QUICK GUIDE TO OIL PULLING

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is an ancient oral health technique that dates back 3,000 years - likely to India and the Ayurvedic medical traditions. It involves swishing a teaspoon of oil around the mouth.

What are the benefits?

It is an effective oral cleanser and excellent for oral hygiene and detoxification. It may assist in the prevention of many common oral ailments.

What do you need?

Coconut oil. That’s it !

I recommend you start with a teaspoon of coconut oil (solid form) or fractionated coconut oil (liquid form). Some people recommend that a tablespoon be used, but in my experience, the saliva builds up during the process of swishing the oil around the mouth, and it quickly becomes very tiresome for the jaw and cheeks as your mouth becomes too full.

If you are not keen on the taste, I would suggest adding 1 drop of peppermint essential oil (CAUTION: not all essential oils can be taken orally or internally - make sure you use an oil brand that clearly states on the label that the oil can be taken internally. Ask me which essential oil brand I recommend). Or how about adding 1 drop of spearmint, clove or patchouli oil?

If you wanted further benefits, Myrhh essential oil is especially effective for cleansing of the mouth and throat.

How do you do it?

Oil pulling should be done before brushing your teeth.

Take a teaspoon of coconut oil into the mouth and start swishing around the cheeks and between the teeth. (Note, if you use the solid coconut oil, it will quickly liquify).

It is recommended you swish for 20 minutes, however to begin with, I would recommend you do 5 minutes as your jaw will get tired fast. Next time do 10 minutes - and work your way up to the 20 minutes.

Make sure you SPIT OUT the oil when you are done. You do not want to swallow the oil as it now contains everything you have just cleansed out from your mouth! Also spit into a garbage bin, and not down the sink as you do not want the oils to clog up your pipes.

Finally, rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.

How often should you do oil pulling?

For best results, 3 or 4 times a week is recommended.

Please note that oil pulling should not replace brushing or flossing, and you should still continue to see your dentist regularly.