What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling has been used for a very long time now to treat diverse dental ailments. Oil pulling is a medical practice in which oil is swished inside the mouth before spitting it out. People who use oil pulling alleges it is capable of boosting oral and general health.

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Oil pulling is similar to oral rinses and mouthwashes and may involve a mechanism similar to the soap-making process. The fat in the oils used in the process is creamed into bicarbonate ions found in the saliva. This increases the cleansing properties of the oil. The viscous nature of the oil prevents plaque buildup and oral diseases. Oil pulling helps relieve chronic tooth ailments that modern medicine cannot treat.

Best Oils for Oil Pulling
There are a number of oils you can use for oil pulling, but the three below stand out from others.



Coconut Oil– Don’t just use any type of coconut oil, you must opt for the unrefined, virgin coconut oil. This oil contains 50% of lauric acid which contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sesame Oil– The unrefined and cold pressed form of sesame oil is the best type to use for oil pulling. The oil contains sesamin, sesamolin, and sesaminol. These compounds impart detoxification, antioxidant, and antibiotic properties to the oil.

Sunflower Oil – For sunflower oil the unrefined and cold pressed type is best for oil pulling. It has antibacterial properties and the essential vitamins A, D, and E.

You should consult your dentist first before using any oil for oil pulling.

Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling contains antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that helps to promote oral health. Regular use can prevent oral bacteria and eliminate bad breath. The use of oil pulling also helps to treat cavities, oral inflammation, and gingivitis.

1. Treats Gingivitis
Oil pulling contains antibacterial properties that can help treat gingivitis, also called gum inflammation, and promote gum health. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. Coconut oil pulling can treat plaque-related gingivitis since it contains lauric acid – a medium-chain fatty acid) in the oil, which contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

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Oil pulling coats the teeth and the gums, thereby inhibiting bacterial accumulation. The use of oil pulling makes the gums pink and healthier and stops their bleeding too.

Fights Harmful Oral Bacteria
Over 700 types of bacteria reside in your mouth, making it one of the stongest breeding grounds for bacteria. When bacteria accumulates excessively in your mouth, it can lead to tooth decay and severe oral issues. According to studies, using oil pulling can reduce the concentrations of Streptococcus mutans in the plaque and saliva (6). This eventually helps prevent oral problems associated with the bacteria. Oil pulling activates the salivary enzymes that absorb bacterial toxins and get rid of them from the body through the tongue. Using coconut oil pulling achieved similar antibacterial effects as compared to an OTC mouthwash, according to study.

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3. Treat Toothache
Some reports state that oil pulling can treat toothache. Though the mechanism of oil pulling behind these effects is yet unknown, more research is still underway. Ensure you consult your doctor before using oil pulling to ease toothache.

Eliminates Bad Breath
Oil pulling helps reduce bad breath, since it eliminates oral bacteria. A study concludes that oil pulling treatment achieved similar results in reducing bad breath as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Oil pulling reduces bad breath and fights off the microbes causing it.

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5. Treats Cavities
Oil pulling can treat cavities and dental caries, according to studies. The two most common bacteria that causes cavities are S. mutans and Lactobacilli. The antibacterial action of the oils can help treat cavities.

May Treat Dry Mouth
Bacteria thrives best in dry mouth. Bad breath and tooth decay are a couple of the symptoms of dry mouth. Oil pulling helps eliminate these problems. Traditional medicine also uses oil pulling for treating dryness of throat.

How to Use Oil Pulling
Take one tablespoon of the oil you are using (coconut, olive, or sesame oil).
Swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.
Then spit the oil into a trash can. Do not spit into the sink or toilet as this may cause oil build-up and lead to clogging.
Ensure you meticulously rinse your mouth with water before you eat anything. You can brush your teeth after this.
You should have two separate toothbrushes – one for your regular brushing, and one for brushing after oil pulling.
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You can do oil pulling a few times a week or even three times daily. Work your way up. Start by swishing for 5 minutes and gradually increase the duration.

Precautions
Avoid swallowing the oil after you are done because it contains bacteria and other toxins collected from your oral activity.
If you have tooth filling or crowns, consult your dentist before using doing oil pulling.
Avoid using oil that you are sensitive to.
SOURCE: http://healthdiary365.com/6-benefits-of-oil-pulling-for-oral-health/