I want to introduce Jessica Wagner, she is the founder of WellJourney.net where she writes about her family's journey to wellness. Here she shares about Oil Pulling as a traditional oral care practice. I've added my aromatherapist notes on essential oils at the end.
When you think of a wellness routine, you might think of juice cleanses or supplements that promise to reset your body.
Often, these types of routines are done every so often and can be annoying and aggravating, not to mention also not very appetizing.
What if I told you there is a simple daily habit for your mouth that you can do while going about your normal day? You might be skeptical, and I don’t blame you with all of the “quick fix” fads out there.
This method is called “oil pulling”.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice traditionally used to support oral health. The idea is that swishing oil around your mouth helps loosen and carry away bacteria, which you then spit out. (1)
It’s simple, really. Wash the dishes, do the laundry, or get ready for work, all while moving oil around in your mouth.
How to Do Oil Pulling
Oil pulling requires you to “pull”, or swish, 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth for several minutes per day, working up to about ten to twenty minutes.
Some research suggests it may help reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath (1). It is not a replacement for brushing, flossing, or seeing your dentist.
Brush and floss your teeth as normal after you spit and rinse (try rinsing with warm salt water for added benefits).
4 Oil Pulling Tips for Beginners
1. Spit It Out
Be sure to spit out the oil in the trashcan when your timer is up - you do not want to clog your drains or swallow the oil.
2. Type of Oil to Use for Pulling
The traditional Ayurvedic method uses sesame oil (affiliate link), but coconut oil (affiliate link), olive oil, and sunflower oil may also be used.
3. Best Time to Oil Pull
Many people like to oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
4. Start Out Small
You can overdo oil pulling. Pulling oil too long may cause you to accidentally inhale some of the oil into your lungs, which is why you want to start out slow (3-5 minutes) and work your way up. Oil pulling isn't for young children, who may swallow or inhale the oil.
Should You Add Essential Oils to Oil Pulling?
My aromatherapist note: You may see recipes that add peppermint, clove or lemon to oil pulling. I don't recommend it. The inside of your mouth is a mucous membrane, essential oils can irritate it, and swishing makes it easy to swallow some. I never recommend taking essential oils internally. Stick with plain oil for pulling.
If you love a minty fresh feeling, enjoy essential oils in other ways instead, like diffusing peppermint or spearmint in the morning, or using a personal inhaler. Learn more about spearmint essential oil and essential oil safety.
A simple daily oil pulling habit, plus your regular oral care, using items you already have in your home. It is an easy routine to try!
Bio: Jessica Wagner is a wife to an amazing husband, dog-mom to a crazy Irish Setter, and an elementary educator. She is the founder of WellJourney.net - a site she has built to help those on their way towards a ‘well mind, well body, and well soul’, through the sharing of her own imperfect journey towards overall wellness.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*The Oil Pulling method should not replace your dental hygiene routines.
References
(1) Shanbhag, V. K. L. (2016, June 6). Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene - A review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
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