05 Mar The Low-Down on Oil Pulling

“Oil pulling” is a phrase we’ve been hearing a lot lately in natural health circles; so what exactly is it, should you try it, and if so why? Well, if your pearly whites are looking a little dull, or you notice you’re still afflicted with “morning breath” at 2pm, oil pulling could be just what you need to step up your oral health regime.

Simply put, oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil around your mouth, and while it might sound silly at first, it’s actually a very practical routine with ancient origins, and a number of modern-day health benefits.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic self-care ritual, where oil is used to “pull” toxins and germs out of the mouth. The toxins are absorbed into the oil, leaving your mouth cleaner and healthier.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

• Whitens teeth: The natural antibiotic and antiviral properties of coconut oil work to brighten and clean your teeth beautifully.
• Reduces the risk of cavities and tooth decay: Removes the Streptococcus mutans bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that cause tooth decay.
• Freshens breath: Removes plaque and bacteria which cause bad breath and gingivitis.
• Improves gum health: By reducing the bacteria in the mouth, oil pulling also lowers the risk of gum disease.
• Relieves headaches and congestion: The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and so better oral health means better overall health. Many of those who practice oil pulling on a regular basis report improvements in symptoms like arthritis pain, headaches and migraines, and sinus congestion.

Choosing the Right Oil

Traditionally, oil pulling was done with sesame oil, coconut oil or ghee. However, only coconut oil has been shown to remove the Streptococcus mutans bacteria; this antioxidant-rich, nourishing oil is widely considered the most beneficial oil choice for oil pulling.

Our oil pulling oil is made with ozonated coconut oil, and a dash of spearmint for added freshness.

Oil Pulling is Easy – Directions & Tips

• For best results, oil pulling should be done on an empty stomach.
• Put 1Tbsp of the oil into your mouth.
• Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. Try to “push” & “pull” the oil between your teeth.
• Spit out the oil; be sure to spit it into the bin or the toilet rather than the sink as it could clog up the drain. NEVER swallow the oil.
• Rinse your mouth with water & brush your teeth as normal, using a natural fluoride-free toothpaste. Simple!