Oil Pulling for Dry Mouth and Oral Health
Dry mouth is a common struggle, whether due to medications, stress, or even health conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. If you’ve tried typical solutions like Biotene mouthwash or Xylimelts and are still looking for relief, there’s a natural alternative you may want to consider: oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice not only helps with dry mouth but offers a wide range of benefits for oral health.
In this post, we'll explore the benefits of oil pulling, why you should incorporate it into your routine, and the best practices to get started.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria, reduce plaque, and improve oral health. Typically done with coconut oil, you can enhance the experience by adding a drop or two of essential oils like peppermint for a refreshing feel.
Here’s how it works:
The oil “pulls” toxins and bacteria from your teeth and gums as you swish it around.
Over time, it can help reduce plaque, fight bad breath, and even improve dry mouth symptoms by stimulating saliva production.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Relieves Dry Mouth
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, and swishing it in your mouth helps coat your oral tissues, offering relief from dry mouth. This can be particularly beneficial if you're struggling with medications or conditions that limit saliva production.
Promotes Oral Health
Oil pulling can reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, which is responsible for causing bad breath, plaque buildup, and even gum disease. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you’re supporting the health of your teeth and gums in a gentle, natural way.
Reduces Plaque and Improves Gum Health
The suction and swishing motion of oil pulling helps loosen plaque and buildup between your teeth. This can lead to healthier gums and fewer trips to the dentist for plaque removal.
Freshens Breath
Adding peppermint oil to your coconut oil not only enhances the taste but also has antibacterial properties that help freshen your breath. It’s a soothing alternative to harsh mouthwashes that may irritate dry mouth.
Supports Detoxification
Oil pulling is thought to help detoxify the mouth and body. By removing bacteria and toxins from the mouth, it prevents these from entering the bloodstream, contributing to better overall health.
Best Practices for Oil Pulling
Ready to try oil pulling? Here’s how to do it for the best results:
Choose Your Oil
The most popular oil for pulling is coconut oil due to its antimicrobial properties and pleasant taste. You can melt down a small amount of coconut oil (just enough to liquefy) and add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil per cup for a refreshing, antibacterial boost.
Swish Correctly
Take about one tablespoon of your oil mix, and swish it around in your mouth for 5-15 minutes. Be sure to push the oil through your teeth and use a combination of swishing, suction, and pressure to maximize the benefits. The longer you can swish, the better, but even 5 minutes can make a difference.
Spit Carefully
After you’ve finished, spit the oil into the trash, not the sink, as it can clog your pipes. The oil will have absorbed toxins and bacteria, so it’s best to get rid of it properly.
Rinse and Brush
Once you’re done, you can either brush your teeth to remove any loosened plaque or simply rinse with water if you’re short on time. Many people find that oil pulling helps loosen plaque, making it easier to clean their teeth afterward.
Why You Should Try Oil Pulling
If you’re struggling with dry mouth or looking for a natural way to enhance your oral health, oil pulling is an easy and effective practice. It not only helps combat dry mouth but also supports healthier gums, fresher breath, and an overall cleaner mouth. Plus, it’s simple to do and only requires a few minutes of your day.
Whether you make your own oil mix or buy a pre-made solution like the one I recommend here, you’ll quickly notice the benefits.
