What Is Oil Pulling?

At Nakin we have been hearing a lot about oil pulling, and we wanted to find out more about what it actually is. We know that it has been promoted as a 100% natural way to clean and even whiten teeth. So, as we are obsessed with natural skincare and all things that relate to natural beauty, we had to investigate further. In a nutshell, oil pulling is a completely natural ancient method of cleansing the mouth. It involves swishing a cleansing oil, which is usually coconut oil around the mouth for about 15 minutes, and this benefits the mouth and teeth with a natural antimicrobial cleanse.

We do not have dental products in our natural anti-ageing face products collection, however, we recognise that having good teeth is an important part of our overall look, and can make us look more significantly healthy and younger. Oil pulling is an ancient dental technique that originated from Ayurvedic medicine, practiced for centuries to improve oral health and cleanse the body. The process involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower, in the mouth. This action is believed to pull out toxins, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful organisms from the mouth, teeth, gums, and even throat, promoting overall oral hygiene, reducing bad breath, and possibly preventing dental issues like gingivitis and cavities.

Oil pulling is very simple to do, and all you need is a natural oil that has cleansing properties, such as sesame or coconut. Coconut oil is the main oil that is used for oil pulling in the mouth these days, as it has natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also cheap and easy to get hold of, plus although it can have a butter consistency when cold, the heat of our mouth quickly takes it to a liquid consistency. Healthline advise that coconut oil works primarily by decreasing the harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth, that contribute to gum disease and dental decay, such as Streptococcus Mutans.

Using certain oils with anti-inflammatory properties like coconut oil may also aid the mouth by reducing the inflammation associated with gum disease. Coconut is thought to be so cleansing to the mouth that The National Centre of Biotechnology Information reported that gargling with it is as effective as using a chlorhexidine mouthwash. The combined effect of the emulsification, saponification, and the antimicrobial effects of the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil may be the reason for the reduction of Streptococcus Mutans, which is the most common organism that causes of dental cavities.

How to Carry Out Oil Pulling

When you purchase coconut oil it is usually solid, but in the heat and in a mouth, it turns into liquid. Take out a tablespoon of the coconut oil out and apply into the mouth. Always use the purest coconut oil possible, certified organic versions are a good option and do not cost a lot, as coconut oil is a cheap ingredient. Once in the mouth close the lips and swish the oil all around the mouth, gums and teeth for 20 minutes if possible. If this is not possible then continue for at least 5 minutes. Once you end the swishing do not swallow the oil, as this will keep the toxins in your system. The oil in the mouth needs to be discarded, but not into a sink, as it will go back to a solid consistency. Instead discard it into a bin. Finish the procedure off by brushing teeth as normal. After oil pulling apply our 100% Natural Lip Balm to lips to help to keep them soft, plump and hydrated.

The Benefits of Oil Pulling

• Removal of bacteria from the mouth
• Removal of fungus from the mouth
• Dislodging plaque from teeth
• Helps to whiten teeth
• Helps to reduce dental decay
• Improves bad breath
• Works to heal any irritation in the mouth
• Helps to reduce gum disease
• Leaves the mouth feeling healthy, clean and fresh

Does Oil Pulling Actually Whiten Teeth?

This is a hard question to answer, but we can say that it will not whiten teeth in the same way that chemical teeth whitening procedures will. However, it can help to remove stains and having gorgeous clean teeth always makes them look whiter and fresher. This is to be expected as it is so natural. It does definitely clean teeth, and keeping teeth clean also helps to keep them white. Medical News Today advise that although there is no scientific evidence to confirm that oil pulling can whiten teeth, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may clear stains from the surface of the teeth. We spent time looking at product reviews from customers and they generally did not say that there was a noticeable difference in how white their teeth were. So, the whitening effect of oil pulling on teeth is thought to be a subtle one. We wish that we could be more confident in saying that oil pulling does whiten teeth. Having natural looking white teeth is a look that most of us desire, as it is a lovely feature and is incredibly anti-ageing. 

 

We hope that you found our article on oil pulling helpful. To find out more about Nakin and our award winning anti-ageing skincare then visit us at www.nakinskincare.com. We also have a great blog that is all about natural beauty and looking amazing through natural methods, without synthetic or invasive chemical treatments. Nakin produce natural face products for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The full range can be found here and is designed to help skin to thrive and flourish by using the best plant active ingredients. Everything is cruelty free and made in the UK.