What is Oil Pulling? Is It Safe?

What is Oil Pulling? Is It Safe?

Learn about the advantages of oil pulling, an age-old Ayurvedic practice that enhances oral health and general wellbeing. Find out what dentists advise regarding safety measures.

The traditional Ayurvedic practice of "oil pulling" is swishing oil in the mouth for a few minutes to enhance oral health and general wellbeing. Usually, the oil is swished around the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes before being spit out. Sesame oil is the most typical oil used in oil pulling; however, other oils, such as coconut oil and sunflower oil, can also be utilized.

 

Benefits from oil pulling

The following are some of the main advantages of oil pulling:

Oral health: 

The capacity of oil pulling to enhance oral hygiene is one of its most well-known advantages. According to claims, swishing the oil around in the mouth helps remove plaque and germs, improving oral hygiene, whitening teeth, and lowering the incidence of cavities and gingivitis. According to studies, oil pulling can lessen the amount of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is known to cause tooth decay, in the mouth.

Detoxifying: 

According to some sources, oil pulling encourages the body to expel impurities through the mouth. This can contribute to bettering overall health and wellness by aiding in the reduction of inflammation and improving liver and kidney function.

Inflammation: 

Oil pulling is thought to offer anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for ailments like eczema, asthma, and arthritis. According to claims, the oil can aid in lowering body swelling and inflammation, which can help to increase joint mobility and lessen discomfort.

Stress reduction:

It's believed that gargling with oil has a relaxing impact on the body and mind. This may lessen tension and lift your spirits.

Skin health: 

Oil pulling allegedly enhances skin health by assisting in the body's toxin removal and reducing inflammation. This can improve the skin's look, lessen acne and other skin issues, and encourage a youthful glow.

Oil pulling: Is it safe?

Most people generally consider oil pulling to be safe. There are several safety measures to take into consideration, though:

·       It's crucial to spit the oil out after swishing it in your mouth rather than swallowing it since it can contain toxic microorganisms.

·       Sesame oil is thought to be the most conventional and secure oil for oil pulling; however, it's crucial to utilize premium, organic oils to keep out any pollutants.

·       Using oil pulling excessively might cause a dry mouth, which raises your chance of developing tooth decay. It is advised to only perform oil pulling once each day.

·       A little amount of oil should be tested on the skin before using it in the mouth since some people may be allergic to the oil used in oil pulling.

What a Dentist Has to Say

Dentists' perspectives on oil pulling differ. Some support it as an extra oral hygiene technique, but others are dubious about its advantages. Its supporters claim that better oral health and fresher breath can be achieved by lowering plaque and bacteria in the mouth. By taking toxins out of the body through the lips, they further assert that it can cleanse the body. 

Dentists caution that it shouldn't replace routine dental care like brushing and flossing and point out that further study is needed to back up these claims. Dentists advise using organic, high-quality oils sparingly because excessive use can cause dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay. Speaking with a dentist before beginning any new oral hygiene regimen is advised.

The author is a contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at amna0795@yahoo.com