I know it sounds classically crunchy, but I love oil pulling.  I first tried it a few years back when I learned about how vital oral health is to maintaining overall health.  I am blessed with good teeth genes, but my gums are not so lucky.  You see, I used to be a person who did not make oral care a priority … I won’t share how many years it was before I started seeing a dentist regularly again as an adult.  I’m not proud of that fact, but it’s always my goal to be transparent about my natural health journey.

I’m proud to say that I now take oral health very seriously, and oil pulling is one of the self-care routines I maintain regularly.  I’m still working to undo the damage I did by putting my oral health on the back burner, and oil pulling is one of the tools in my toolbox.  It works to help restore the natural flora balance in the mouth.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves swishing oil around in the mouth to pull out harmful toxins and plaque, to maintain a healthy oral microbiome.  The practice dates way back, long before regular dental care was available.  Most people use coconut oil for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.  Coconut oil also contains Vitamin E, which is awesome because antioxidants can support gum regrowth.  It also tastes much better than other options, but most other oils work just fine too.

What Are the Benefits?

Oil pulling isn’t well researched (and the research that is available doesn’t include large studies), but it’s easy to find lots of positive anecdotal experiences online.  I also found THIS BOOK to be helpful in learning about the healing properties. Here are the possible health benefits, based on small studies:

• Decrease of harmful bacteria and plaque, which may prevent cavities and other oral ailments, as well as support cardiovascular health
• Reduction of bad breath
• Improved gum health

Anecdotal benefits range quite a bit from whitening teeth to boosting energy, but have also included improving headaches, curing hangovers, detoxing the body, balancing hormones, and supporting clear skin.  Though there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims, good oral health is known to support overall bodily health, so who knows what’s possible!

Additionally, I can share from personal experience (and that of friends and family, as well) that oil pulling can help to treat localized gum inflammation and toothaches.  At home, we add a drop of clove essential oil because of all the oral health benefits associated with the clove plant.  In fact, my oral surgeon routinely uses oil of clove to treat dry socket associated with wisdom tooth extraction!  He says it offers instant relief from the pain and supports proper healing.  Wow!

Oil Pulling 101

Oil pulling is pretty simple to do.  When you first wake up in the morning, measure out about one tablespoon of raw, cold-pressed, unrefined, organic coconut oil into a glass cup.  If it’s in a solid or semi-solid form, consider melting it by running hot water on the outside of the glass.  If you can handle the solid form in your mouth without gagging (I cannot), it’ll melt very quickly in your mouth and you can skip that step.  Consider adding a drop of clove or other essential oil, though it’s not necessary.  Next, swish the oil in your mouth, making sure to get the oil everywhere.

The recommended goal is 20 minutes of swishing, but start out with just a few minutes and build up over time if oil pulling is new to you.  I oil pull while I’m knocking out other morning chores, so it goes by much quicker than one might think.  The swishing doesn’t need to be vigorous, you simply need to move the oil around in your mouth, making sure to cover all the places.

When you’re finished, it’s very important to spit into the trash or outside.  Do not spit the oil into the sink, as it can re-solidify and cause all kinds of plumbing issues.  Rinse with warm water and then brush your teeth to make sure you remove all the yuck.  You do not want to be swallowing that stuff!

What Do You Have to Lose?

Most oil pullers do it a few times a week – it’s not necessary to make it an everyday routine.  This age-old Ayurvedic practice is a fantastic way to add self-care into your morning routine, but keep in mind that oil pulling is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing. There are very few health risks, but coconut oil is not a good choice if you have a coconut allergy.  Consider, instead, sesame or olive oil.  Additionally, it’s super important that you not swallow or accidentally breath in any of the oil, so please take special care to avoid that.

Especially with so many potential health benefits, why not give it a try?!

TIME TO START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY

Let’s heal our health.  Join me in the journey to create natural, wholistic, healing homes that offer safe havens where our families can connect, thrive, and find joy in wellness. When we fuel our bodies properly, practice the self-care we need, and experience connecting relationships, we can all resiliently thrive together and fulfill our God-given purposes.

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