OIL PULLING - FOR A HEALTHY MOUTH

We always want the best for us and when it comes to what goes inside our mouth we have to be sure about  it in all ways.
OIL PULLING has a lot of benefits, most them related to the oral cavity.
It is  a commonly followed practice and is very ancient.
The best thing about oil pulling is that it is very easy, costs nothing and takes very less time but if not done right can have some bad effects.

It is like using a mouthwash except you are using an oil here. You take a tablespoon full of oil in your mouth, swish is around for 10-15 mins and then spit it out.( EASY RIGHT!!)
Though no chemicals are used here and nothing is actually going inside your body, this practice can still cause some harm. So before you decide whether or not to get into this practice, stick around and get to know WHAT OIL PULLING CAN DO TO YOUR BODY.

BENEFITS:

  1. INEXPENSIVE and EASY: You dont need much for this.

       Do some research, figure out which oil will work best for you, consult your dentist or physician           and get started.

  2. WORKS TO KILL THAT BAD MOUTH ODOUR: Oil pulling maintains a balance between         good and bad bacteria in the mouth. Supports saliva's efforts to harbour the good bacteria and maintain a steady ph inside the mouth.

3.REDUCES THE CHANCES OF CAVITIES: Since oil pulling is mainly concerened with the removal of harmful bacteria in the mouth, it ultimately reduces the chances of cavities.Also oil creates a thin coating over your teeth which prevents the harmful bacteria from sticking onto your teeth.

4. IMPROVES GINGIVAL HEALTH: Since oil pulling reduces the local factores i.e PLAQUE and other harmful bacteria, it lowers the chances of gingivitis and improves the inflammatory conditions,if any.

5.DETOX: Removing the cause before it enters the body spares us from a lot of body trouble.Oil pulling clears out the toxins thus boosting the immunity. Improves skin health, hair gets lusturious and has also known to whiten teeth to a certain level.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS:

1. Allergic reactions  in some people if they are allergic to a particular oil.

2. Swallowing the oil during practice can be bad as it is full of all the harmful bacteria.

3. Some people have had complains of upset stomach after performing it for a few months(count being very low).

4. Some people have reported of mouth dryness.

HOW TO AVOID ANY MISHAPPENINGS;

1.Children below the age of 5 should not be allowed to perform the practice as they can swallow the oil.

2. Perform the exercise after you have brushed your teeth and flossed.

3. Avoid eating anything for 20-25 minutes after oil pulling.

4. Make sure that you are not allergic to the oil you are using.

5. Perform the exercise for atleast 10minutes or till the oil changes color to white.

   If the oil is not changing color, you might want to review your technique.

6. Do not spit into the basin as the oil can clog the pipelines. Use a dustbin instead.

7.Do not swallow.

8.Consult your physician or dentist.

9. REMEMBER it is not a replacement to any of the conventional oral hygiene measures. It is just an adjunct.

10. Do not expect this exercise to treat your cavities,as it is an irreversible process.

WHAT OILS TO USE:

Most commonly used oils are COCONUT OIL, SESAME OIL AND OLIVE OIL.

Decide for yourself, if this is something you want to include in your routine. Watch out for any red flags and in case of any, just consult your dentist.

                                                                                                                  GOOD LUCK!!