Oil pulling or gargling with oil is being discussed by many people. This method is believed to have various benefits for maintaining cleanliness and dental and oral health. Know what are the benefits of oil pulling and how to do it.
Oil pulling has long been known as Ayurvedic medicine from India. In practice, oil pulling should use oils derived from plants or vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil.
Various Benefits Oil Pulling
Here are some benefits oil pulling For dental and oral health:
1. Inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth
Gargling with coconut oil every day for 10-15 minutes is known to help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, including bacteria Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is one type of bacteria that often causes plaque buildup and tooth decay.
2. Prevent and help treat gingivitis
Research says that oil pulling with coconut oil or sesame oil has almost the same effect as chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic solution commonly contained in mouthwash to treat and prevent inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
Not only that, oil pulling with both vegetable oils are also able to reduce the formation of dental plaque in the oral cavity.
3. Prevent cavities
In addition to reducing dental plaque and the growth of bacteria in the mouth, oil pulling It is also considered to help prevent cavities. However, this benefit can only be obtained, if you also regularly brush your teeth 2 times a day, and use dental floss to clean food debris that is still stuck between your teeth.
4. Reduce bad breath
Poor oral hygiene is often the main cause of bad breath or halitosis.
To overcome this, it is not enough to brush your teeth regularly. You are also encouraged to do oil pulling with sesame oil or coconut oil. This is because the oil can help reduce the number of bacteria that cause bad breath.
5. Whiten teeth
Oil pulling often claimed to be able to clean stains on the surface of the teeth so that it becomes one way to whiten teeth naturally. However, effectiveness oil pulling this one is still unproven and needs further research.
The various benefits of oil pulling above are indeed good for dental and oral health. However, in general, research that supports effectiveness and safety oil pulling as a method of dental and oral care is still very limited.
Way to do Oil Pulling
Way to do oil pulling fairly simple and easy. You just gargle as usual, it's just that the ingredients used are vegetable oil. However, those of you who are doing it for the first time may be surprised by the oily sensation in the mouth.
If interested in doing oil pulling, you can follow these steps:
- Choose an oil according to your needs, be it coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil, then measure out a tablespoon.
- Start gargling as usual for 15-20 minutes. If it's your first time doing it, try gargling for 5 minutes. After getting used to it, you can just rinse your mouth for 10 minutes or immediately 20 minutes if you can.
- When finished gargling, throw the oil in the trash. Avoid spitting oil down the sink or toilet as it can clog the drain.
- Rinse your mouth with water after gargling, then continue brushing your teeth as usual.
Things you need to remember when doing oil pulling is not to swallow the oil when gargling and do it casually so as not to cause pain in the facial muscles.
Besides, some people say that the best time to do oil pulling is on an empty stomach and before brushing your teeth. This is usually done in the morning shower.
You need to understand that activities oil pulling still cannot replace the role of brushing teeth. Therefore, in order to maintain good oral hygiene and health, you also need to brush your teeth regularly 2 times a day, followed by the use of dental floss.
Oil pulling generally safe to do. However, if you want to do oil pulling as one of the natural remedies to treat certain diseases or problems in the teeth and mouth, you should first consult a dentist.
