Ancient Indian Ayurveda has an interesting role in improving oral health and in a way general health too. Back then when medical and dental practice and research were negligible, Ayurvedic practices developed methods to better oral health. Reducing the oral bacterial flow has been the ultimate goal ever since ancient Ayurvedic practices. One such method called ‘oil pulling’ continues to be in practice even today! Oil pulling has its roots in ancient Ayurveda predominantly practiced in India. It is believed that oil pulling is extremely beneficial not just to oral health but to general health too!

What is oil pulling?

In this method, a tablespoon of oil is poured and swished in the mouth. The oil is supposed to be ‘pulled’ and not simply held in the mouth so that it is forced in between all the teeth and around the mouth. The method if practiced correctly turns the oil milky white and thinner and can spit out and then the mouth is washed with tap water.

Oil pulling is supposed to be done in the morning preferably empty stomach for 20 minutes or at least 10 minutes and then can be followed by regular brushing. Remember the oil after pulling has to be spit out and not swallowed since it contains all the bacterial toxins and remnants. Also, children below 5 years should not practice oil pulling as there is always a chance of aspiration.

What are the different oils used for oil pulling?

People practicing oil pulling often ask the same question to the Dentists like, ‘what oils can I use for oil pulling?’, ‘which oil is the best for oil pulling?’ or ‘what oils do you use for oil pulling?’ so on and so forth. The market is flooded with a plethora of oils for oil pulling claiming to be the best of best. Certain mouthwashes too serve the purpose but nothing can beat the natural oils. Coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil was used in earlier times and continue to top the list. Let’s explore a little deeper into the oils used for oil pulling.

1)Cureveda Sparkle oil for oil pulling

The Cureveda sparkle oil containing virgin coconut oil as the main ingredient surely is a must-have. Along with the goodness of virgin coconut oil it has an extra benefit of essential oils like clove oil, thyme, peppermint and eucalyptus. Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid which is most effective against bacterial toxins and deposits since it has an anti-microbial action. It helps to prevent tooth decay as well as gum infections. The eucalyptus in the oil has a soothing effect on the gums.

Another ingredient, peppermint oil is extremely effective to fight bad breath. It is considered a potent anti-septic and anti-microbial too. The thymol content of thyme oil has proved to reduce gingival swelling and infections. Thymol oil in combination with other essential oils has an anti-bacterial action that helps to reduce the occurrence of cavities in the mouth. The clove oil is known to reduce toothache and has a soothing effect on gum irritation and mouth sores. Also, the pearl powder gives an extra enrichment. This oil is derived by all-natural formula with zero synthetic compounds, no alcohol, and bleach and comes in a handy sachet form. It is 100% cruelty-free. The product is available on Amazon.

2)Herbostra

Herbostra oil for oil pulling is a sesame-based oil along with the goodness of almost 25 ayurvedic herbs. The oil has a unique blend of ancient ayurvedic herbs which helps to improve oral health. Regular use of sesame-based oil has proved to reduce almost 20% of plaque formation if used consistently for 40 days. Sesame oil is an effective detoxicant since it has a mechanical cleansing action, has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties too. Along with sesame oil the other 3 main ingredients like irimeda twak, khadira, agaru make herbostra a very effective oil for oil pulling.

Irimeda Twak, an ayurvedic herb helps to reduce gum swelling as well as heals any ulcers in the mouth. Khadira, another herb has a strong astringent effect and helps to cure bleeding gums. Agaru, the third main ayurvedic base ingredient has a soothing effect on gums and oral tissues. The herbostra oil is completely natural and free from all synthetic ingredients like fluoride, triclosan or alcohol. The product is available on Amazon.

3)Extra virgin coconut oil by ‘the tribe concepts’

The coconut oil by ‘the tribe concepts’ is 100% natural oil derived by the cold press method to extract the oil with full concentration along with its nutrients for maximum benefits. Coconut oil is most effective against common oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans responsible for dental caries and candida Albicans responsible for oral fungal infections. Coconut oil also has a soothing effect on mouth sores and ulcers. Another important factor is that coconut oil has the most pleasant taste and hence holding the oil in the mouth is never cumbersome. The product is totally unrefined, unbleached, and is free from any synthetic compounds. The product is available on Amazon.

4)Colgate Vedshakti ayurvedic formula for oil pulling

Colgate vedshakti oil pulling formula contains sesame oil as its main ingredient along with a burst of essential oils like eucalyptus, basil, clove oil, and lemon oil. Studies have reported that oil pulling with sesame oil results in decreased plaque formation as well as adhesion and hence reduced gum infections and the occurrence of dental caries.

Oil pulling with sesame oil is also useful is reducing bad breath and is equally effective like chlorhexidine mouthwash. The basil oil has an anti-oxidant property which means it helps to repair the oral tissue damage. Also, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory action reduces tooth decay and gum swelling.

The lemon oil helps to clear the stains present on teeth. Also, the infusion of essential oils gives the natural freshness which helps in keeping the bad breath at bay. Colgate is a trusted brand when it comes to oral care products from toothbrushes to toothpaste. The vedshakti formulation is 100% natural, free from synthetic compounds or bleach. The taste of this oil is much better than the other edible oils.

5)Varta oil for oil pulling by Vedix

Vedix is a renowned ayurvedic product company that recently has launched its oral care product in the form of oil for oil pulling. It’s a 100% natural product with asana, lodhara and thyme oil which are the essential ayurvedic herbs as its main ingredients. The goodness of all-natural herbs makes this oil beneficial against gum infections and swelling. Also, the natural ingredients are much better at having an anti-microbial action against oral germs. The product is easy to use. One has to simply swish a spoonful of oil in the mouth and pull it for at least 10-15 minutes and then spit it out. The ayurvedic natural oil leaves you with a clean mouth and a fresh breath!

Highlights

• Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice for maintaining oral hygiene.
• Oil pulling has numerous benefits in improving oral as well as general health.
• The regular practice of oil pulling helps to prevent tooth decay, gum infections and bad mouth odor.
• Even though oil pulling is effective against many oral microorganisms, a regular dental check-up has no escape way.
• Many natural oils like virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil and sunflower oil are best for oil pulling.
• The infusion of essential oils along with the natural oils gives an added benefit to these products.