What is oil pulling? Is it as good for you as everyone says it is? — by Dr Nirupama Bhat
“The whole purpose of oil pulling is to get rid of the oil-soluble toxins in the body”
Vedic healers in India discovered that swishing a small quantity of oil around in the mouth is not only good for oral hygiene , but seems to speed up the body’s recovery from a lot many major illnesses and also promotes longevity. This technique is known as oil-pulling in the western world.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that you may have heard of — it has gained a lot of traction in mainstream alternative medicine in the last few years, and for good reason! It is a simple technique that is known to improve the overall health of your mouth and benefits many other systemic diseases. Since the mouth is the first step in the digestion process, having healthy gums and teeth is essential to healthy digestion and sufficient detoxification.
Ayurveda is one of the popular and well accepted modality of Complementary and alternative medicine. According to the classical Ayurvedic text Charak Samhita,oil pulling can be done in two ways: Kaval and Gandusha. In Gandusha, the mouth is filled completely with liquid and held for 5 to 15 minutes. In Kavala Graha, a smaller amount of liquid is held in the mouth and swished through the teeth for 5 to 15 minutes, then gargled and spit out.
It is not a new concept and it has been mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita where it is called Kavala Gandoosha/ Kavala Graha. Its promoters claim it works by “pulling out” toxins, which are known as Ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation.
Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many years to prevent decay, bleeding gums, oral malodor, dryness of throat, cracked lips and for strengthening teeth, gums, and jaws.
As it is swished around your mouth, the lipids (or fatty acids) in the oil naturally extract these potentially harmful substances from your teeth, gums and saliva glands, including plaque.
There may have been great therapeutic advances in the health care sector but it is important not to lose sight of basic protocols of patient care. No matter how sophisticated dental techniques and procedures may have become, preventive dentistry remains the foundation of oral health care. Dental health care professionals need to put home oral hygiene at the core of their advice on preventive practices. There are umpteen numbers of indigenous natural medicinal products which deserve recognition for their contribution to improving oral health. In recent years Complementary and alternative medicine is gaining popularity over conventional allopathic medicine due to reasons like- Products and practices used are natural and safe. There is provision of self-treatment, it is cost effective, increase in prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery diseases etc, and finally lack of success of current modality of treatment.
Great oils for oil pulling:
· Sesame oil — proven to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-anxiety, and anti-plaque effects. Rich in zinc, sesame oil is awesome for longevity and vitality. Tyrosine in sesame oil is linked to serotonin and boosting mood levels as well as relieving anxiety. Sesame oil is high in copper, known to reduce inflammation and contains chlorosesamone, an antifungal agent. It’s also effective against strep-causing bacteria.
· Sunflower oil — has anti-plaque and beneficial gingival effects, and is effective against candida.
· Coconut oil — anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and is effective against Strep, Candida and Staph. It’s also an antiseptic and makes for a wonderful cut cleaner.
Oils Used:
Most commonly sesame seed oil which is known for several medicinal properties and desirable health benefits is used. Other refined edible oils such as sunflower oil can also be used.
Coconut oil
Antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Escherichia vulneris, Enterobcater species, Helicobacter pylori,
Staphylococcus aureus, Candida spp., including Candida albicans and other strains. The medium chain monoglycerides had the capacity to alter bacterial cell walls, penetrate and disrupt cell membranes, inhibit enzymes involved in energy production and nutrient transfer, leading to the death of the bacteria.
2. Sesame oil
Reducing bacterial growth and adhesion.
Toxins and bacteria from the body might be expelled through the tongue and trapped in the oil and removed from the body. It also significantly reduced S. mutans counts in plaque and saliva of adolescents within 1 week.
3.Sunflower oil
Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium spp., Streptococcuspyogenes and C. albicans.
4.Soya bean oil
Corn oil
Rice bran oil
Palm oil
Small amounts of saturated fatty acid, i.e.lauric acid, in these oils may play a role in their antimicrobial properties.
As per Ayurvedic literature, sesame oil is one among many medicinal fluids recommended for daily preventive use and/or seasonal use to reduce dryness (VataDosha) of the mouth and reduce inflammation and burning sensation in the mouth. In case of specific issues, Ayurvedic practitioners might also suggest other treatments such as coconut oil and sunflower oil or other herbalized oils after proper diagnosis of the specific ailment or Dosha
.
BENEFITS OF OIL PULLING
When this practice is done routinely, it improves vision, hearing, smell and taste. It also promotes mental clarity and improves memory. Oil pulling in the morning especially is both refreshing and calming.
Oil pulling is highly recommended for people experiencing bad breath, dry skin, chronic exhaustion, loss of appetite, fatigue in the morning and chronic sore throat.
According to Ayurvedic principles, oil pulling purifies the entire system because each section of the tongue is connected to a different organ: the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestine, stomach, colon and even the spine. Oil pulling activates the salivary enzymes that absorb the chemical, bacterial and environmental toxins from the blood that come out through the tongue.
Recent studies have shown that oil pulling supports the treatment of gingivitis and plaque, and helps to remove the microorganisms that cause bad breath. Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth are single cell organisms. Cells are covered with a fatty membrane, so when they come into contact with oil, they naturally adhere to each other. When you spit out the oil after 5 to 15 minutes, the microorganisms go with it!
Mechanism of Action
The purported mechanism of action of oil pulling
therapy is not clear.
[7]
Another suggestion is that oil
provides a surface layer that prevents plaque or
bacteria adhering to teeth. The exact mechanism of
oil pulling is not known, but it was claimed that
swishing oil in the mouth activates enzymes and
draws toxins out of the blood. However, sesame seed
oil, because of its antioxidant effect may detoxify
toxins, potentiate the action of Vitamin E, prevent
s
lipid peroxidation and have an antibiotic effect.
[8],[9]
Studies on the mechanism of action of oil pulling
therapy were done, and it was found that
emulsification process of oil started 5 minutes aft
er oil
pulling. The emulsification occurs due to agitation
of
oil in the mouth leading to the formation of a soap
y
layer which can alter the adhesion of the bacteria
on
the tooth surface, remove superficial worn out
squamous cells and improve oral hygiene. As it
prevents bacteria adhesion, it also prevents plaque
coaggregation.
[10]
It is also suggested that by increasing the secreti
on of
saliva, oil pulling uses the salivary glands in the
mouth
as a detoxifying organ: the saliva can trap the tox
in
within the oil particles. It is also suggested that
the
prolonged and forceful mechanical action could play
a
part in dislodging bacteria and undigested particle
s
from the deep crevices within the mouth. Oil pullin
g
with sesame seed oil moisturizes gums, which can
provide a measure of relief to those suffering from
dry
mouth. Dry mouth is known to increase bacteria
growth.
Health Benefits
Oil pulling is not only good at preventing oral
infections, but can actively fight them as well. Th
e oil
pulls the infection (bacteria, toxins, and pus) out
of
the tissues, allowing the body to heal itself.
Inflammation is quieted, gums stop bleeding, loose
teeth tighten, and pain and sensitivity vanish. Oil
pulling benefits also include helping to support
andstrengthen the body’s immune system, which in
turns helps the entire body be healthier and functi
on
better. (Table 2)
Table 2: Health benefits of Oil Pulling
Oral Health Benefits
Potential holistic remedy for plaque induced gingivitis
Prevention of dental caries
Prevention of halitosis
Dryness of the throat and cracked lips
Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general
soreness in the jaw area.
General Health Benefits
Thrombosis
Eczema
Intestinal infection
Diabetes
Bronchitis
Asthma
Headaches
Chronic skin problems
Stop the growth of malignant tumors.
Oral health benefits
Oil pulling has been proven to be an effective meth
od
in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced
gingivitis. Faizal C.
et.al
., confirmed that coconut oil is
an easily usable, safe and cost effective agent wit
h
minimal side effects which can be used as an adjuva
nt
in oral hygiene maintenance.
Gingival health
:
A few studies have been carried out
in the literature regarding oil pulling for oral health. Amithet. al. have shown that oil pulling therapy with sunflower oil significantly reduced plaque scores after 45 days.
Asokanet. al. showed that oil pulling therapy was very effective against plaque induced gingivitis both in clinical and microbial assessment.
C.Hanniget.al. in an in vitro study found that oil pulling with olive oil, safflower oil, or linseed oil had no effect on microbial colonization of the enamel.
The authors concluded that it could not be recommended for biofilm reduction.
In vitro lab studies have shown antibacterial activity of edible oils such as coconut oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil.
Also, multiple studies have indicated the effectiveness of essential oils such as tea tree oil against gingivitis and dental plaque formation when used in combination with regular oral hygiene.
Dental caries
Another study by Asokan et. al. showed a definitive reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva after oil pulling therapy thus reducing the incidence of dental caries.
Halitosis:
Asokan et. al. evaluated the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on halitosis and microorganisms which could be causing it in adolescents and also the efficacy of oil pulling and use of chlorhexidine mouthwash on halitosis. There was a definite reduction in the ORG 1, ORG 2 scores and BANA test score in both groups I and II. They concluded thatoil pulling therapy has been equally effective like chlorhexidine on halitosis and organisms associated with halitosis.
A 2012 — AIT, Ireland –study indicates that coconut oil which has been partially digested (or enzyme modified) by saliva is more effective as an antifungal and antibacterial, than natural coconut oil. Amongst the pathogens tested were Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans which are most often related to oral health issues.
Procedure
The oil pulling/swishing is done best before breakfast. To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated 3 times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach. This process makes oil thoroughly mixed with saliva.
Step 1:
First thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids (including water), one should pour exactly one tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil into the mouth.
Step 2:
Swish the oil around in your mouth without swallowing it. Move it around in your mouth and through your teeth, as it is done with a mouth wash(do not tilt your head back to gargle though). You will find that the oil will start getting watery as saliva mixes with it. Keep swishing. Relax your jaw muscles and use your tongue to help move the liquid around the inside of your mouth.
Step 3:
As the end of the oil pulling session approaches, one may notice that the oil/saliva mixture becomes thicker. This is quite normal, since it is pulling out toxins from your body. When 20min is up, spit out the oil into the toilet. Don’t be alarmed if it looks yellowish-this is also normal. If the oil is still yellow, it has not been pulled long enough.
Step 4:
Rinse out your mouth a couple of times with warm salt water and spit into the toilet. The oral cavity must be thoroughly rinsed and mouth must be washed thoroughly.
Drawbacks
Against the background of current scientific and empirical knowledge, edible oils might be used as oral hygiene supplements but a decisive benefit for the oral health status is questionable. The drawbacks highlighted by medical professionals and experts are;
a. Oil pulling cannot replace care from a qualified dentist.
b. It consumes more time than conventional alcohol-free, antiseptic mouthwashes.
c. There is a report of lipid pneumonia caused by
accidental inhalation of the oil during oil pulling
Precautions
Oil pulling therapy should be followed by brushing the teeth and is preferably done on an empty stomach in the morning. Do not swallow, however, inadvertently if swallowed, there is nothing to worry. Do not spit where people walk or on vegetation. If one is allergic to a particular brand, change the brand of oil or to different oil. Make sure the oil is good and refined. Keep chin up so that pulling covers the back of the oral cavity and the molar teeth. For children of 5 years and above, only one tea spoon full (5 mL) of oil will do.
CONCLUSION
The result of this healing research has attracted amazement and resulted in further research. This additional research concerning Oil therapy has now been thoroughly documented, especially with regard to physiological similarities between individuals. It is surprising that through this biological healing method a wide variety of symptoms have unquestionably disappeared without any side effects. This simple method makes it possible completely heal such a wide variety of diseases which would normally be treated by invasive treatment options or by powerful or potent drugs, usually with significant side-effects.
The simplicity of this healing system in which Oil is swirled backwards and forwards in the mouth, is due to the stimulating effect which it has on the body’s eliminatory system. Through this method it is possible to heal individual cells, cell conglomerates such as lymph nodes and more complex tissues such as internal organs simultaneously. This occurs because the beneficial microflora throughout the body is provided with a healthy continuum. Without this natural bodily intrusive element evinced by the microflora the usual pattern of human health tends to lean towards illness rather than wellness.
