities. Oil pulling can be done safely once or twice. However, make sure to not swallow the oil and that’s the precaution one needs to take.