Sunbury Holistic Dentist explains the Benefits of Oil Pulling
The terms “oil pulling” and “oil swishing” may be new to you, but the practice dates back thousands of years. It is believed to have its origin in the traditional Indian medicine called Ayurveda. I am Dr. Terry Rose, one of the dentists providing care to patients in the Moonee Ponds and Sunbury VIC areas at the Smile In Style Dental Practice. I’d like to talk with you about the benefits of oil pulling as a form of modern dentistry.
The procedure is actually quite simple. Each morning you put about a tablespoonful of oil in your mouth, swish it around, and pull it through the spaces between your teeth for about 20 minutes. This should be done before you eat anything, so oil pulling during your morning shower works well for most patients.
Traditionally, sunflower or sesame oil was used, but I recommend coconut oil. It has a pleasant taste and a natural antimicrobial property. The oil grabs harmful oral bacteria, fungi, and viruses so it is important to spit it out (not swallow) after pulling. Then you brush your teeth as you normally would.
Coconut oil cleanses more thoroughly than just brushing or flossing, because it reaches every surface, nook, and cranny of your teeth and mouth. It even gets into the pockets below the gum line.
This simple, natural cleansing practice returns a host of benefits:
- Improves oral health.
- Reduces plaque levels.
- Improves halitosis (bad breath).
- Helps to control gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
- Strengthens gum tissue.
- Reduces risk of tooth decay.
- Reduces sensitivity.
- Improves dry mouth, throat, and lip conditions.
- Whitens teeth.
Read the article: Using Essential Oils to Enhance Your Home
Oil pulling also helps to draw toxins (including heavy metals) out of the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and nose by stimulating salivation. Ultimately, that can have systemic benefits, such as improved kidney function and holistically helping to control:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chest congestion
- Diabetes
- Eczema
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Peptic ulcers
Basically, there are no harmful side effects and many potential benefits. I strongly recommend that you give it a try for just a week to ten days. I believe you’ll realise noticeable results and eagerly make oil pulling part of your daily hygiene routine. Call Smile in Style at 03 8001 6021 in Sunbury VIC or 03 8400 4104 in Moonee Ponds VIC if you’d like more information on oil pulling.
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