Oil Swirling or Oil Pulling is a method I recently discovered for strengthening, whitening and cleaning teeth, naturally.
An ancient Aruvedic method, the process attracts and removes unwanted bacteria, toxins, and parasites in your mouth while clearing congestion and mucus from your throat and sinuses, which is amazing! Oil Swirling can also help to re-mineralize your teeth and strengthen your gums by thoroughly cleansing the area.
Traditionally, Oil swirling was done with Virgin Sesame Oil, but I prefer Virgin Coconut Oil, as it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and enzymatic properties.[1] This helps to remove unwanted bacteria responsible for a variety of oral problems such as tooth decay, plaque, gingivitis, cavities and halitosis (bad breath). [2]
How to Oil Swirl:
- Put about 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around your mouth for 5-20 minutes.
- Spit out the oil, rinse with water, then brush your teeth.
NB. If you use Coconut Oil; be sure to chew it for a few minutes to let it melt first.
When you start swishing the oil between your teeth, around your gums, allow it to touch every part of your mouth except your throat. As you swish the oil is catching all the unwanted bacteria which you want to keep away from your throat. No gargling!
In terms of timing 20 minutes is ideal, according to Dr. Bruce Fife, author of “Oil Pulling Therapy”, however I only have time for 5 minutes in the morning and I’ve still seen remarkable benefits.
What you do while Oil Swirling is up to you, some people practice deep breathing (through the nose), others take a shower, Drew Canole checks his emails.
Once your Oil Swirling time is over (minimum 5 minutes) spit it into the trash or toilet, but not the sink as the oil can solidify and clog your drain.
For maximum results; make this is a daily practice like brushing your teeth.
Why Do It?
I began Oil Swirling because my gums and teeth were very sensitive. I say were, because since I’ve been doing it my gums have strengthened and thankfully today my teeth are no longer sensitive.
Apart from my personal experience, some interesting studies support the ability of Oil Swirling to reduce harmful oral bacteria[3], plaque and gingivitis[4] and even reduce bad breath[5].
The Proof Will Be in The Pudding.
Admittedly, there are a lot of huge claims about oil pulling online and I don’t believe them all, however based on personal experience, oil pulling has been remarkably effective at reducing gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. It is not a quick fix and it is necessary to allow some time for results, but the results have been excellent.
Ultimately, don’t take my word for it, experience it first hand for yourself and see if it works for you?
Please Share your experience with Oil Pulling in the comments section below?
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Christopher Drummond is the Editor of a Natural Health website and lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
For simple ways to live a naturally healthy life, visit: www.real-wellness.net.
Sources referenced in this article:
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC444260/
