Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that helps remove harmful germs and toxins from the body. The process is straightforward: you place a selected oil in your mouth and swish it around, ensuring it reaches your teeth, interdental spaces, and gums. After oil pulling, simply spit out the oil. This uncomplicated method makes oil pulling a popular and effective oral hygiene practice.

Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil can significantly enhance oral health. As part of daily oral hygiene, it helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, including on the teeth, in plaque, and in saliva. For instance, it has been shown to reduce Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium responsible for tooth decay. Scientists believe that the lipids in the oil not only bind bacteria but also prevent them from adhering to the walls of the oral cavity. Additionally, oil pulling may inhibit fungal growth and support cell renewal.

Most microorganisms in our mouth are unicellular and surrounded by a flexible fatty membrane. When you swish oil in your mouth, it binds to these fatty membranes and dissolves them. The longer you continue oil pulling, the more bacteria and toxins are trapped in the fatty solution. Therefore, it is crucial to spit out the oil after oil pulling and not swallow it.

Oil pulling gently rinses all teeth with oil, providing beneficial care and protection. Bacteria that could cause tooth decay or periodontitis are partially bound and removed when spitting out the oil, offering a degree of protection for the tooth structure and gums.

Harmful germs can colonize on and in the gums. Oil pulling can bind and remove these germs, helping to naturally contain diseases such as gingivitis or receding gums.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria that produce sulfurous substances like hydrogen sulfide or methyl mercaptans. Oil pulling can bind these bacteria, potentially improving bad breath.

Several scientific studies have shown that oil pulling can be a mild detoxification method. Daily oil pulling continuously removes unhealthy germs and their toxins from the body, relieving the immune system and allowing the body to function more optimally. This can positively affect health and contribute to a better sense of well-being.

Oil pulling works best with cold-pressed coconut oil, olive oil, or sesame oil. If these oils are not available, any other vegetable oil can be used.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can be easily dispensed with a spoon. It quickly becomes liquid in the mouth and is ideal for oil pulling. Studies have shown that coconut oil has many antibacterial properties due to its high lauric acid content, a medium-chain fatty acid. Consequently, coconut oil has a proven positive effect against the caries-causing bacterium Streptococcus mutans.

Olive oil is also excellent for oil pulling. Its high content of polyphenols, antioxidants, and fat-soluble vitamins E and K1 strengthens the gums and has an antibacterial effect.

Sesame oil is a traditional oil in Ayurvedic medicine with many beneficial properties. It is known to reduce harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, contributing to better oral health. It also contains vitamin E, which strengthens and cares for the gums.

Pulling oil usually consists of a carefully selected blend of oils that complement each other to optimize the effect of oil pulling. Mouthwash often contains essential oils such as peppermint oil, clove oil, sage oil, thyme oil, or eucalyptus oil to enhance antibacterial properties.

Typically, 2 teaspoons of oil are sufficient. Choose an amount that feels comfortable for you. Avoid using too much oil, as you need enough space for the saliva that forms during oil pulling. Do not swallow the oil, as it can contain many bacteria and toxins.

Put a spoonful of coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, or mouthwash oil in your mouth and swish it around for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 12 minutes, before spitting it out. The goal is not to rinse your mouth frantically but to push the oil slowly between your teeth. Avoid gargling with the oil, as this can cause you to swallow it or, in the worst case, block your airways.

If you use coconut oil, do not spit it into the sink after rinsing; instead, dispose of it in the garbage can. Coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 24 degrees and can block the drain.

Oil pulling can be done once or twice a day, ideally in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast. During oil pulling, you can carry out other activities to make efficient use of the time, such as showering, getting dressed, preparing breakfast, shaving, applying makeup, or reading the newspaper. It can also be done in the evening after brushing your teeth. After oil pulling, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Many questions arise regarding oil pulling. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic.

Here, you can find additional information on the topic to gain a deeper insight.