Oil pulling is an ancient technique dating back thousands of years, derived from the traditional Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. Proponents of the method, who are constantly promoting it on TikTok and other social media sites, claim that it improves overall health, prevents tooth decay, improves bad breath, and helps treat bleeding gums, dry throats, chapped lips, headaches, and even acne. So what are the facts and what are the exaggerations in this topic? Follow us on Dalili Medical to find out more.

**What is oil pulling?**

 

Oil pulling, also known as oil pulling, is simply the process of rinsing your mouth with a spoonful of edible vegetable oil for 20 minutes daily, then spitting the oil out. Sesame or coconut oil is preferred, but any other suitable vegetable oil will work for this purpose.

**Is it necessary to gargle for 15 minutes?**

 

You should gargle for 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the desired benefits. However, if you are in a hurry, it is recommended that you continue gargling for at least 5 minutes.

**Can oil pulling be combined with mouthwash?**

 

If you are using mouthwash, using oil pulling may not be beneficial, and may not be harmful to oral health, but it may negatively affect your overall health.

**What are the benefits of gargling with sesame oil?**

 

Sesame seeds and oil contribute to enhancing oral and dental health. Gargling with sesame oil helps to: remove limescale deposits around the teeth, whiten teeth, care for the gums and prevent bleeding, as well as reduce tooth decay by eliminating the bacteria that cause it.

**Which is better: gargling with oil in the morning or in the evening?**

 

It is preferable to gargle with oil in the morning and on an empty stomach. This helps get rid of bacteria and toxins that accumulate during the night on the tongue, teeth, and oral cavity.

**Can you replace your toothbrush and floss?**

 

Oil pulling cannot replace your brushing, flossing, and rinsing routine. This routine should remain the foundation of your oral and dental care regimen.

**How ​​to choose the right oil?**

 

Oil pulling is most effective when using coconut oil. It is preferable to use organic, virgin, or unrefined coconut oil, as it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, making it better than other oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil. In addition, it is safe and edible, but it is advised not to swish it vigorously or swallow it. It is best to do this in the morning on an empty stomach.

**Oil pulling steps:**

1. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for one minute.

2. Spit the oil into the sink and rinse your mouth well.

**Oil pulling and its potential benefits**

 

Although the exact mechanism by which oil pulling works is not clear, it may help draw bacteria out of the mouth. It can also help moisturize the gums and increase saliva production, which may help reduce the effects of harmful bacteria in the mouth. In addition, some of the oils used in this process may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The benefits of oil pulling are not limited to oral and dental health, but extend to other benefits for the body in general, such as relieving headaches and migraines, and helping to manage some chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

**Maintaining oral and dental health**

 

The benefits of oil pulling for the mouth and teeth are many, the most prominent of which are:

**Reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth** Types of bacteria are naturally present in the mouth, but when their growth increases or other harmful types appear, this may lead to multiple problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Oil pulling helps reduce the number of these harmful bacteria in the mouth and saliva, which contributes to improving oral health and preventing diseases associated with bacteria.

**Reducing bad breath** Bad breath is usually caused by neglecting oral and tongue hygiene, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that release unpleasant-smelling gases, and it can also be the result of oral diseases such as gingivitis. Oil pulling can help eliminate the bacteria responsible for this odor, which helps improve the smell of the mouth.

**Preventing tooth decay and cavities** Neglecting oral and dental hygiene, in addition to the accumulation of bacteria and increased consumption of sugars, leads to tooth decay and cavities. Oil pulling can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

**Improving gum health and preventing related diseases** The bacteria responsible for the formation of tartar or plaque are the main causes of gingivitis, and can lead to bleeding. Oil pulling can be an effective way to improve gum health and reduce inflammation, as it works to reduce harmful bacteria and prevent the formation of tartar that contributes to gum disease.

**Relieves symptoms of oral candidiasis** Another benefit of oil pulling is that it helps eliminate the causes of oral candidiasis. To enhance the effectiveness of oil pulling, it is recommended to use an oil with antifungal properties, such as coconut oil.

**Teeth whitening** Oil pulling is an effective natural way to whiten teeth, as it helps remove stains from the surface of the teeth, although there is no scientific research to support this claim.

**Treats some diseases of the body** In addition to its topical benefits in the mouth, oil pulling provides general health benefits for the body. It is used to prevent and treat more than 30 different diseases, due to its ability to eliminate toxins that accumulate in the body, which improves general health and reduces many health problems such as headaches and inflammation. Oil pulling can also help reduce sinus infections, and it may beIt is also useful in combating inflammation associated with many chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and heart disease.

Oil pulling helps prevent and treat the following conditions:

Diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease.

Bronchial infections.

Asthma.

Chronic skin diseases, such as eczema.

Blood clots.

It is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of oil pulling.

**Types of oils used in oil pulling**

 

When choosing the right oil for oil pulling, it is preferable to choose a high-quality type while taking into account the medicinal properties of the oil. One of the following three oils is usually used:

- **Coconut oil**: Coconut oil consists of 92% saturated fatty acids, and contains compounds that have antimicrobial properties, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

- **Sesame oil**: Sesame oil contains vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have antioxidant properties, which helps reduce the effect of free radicals on oral tissues.

- **Olive oil**: The benefits of gargling with olive oil are that it contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which constitute about 80% of the fat composition. It also contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, which contribute to reducing inflammation.

**Oil gargling method**

Oil gargling is an easy method that children aged 5 years and above and adults can do, and it includes a few simple steps:

1. **Preparing the oil**: Adults are advised to take a tablespoon of oil, which is about 15 ml, while children can use a teaspoon.

2. **Gargling**: You should gargle the oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, pushing the oil forcefully into the mouth to reach the spaces between the teeth. It is important not to swallow the oil because it contains bacteria that you want to get rid of.

3. **Spitting out the oil**: After finishing, it is preferable to spit out the oil, avoiding spitting it into the sink or toilet to avoid clogging the pipes.

4. **Mouthwash**: It is recommended to rinse your mouth well with water before eating or drinking anything, and it is also preferable to brush your teeth using a toothbrush afterwards.

5. **Repetition**: These steps can be repeated several times a week, or even three times a day.

For best results, most people prefer to gargle with oil in the morning on an empty stomach.

**Possible side effects of oilwash**

 

Some side effects may appear when gargling with oil for long periods or if the oil is accidentally swallowed. This is due to the oil containing bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals that may negatively affect the health of the body. One of the rare side effects to watch out for is lipoid pneumonia, which may occur as a result of inhaling drops of oil during the gargling process.

**Oil swishing warnings**

Although oil swishing is considered relatively safe, there are some warnings that should be taken into account, including:

- Swallowing large amounts of oil may lead to digestive disorders and diarrhea, so it is recommended to avoid swallowing the oil and dispose of it after finishing swishing.

- The oil used contains bacteria and dirt from the mouth, which swishing aims to get rid of, so it is necessary to dispose of the oil after finishing.

- In some rare cases, oil swishing may lead to lipoid pneumonia as a result of small amounts of oil entering the lungs.

A person may be allergic to the oil used, so it is necessary to choose the type of oil carefully and test it on a small area of ​​​​the skin before using it for swishing.