OIL PULLING THERAPY: ONE PRACTICE THAT OFFERS A MULTITUDE OF HEALTH BENEFITS

Instead of scrubbing your teeth first thing in the morning, how about starting your day by swishing a mouthful of oil around your teeth and gums? Sounds strange? It’s actually not. You will be surprised to know the benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic practice for oral care and other health benefits.

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling therapy, also known as "Kavala" or Gandusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic practice followed as a daily habit (dincharya) for maintaining oral hygiene. The word ‘pulling’ refers to how the practice results in removing toxins from the mouth with the help of a natural ‘oil’. It is just like how you use a daily mouthwash. The only difference is that instead of using a chemical-based mouthwash, this therapy uses a safer, natural oil.

‘Kavala’ is a procedure of taking a small quantity of oil in the mouth and revolving it around for 2-3 minutes and spitting it out quickly. Whereas filling the mouth with oil and holding it for a few minutes without moving it inside the oral cavity is called ‘Gandusha’. With this practice, you may start sweating slightly as a sign of toxins getting released from the body. You may also experience watery eyes and some discharge from the nose as a sign of your mouth and throat getting cleansed.

How does oil pulling work?

Most dental problems occur due to the bacteria feeding on the food stuck in your teeth. Over a period, bacteria develop a thin layer on the teeth referred to as plaque and cause various dental problems. Regular practice of oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene activates enzymes in the saliva that absorb toxins, which then gets mixed with the oil while you are swishing or holding it in your mouth. It is very important to spit the oil out of your mouth and not swallowed to eliminate toxins from the body.

Benefits of oil pulling

Deep cleanses the mouth: Around 350 types of harmful bacteria can be found in the mouth and they are often responsible for various dental problems. Therefore, it is best to practice oil pulling for cavity, toothache, plaque and other dental problems.

Prevents bad breath: Doing oil pulling can reduce bad breath as it flushes out toxins and bacteria from the mouth. This is why it is best to do oil pulling first thing in the morning. This gives you the additional advantage of stimulating your taste buds, so you can enjoy breakfast better.

Strengthens teeth and gums: The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of oils reduce inflammation and sensitivity and strengthen teeth and gums.

Whitens the teeth: Regular practice of swishing oil around the mouth gradually decreases the stains and restores the natural brightness of the teeth. Therefore, you may practice oil pulling for teeth whitening.

Detoxifies the body: Toxins build-up causes various health problems that are not confined merely to your mouth. This is why Ayurveda recommends detoxifying the body frequently. Oil pulling is a simple and effective way of doing this.

So, what are you waiting for? Get an alcohol-free, Ayurvedic oil pulling formulation and start your mornings on a healthy note with a bright smile! You may start by swishing a small quality of oil in your mouth slowly and then spit it out, followed by rinsing your mouth with water to get rid of the oily sensation and your regular brushing routine. Once you are adjusted to it, you may increase the duration and start doing it daily with a mouthful of oil.