Dental care is just as crucial as any other lifestyle routine. Brushing, flossing, and mouth washing, are all traditional practices that have been used for generations. And yes, these work wonders and do a terrific job at keeping our pearly whites healthy and strong while removing all traces of bacteria from our mouths. Hidden behind the popularity of these practices is another method of oral hygiene that is either overlooked or entirely unheard of. 

The practice of oil pulling is criminally underrated and hardly talked about when it comes to the topic of oral hygiene. So let us bring it out into the limelight.

Here is everything you need to know about the method of oil pulling.

How is it done?

Now that you know what oil pulling is, let’s find out how it is done. The procedure is as simple as lifting your finger. Take a tablespoon of any oil of your choice and pour it into your mouth.

Coconut oil works best here due to its antibacterial properties. Swish the oil around your mouth, ensuring that it covers every corner and tooth. 

It is recommended to do this for 15-20 minutes, but if you have trouble with that amount of time, start with something shorter such as 5-10 minutes. 

It is absolutely crucial that you do not swallow the oil as you do not want all that bacteria reaching your stomach.

Brush your teeth immediately after completion. Repeat this process on a regular basis for the best results. 

6 Key Benefits of oil pulling

1. Whitens Teeth

Oil pulling on a regular basis can thoroughly clean as well as rid your teeth of stains. This allows them to be as white and shiny as possible over time. Keep in mind that this method needs to be repeated regularly and it requires patience as it takes a while to achieve the desired results. 

2. Kills Harmful Bacteria

The human mouth is full of harmful bacteria. Sometimes a toothbrush and toothpaste alone do not get the job done. It can still lead to oral infections and tooth decay. Oil pulling is a great way to go the extra mile and get results. It significantly reduces the number of bacteria in the saliva and promotes oral hygiene.

3. Reduce Inflammation

Bacteria play a huge role in oral conditions like inflammation and bleeding gums, to say the least. According to research, using coconut oil for oil pulling gets rid of plaque and bacteria in the teeth and gums.

4. Prevents Cavities

Poor oral hygiene, and the buildup of bacteria, all can lead to cavities, the most common tooth problem. No amount of brushing can reverse the damage. Hence it is better to be safe than sorry. Fortunately, regular oil pulling works just as well as any mouthwash and effectively gets rid of cavities. 

5. Promotes Gum Health

The build-up of bacteria and plaque can lead to gum diseases like Gingivitis, which is a pretty common disease and leads to bleeding, swelling, and redness of the gums. Lucky for you, oil pulling is a highly effective remedy for people suffering from such diseases. Using coconut oil is recommended.

6. Prevents Bad Breath

Even after brushing your teeth, it is possible for your breath to go bad after a few hours. The same goes for using a mouthwash. This is due to bacteria trapped in the hidden corners of the mouth that your toothbrush is not capable of reaching. Oil pulling with coconut oil kills off the bacteria in every corner of your mouth and keeps your breath fresh for a long time.

You do not need brand new and expensive products to maintain your pearly whites and the overall hygiene of your mouth. All it takes is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bottle of oil.

Oil pulling should not be used to replace traditional oral hygiene methods. It should be added occasionally to your morning routine. Be sure to consult a dentist before starting this practice. 

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