Forget teeth whitening treatments and ingesting harmful chemicals in the process of brightening your pearly whites. The ancient Ayurvedic technique of ‘oil pulling’ has made a comeback and caught everyone’s attention in the wellness world of late.
Not only does it ensure oral hygiene but has a slew of health benefits. That it is good both for the environment and your wallet makes it even more attractive. The only thing that we ask of you is a wee bit of patience.
What is oil pulling?
As gross as it may sound it is an ancient Indian ritual where you swish oil in your mouth from 3-4 minutes up to 20 minutes and then spit it away. Usually high-quality sesame, coconut or sunflower oil is used. Not only does it detoxify the mouth of bacteria, fungi and other toxins but also helps alleviate inflammation, congestion and allergies.
Here’s why celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Miranda Kerr swear by it:
- Whitens teeth by removing plaque that leads to yellowing or discoloration
- Freshens your breath by killing all the bad bacteria built-up during the day that contribute to mouth odour
- Fights gingivitis which causes swelling and redness in the gums due to poor oral hygiene. Often brushing and flossing are not enough to take care of this
- Prevents cavities by flushing out toxins which regular flossing and brushing can’t get rid of
- Moistens the mouth, lips and throat because of the fat soluble vitamins present in edible oils which reduce dryness
- Relieves stomach issues such as ulcers and is said to even improve kidney function
- Helps clear up the skin by removing impurities from the mouth which in turn leads to a spotless and radiant complexion
The Process of Oil Pulling
- Take about 1-2 teaspoon of oil (coconut is highly recommended) and put it in your mouth. Ensure that you’re using the best-quality oil
- Start swishing the oil in your mouth and between the teeth. Begin with 3-4 minutes and go up to 20 minutes once you get used to it. Be careful not to swallow the oil since it contains all the toxins being pulled from the mouth
- Once you’re done spit the oil out in the garbage bin and not the sink. The used oil might clog the pipes
- Rinse your mouth with salt water or a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar to make sure that all the oil is out of your mouth
- Brush your teeth after this to remove all the remaining bacteria
- Now look in the mirror, smile and give yourself a pat on the back for taking out time for self-care