In India, oil pulling was used practice as a traditional folk remedy. It cures more than thirty systemic diseases when practised regularly and as prescribed. As we all know that modern medicines and oral hygiene products has side effects, people are increasingly attracted towards complementary and traditional practices. Oil pulling in addition to offering several oral health benefits has also beneficial effects on overall health. In this article, we will review and discuss this ancient practice.
Why need such a procedure when several allopathic types of mouthwash and medicines are available?
The mouth is a mirror of the general health of the human body, which harbours billions of microorganisms contributing to the development or progression of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and many more. It is proven that oral health and general health are interrelated. So it is very important to maintain oral health. Antibiotic resistance, adverse effects and toxicity from modern medicines has prompted us to research some ayurvedic treatment
Oil pulling ayurvedic aspect
Oil pulling is mentioned in the ayurvedic text Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita as ‘Kavala Graha’ or ‘Kavala Gandoosha’.
In Gandoosha mouth is filled with oil such that gargling is impossible whereas in Kavala Graha comfortable lesser quantities of oil are used such that gargling is possible.
How to do oil pulling?
1. Take a tablespoon full of oil that is swished around the mouth in the early morning before breakfast and on empty stomach for about 20 min.
2. In the case of children greater than five years of age, a teaspoon of oil is used.
3. The oil is ‘pulled’ and forced in between all the teeth by swishing it all around the mouth.
4. At the end of this activity if the procedure is done correctly, the viscous oil will become milky white and thinner.
5. Then it spits out and the mouth is thoroughly washed with clean warm saline water or tap water and teeth are cleaned with fingers or routine tooth brushing is performed.
6. If the jaw aches, then the procedure can be done just for 5–10 min.
7. The oil should not be spit into the sink as the oil can cause clogging of the pipes. Instead, the oil should be spit into a trashcan or on a paper towel.
8. Oil pulling should be ideally performed daily morning on empty stomach before brushing teeth and care should be taken that oil is not swallowed.
9. Swallowing of oil during oil pulling should be avoided as the oil contains bacteria and toxins.
10. Oil pulling is best practised in a sitting position with chin up. It can be practised thrice daily on an empty stomach before meals to fasten the healing effects.
Can children do oil pulling?
It is contraindicated for children below 5 years due to the risk of aspiration. In the case of children greater than five years of age, a teaspoon of oil should be used.
Most important precaution for oil pulling?
The practitioner should take care not to aspirate the oil while performing rigorous oil pulling.
Who should not do oil pulling ( contraindications)?
If you have oral ulcers, fever, vomiting tendency, asthma then you should avoid this technique.
What is the Mechanism of action oil pulling or how oil pulling works?
Ayurveda advocates that tongue is connected to various organs such as kidneys, heart, lungs, small intestine, spine, etc. Oil pulling is believed to help in the excretion of toxic heavy metals by saliva. Oil pulling activates salivary enzymes which absorb toxins such as chemical toxins, bacterial toxins.
Which oils we can use for oil pulling?
1. Sunflower oil
2. Sesame oil
3. Coconut oil
Above mentioned oils are of benefit especially if it is cold-pressed as trans fats are absent in cold-pressed oils when compared to commercial oils which are extracted from strong petroleum-based solvents though refined oil also works in “pulling” the bacteria, viruses and protozoa from the oral cavity. Sesame oil is the preferred oil for practising oil pulling. Sesame oil and sunflower oil also reduces plaque-induced gingivitis. Sesame oil contains chlorosesamone which has antifungal activity. Also, polyunsaturated fatty acids present in it reduces free radical injury occurring in the oral cavity. Role of oil pulling in bad breath, Gingivitis, Periodontitis and bleeding gums?
It generates antioxidants that damage the cell wall of microorganisms and kill them. These oils will attract the lipid layer of bacterial cell membranes, and cause them to stick or get attracted, and pulled to the oil.
During oil pulling, the oil gets emulsified and the surface area of the oil gets increased. The process of emulsification of oil begins within 5 min of oil pulling.
This oil will coat the teeth and gingiva and inhibits bacterial co-aggregation and plaque formation.
Thus plaque building bacteria responsible for dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and bad breath are removed from the oral cavity. Gums become pink, healthier and the problem of bleeding gums is solved. Oil pulling is also of help to resolve symptoms of dry mouth/throat and chapped lips. Also, teeth become whiter; breath becomes fresher; oral cavity muscles and jaws become stronger with the excellent achievement of oral hygiene.
Oil pulling prevents dental caries, gingivitis, oral candidiasis and periodontitis from occurring, helps to reduce tooth pain, fixes mobile teeth and achieves vigorous oral hygiene.
Oil pulling when practised regularly is believed to freshen and stimulate the mind and strengthen the senses.
It is also beneficial in sore throat, dry face, impaired vision, taste loss and anorexia.
