Oil Pulling For Beginners

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is the process of swishing oil in your mouth for the purpose of healthy teeth and gums. Originating from ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for years to reduce plaque, inflammation, tooth decay and overall wellness.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the mouth and tongue are important parts of the body. Special care is taken to look after them as they can be indicators of overall health. Modern medicine supports this as your mouth is linked to your oesophagus, nasal passages, sinuses, and intricate ear cavities. Because of all these links to other parts of your body, keeping your mouth area clean is imperative.

How does oil pulling work?

The increase of saliva in the mouth combined with a natural antibacterial oil fights oral bacteria. The increased salvia reduces inflammation, bacteria and removes embedded food particles. It also helps exercise your mouth area making it stronger and appear slimmer. Wanr that a chiselled jawline with a deep contour? This is the exercise for you.

Does it have a pleasant taste?

Not for me, but after a while, you do adjust, and the payoff is way worth it. The issue for me is the initial texture of the oil in my mouth, I do not like it. We are not used to eating oil so it does take some adjustment but after a while, it dissolves into the salvia in your mouth becoming less offensive.

When should I oil pull?

After you have flossed and brushed your teeth. I usually do it whilst I am doing my skincare routine which is about 7 minutes on a quick day and 20 minutes on a pamper day.

What are the benefits of oil pulling?

• Reduced bad bacteria – the increase of saliva in the mouth and the oil used help remove and reduce bad bacteria that can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
• Strengthens jawline and gives you a slimmer face, if a thin face is your thing, then oil pulling for extended periods like 15-20 minutes will give you a razor-sharp jaw and make your face appear slimmer.
• Bad breath, as mentioned above, oil pulling removes bad bacteria from all the nooks and cranes of the mouth with can host tiny food particles that can to bad breath. It also removes bad bacteria in the mouth, which also leads to bad breath.
• Reduces gum disease – by reducing inflammation in the mouth, your gums are healthier and stronger making them better at holding on to your teeth. Healthy gums mean healthy teeth so get to pulling if you want cavity reduction and more teeth in your mouth.

How do you oil pull?

You add about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish about like mouthwash (without spitting) for no less than 5 minutes but anything up to 20 minutes. Make sure you push the oil through your teeth and gargle for full benefits.

I don’t like using runny oil so I make oil-pulling drops that are easy to use, not messy and can be made in bulk for the whole family.

What oils can I use for oil pulling?

Within Ayurvedic medicine, sesame oil is used due to its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If you have a nut allergy or if like me you don’t like the taste of sesame oil, you can use coconut oil. It’s a great alternative as it too contains potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. You can also use sunflower and olive oil as they have health-boosting benefits.

Oil Pulling Drops

200g Coconut oil

5 drops clove essential oil (optional)

5 drops mint essential oil (optional)

1. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for 30secs or until melted or heat slowly over a double boiler.
2. Add the essential oils.
3. Mix then pour into a small silicone mould.
4. Place in the fridge and allow to harden.
5. Once hard, place in a clean jar and keep in the fridge
6. Pop a cube in your mouth and swish it about in your mouth for anything from 5 to 20 minutes.
7. Make sure to spit in the bin (to avoid the oil hardening and clogging your pipes).