Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Oil pulling is an all-natural approach to enhance dental health. It helps keep the mouth cavity clean by removing bacteria and other debris. One could attribute this to its antibacterial characteristics. It reduces plaque buildup while preventing gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Let’s see how the therapy works:
How do you do oil pulling therapy?
Ayurveda describes the practice of oil pulling as retaining or holding sufficient amount of oil or medicinal oil in mouth. When this oil turns thin and milky white, it is thrown away without gulping it.
The claim is that this method enhances both dental and overall wellness, providing advantages. These ailments include migraines, headaches, diabetes, asthma, acne, and even tooth whitening. These medicinal solutions aid in the removal of impurities. Herbalized oils that have been proposed include sesame, coconut, and sunflower oils.
How does oil pulling therapy work for plaque control?
The primary method for oil pulling is mechanical shear forces. These forces are applied when the herbal oil is swished around in the mouth. As a result, the oil is emulsified. This considerably increases its surface area. Thus, oil develops a protective shield on the gingiva and tooth surfaces. And this thereby reduces bacterial co-aggregation and plaque retention. Additionally, it has been proposed that the oil undergoes saponification when it interacts with the salivary alkalis. Therefore, the production of a soap-like substance decreases plaque buildup.
Can oil-pulling help to get rid of teeth cavities?
No, not right away. Our mouth is home to billions of microbes. They release toxins that harm the teeth and irritate the gums, causing swelling and bleeding. As a result, the detoxification aspect of the therapy serves as a natural remedy to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, throat dryness, and cracked lips.
These herbal oils also offer a variety of advantages over conventional mouthwashes. The absence of stains, a persistent aftertaste, and allergies are some examples. They are also economical. Aside from diarrhea or an upset stomach, the main drawback of oil pulling therapy is its prolonged duration. It’s critical to emphasize that the clinical evidence indicating how oil pulling lowers the risk of tooth decay is not conclusive. Additionally, the available research does not provide strong support for the use of this therapy for other mouth issues. Furthermore, only extensive scientific investigation can ensure its efficacy and safety.
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