What is Oil Pulling & What Are The Benefits?

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth to reduce bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve overall dental health. It may also help by moisturizing your gums and increasing saliva production, which can further reduce bacteria. Due to the side effects of certain modern medicines and oral hygiene products, individuals are increasingly attracted towards alternative and traditional dental practices such as those that Dr. Monempour, the best holistic dentists in Los Angeles, has to offer.

What Are the benefits of Oil Pulling?

In addition to providing several oral health benefits, oil pulling also has beneficial effects on overall health. Some of the many oral health benefits of oil pulling include the following:

1. Oil Pulling Can Reduce Harmful Bacteria in Your Mouth.There are approximately 700 types of bacteria that can live in your mouth, and up to 350 of them may be found in your mouth at any given time. Certain types of harmful bacteria can contribute to problems like tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and periodontitis. Several studies have shown that oil pulling could help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth can help support proper oral hygiene and prevent some of these conditions.
2. Oil Pulling Can Help Reduce Bad Breath.Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a condition that affects an estimated 50% of the population. Treatment typically includes the removal of the bacteria, either through brushing or by using an antiseptic mouthwash like chlorhexidine. At least one study has found that oil pulling is as effective as chlorhexidine at reducing bad breath. Although more research is needed, oil pulling may be used as a natural alternative to reduce bad breath and could be as effective as traditional treatments.
3. Oil Pulling Can Help Prevent Cavities From Forming: Research has found that oil pulling may decrease the number of harmful bacteria found in saliva and plaque just as effectively as a mouthwash, thus helping to prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of cavity formation.
4. Oil Pulling Can Improve Gum Health and Reduce Inflammation: Gingivitis is a type of gum disease marked by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. The bacteria found in plaque are a major cause of gingivitis, as they can cause bleeding and inflammation in the gums. Oil pulling is a natural, effective remedy to improve gum health and reduce inflammation. It works primarily by decreasing the harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth that contribute to gum disease, such as Streptococcus mutans. Using certain oils with anti-inflammatory properties like coconut oil may also aid by reducing the inflammation associated with gum disease. Some studies suggest that oil pulling may be an effective supplementary treatment to prevent plaque formation and promote healthy gums.
5. Oil Pulling Uses Only Natural Oils:While sesame oil was traditionally used for oil pulling, other types of oil are used today. At Holistic Smiles LA, we recommend coconut oil, which possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.  Olive oil is another popular choice thanks to its ability to fight inflammation. If you can get a hold of some ozonated organic non-refined coconut oil that is the best possible oil to use for oil pulling purposes! As a specialized holistic dentist in Santa Monica, Dr. Monempour offers such ozonated coconut oil to each of his patients during their visit.

How Do I Do Oil Pulling?

You can do oil pulling in 4 easy steps:

1. Measure approximately one tablespoon of oil.
2. Swish it around in your mouth for as little as 1 minute or as much as 20 minutes. You may want to start with 1 minute and gradually increase the duration.
3. Once you are done, spit the oil into a trash can. 
4. Rinse your mouth well using water before eating or drinking anything.

How Often Should I Do Oil Pulling?

You can do oil pulling as little once a week or up to three times a day, based on your personal preference.  For the best results, Dr. Monempour recommends doing oil pulling on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.