Written by Adeline J. Wells
In addition to brushing and flossing, oil pulling has recently gained popularity as an important component to the everyday oral health routine. Stemming from the traditional Indian medicine practice of Ayurveda, oil pulling is the technique of swishing oils around the mouth to reduce bacteria, as well as to improve one’s overall oral health. It can be difficult to determine the best oil for pulling when faced with so many different oils and combinations. With a plethora of diverse information available, here is a short guide regarding the process, as well as which ingredients to keep in mind when deciding upon the best oil for pulling for you.
How to Oil Pull
Once one has chosen the best oil for pulling for them, the process is very simple:
- Place one tablespoon of oil in the mouth
- Gently swish the oil around the oral cavity for ten to fifteen minutes
- Spit out the oil; follow with brushing or scraping the tongue if desired
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been a staple in medicinal practices for centuries due to its wide variety of benefits for one’s oral health. Up to 700 different species of bacteria can live in the mouth; several of these are normal flora, or good bacteria. Oral flora have the purpose of preventing infections caused by other organisms; however, when bacteria exists in excess, it can lead to hygienic issues such as tooth decay, gum infection, and bad breath. Swishing around the oils in the mouth helps “pull” toxins and bacteria from inside the oral cavity. By diminishing the excessive bacteria, oil pulling allows for the oral flora to exist in balance. While there are a wide variety of different oils on the market, the inclusion of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are key when deciding on the best oil for pulling.
Choosing the Best Oil for Pulling
Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame seed oil is a vital component to the practice of Ayurveda in a variety of aspects, and it is the traditional oil used in pulling. This oil contains a wide variety of nutrients, including fatty acids, iron, and a notable amount of Vitamin E. This combination of nutrients results in sesame seed oil being hailed for antibacterial, antifungal, and antifungal properties. Due to this genetic makeup, sesame seed oil is considered one of the best oils for pulling.
Coconut Oil
Extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree, coconut oil is one of the most common oils used for pulling, and also one of the best. This oil is widely utilized in skincare due to its anti-inflammatory properties; these qualities also make it an excellent choice when used for oil pulling. In addition to antibacterial properties, its inclusion of lauric acid helps prevent and treat mouth sores, stopping their progression to infection. Further, coconut oil contains the compound sucrose monolaurate, which hampers sucrose oxidation and glycolysis in bacteria, both of which lead to the formation of plaque.
Avocado Oil
Despite being a lesser-known oil, avocado oil is another one of the best oils for pulling. With significant anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil is renowned for its abilities to diminish issues that can lead to gum disease and the erosion of the teeth bones. With high densities of fatty acids as well as Vitamins A and E, this oil is known as an antioxidant that is very nourishing when swished around the mouth. Avocado oil also contains chlorophyll, which is a natural antibiotic that reduces the excess of bacteria in the oral cavity.
Our Pick: Organic Detoxifying Pulling Oil
