Your Morning Routine: Oil Pulling

Perhaps in recent years you have heard about a phenomenon called "oil pulling." Oil pulling has long been encouraged in Ayurveda as an important way to start your day and keep the mouth clean. Oil pulling involves swishing around a little bit of warm sesame oil in your mouth each morning and then spitting it out. This can help strengthen the teeth and gums, and clean out the mouth. But, you do not need to do it for twenty minutes like modern sources suggest - try oil pulling for a few minutes and notice the benefits for yourself!

3 Reasons to Include Oil Pulling in your Daily Routine

• Support Healthy Gums

  Oil pulling may be an effective remedy for gum health as it can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The swishing of sesame oil has been shown to have a saponification effect, which involves the conversion of fat, oil or lipid into soap and alcohol. This deters bad bacteria and plaque allowing healthy gums to act as a barrier against bacteria making its way into the bloodstream.

• Can help to reduce bad breath

  While there are many possible causes of halitosis or bad breath, it's most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease & accumulation of toxins (ama). Oil pulling can help to support a population of healthy microbes in the mouth, promoting fresher breath. While more research is needed, oil pulling may be useful as a natural alternative to reducing bad breath.

• Can Support the Prevention of Tooth Decay

  Oil pulling may be an effective remedy for preventing tooth decay. A diet high in sugars, poor oral hygiene as well as buildup of plaque can lead to tooth decay and cavities. With its bacteria reducing effects, oil pulling paired with proper oral hygiene can help to keep cavities away.