Dental Spotlight: What is Oil Pulling?

download (5)Oil pulling, also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” is a growing trend, but what exactly is it? Based on an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique, it involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for 20 minutes, then spitting it out.

Enthusiasts claim that toxins in the body build up in the mouth and that swishing oil will draw out these impurities or wash them from the mouth. A recent study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine shows that oil pulling may improve your oral health, as well as help against gingivitis, plaque, and even remove the microorganisms that cause bad breath by adhering to the oil.

Oil pulling is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Start with five minutes a day and slowly work your way up to 20. You can use sesame, sunflower or coconut oil, but the anti-microbial agents in coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay. Gently swish, push and suck the oil through your teeth and make sure you don’t swallow. Just discard the used oil into the nearest trash and continue with your usual brushing and flossing routine.   Tell us, would you try or have you tried oil pulling?

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.