Oil pulling: the healthiest and most effective mouthwash

The toothbrush and dental floss are all very well, but the revolution in the care of the teeth and gums comes from the hand of a age-old technique: he oil pulling (in Spanish, “rinse with oil”).

In fact, many times we go to the dentist with fear. We fear that, despite following all the hygiene routines, he may discover another cavity, a dangerous advance of tartar or something worse. So maybe it’s worth trying this one in addition to following these routines. complementary strategy It has been practiced in India for thousands of years.

His followers say that keeps teeth white, gums healthy and breath fresh. There must be a reason…

Benefits of oil rinses

He oil pulling It is part of Ayurveda, the traditional indian medicine. In this health system, oils are generously applied throughout the body, because they nourish the tissues and rid them of toxins. Often these oils are mixed with plants, to take advantage of their benefits.

In this context, the oil pulling it’s a oral cavity self-massage which has been practiced for at least 2,700 years and which consists of making mouthwashes with oils. The benefits of these rinses for the care of the mouth and teeth are many:

1. They reduce the formation of tartar

In a study conducted with 20 children, published in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistryafter two weeks of practicing the oil pulling the presence in the mouth of the bacterium Streptococcus mutans.

This bacterium is one of the main responsible for the advance of tartar that causes gingivitis and tooth loss.

2. They prevent bad breath

With this technique too reduce bacteria that cause halitosisbad breath.

Several subsequent studies have confirmed this property and the previous one. And it makes sense: the membranes of bacteria are made up of fatty acids, so the bacteria “stick” to the oil and are washed away by the current that we create with the rinse.

3. They drag dirt

The oil used for rinses is thick, so, passing through the teethit takes away the dirt.

4. They form an antibacterial soap

The studies carried out also indicate that the oils, as used in the oil pullingthey acquire antibacterial properties.

When emulsified with saliva, a alkaline hydrolysis, as in the production of soaps from fats. And the soapy substance created is effective in cleaning the mouth of bacteria.

5. They massage and stimulate the gums

They perform a massage on the gums that stimulates the arrival of blood laden with nutrients and immune cells that fight infections.

6. They are an alternative to chlorhexidine

The oil can replace the preventive use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes, since these are too aggressive with the microbiota of the mouth, with the mucous membranes and even with the taste buds.

How is oil pulling done?

When it comes to putting it into practice, traditional Hindu medicine describes three oil pulling techniques: kavala, gandusha and gum massage. But first we have to choose the oil that we are going to use in them. These four are ideal for their properties:

Sesame oil: It is the oil traditionally used in Ayurveda to carry out oil pulling. It can be mixed with medicinal plants or other oils. Its aroma is pleasant.Coconut oil: it is the most widely used today outside of India. It is rich in lauric acid, active against viruses, bacteria and fungi. It becomes solid below 21 C.Olive oil: the Mediterranean oil itself has also been shown to be effective in research carried out. Its effect is comparable to that of coconut and sesame oils.Sunflower oil: it is suitable alone or mixed with other oils.

In all cases it is recommended use pure first cold-pressed oilsthat is, extra virgin oils.

Once you have chosen the oil, you can choose between any of these three ways to obtain its benefits:

kavala rinse

This technique consists of keep the oil in your mouth for a while and then move it around, several times in a row. It takes you about a quarter of an hour and is done as follows:

In the morning, put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and keep it still for about 2 minutes. Then move it around your mouth for another 2-3 minutes. Try to make it pass with some force between the teeth. Pretend to chew. Use your tongue to carry it to all corners of your mouth. Spit it out. Repeat two or three times. Some people prefer to do it for 15-20 minutes at a time with the same oil, but it is not necessary and can tire the muscles of the face. When finished , swish with warm water and brush your teeth.

When spitting, be careful not to spit the oil in the organic wastenot in a drain, because it would favor blockages and make it difficult for the treatment plants to work.

Gandusha rinse

In this alternative, the oil does not stir in the mouth:

Fill your mouth with oil and keep it for 3 to 5 minutes, without rinsing during all this time. Spit it out. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

Remember to spit the oil into the trash and not into the sink.

oil massage

Moisten the index finger in oil and perform a massage on the gums for 10 minutes.

A complement to oral hygiene

He oil pulling can improve our oral health, but It is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Neither are regular visits to the dentist, preferably with a bioenergetic or holistic orientation.

It is important complete oral hygiene They are natural toothpastes, free of bactericides such as triclosan, nanoparticles and petroleum derivatives.