Oil Pulling – Is It the Solution worth Going For

Oil pulling is one of the most talked about practices when it comes to maintaining not only oral but overall health. Many people seem claiming that oil pulling doesn’t only help them in maintaining whiteness of their teeth and health of their gums, but it has also helped them in getting the body aches and infections reduced. Oil pulling is the oral hygiene practice which dates back to the ancient Indian era. In fact, this practice belongs to the historical Ayurveda concept about medicine. Oil pulling basically involves use of plant based oils (mostly, the coconut oil) as a mouthwash.

The process is simple. Users have to swish one tablespoon of oil for about 20 minutes. The volume of oil gets doubled in the mouth as saliva and other toxins from the mouth get added into the oil. People who recommend this practice strongly discourage swallowing the oil because it contains the very microorganisms you are trying to ‘pull’ and get rid of. The basic job of oil pulling is drawing the toxins out as oil ticks to their outer fatty layer. Since this practice is believed to highly beneficial for oral health, it presumably benefits the overall health because general body health is associated with the oral health.

Does oil pulling really work?

The final verdict about oil pulling is yet to come out. A number of dentists talk more in favor of oil pulling than others. Nevertheless, there is no study which suggests that oil pulling is effective in a way it is claimed to be. But it also doesn’t mean that all claims about oil pulling are based on lies. As a matter of fact, coconut oil contains some highly beneficial vitamins and antimicrobials which can contribute actively in maintaining better person hygiene from many perspectives, which may also include oral hygiene.

Is it the practice worth going for?

Personal wellbeing and better oral hygiene are important. So, anything you can do for the better in these aspects is something which cannot be discouraged at all. But when it comes to oral health, visiting the dentist comes on top. Your dentist is the person who is going to tell what is wrong and what is right for your oral health and hygiene. At the dentist’s office, you can discuss a lot of options which can benefit your dental and oral health in more accurate manner.

However, when it comes to maintaining oral health at home, oil pulling is certainly something you can go for. The best thing about oil pulling is that it won’t hurt you even if it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping for. But, you have to keep in mind that other dental health practices such as brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly should be continued as recommended. Oil pulling can be an additional practice, not the one which would take the place of main dental hygiene habits.