10 Benefits of Oil Pulling
Maintaining good oral health is important for a variety of reasons. Not only can it help prevent embarrassing odors, but it can also help to keep your teeth in good condition for many years to come. There are numerous ways to maintain good oral health, the most common of which are brushing and flossing.
However, many people also perform oil pulling. This is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine technique that involves the swishing of oils in the mouth. Studies have shown that it reduces bacteria and toxins in the mouth.
Different types of oil can be used, each of which is thought to provide different benefits. Below are 10 of these benefits of oil pulling.
Benefit #1: Reduce Cavities
We are often told from a young age that eating too many sugary foods can lead to cavities. This is largely because bacteria in our mouths just love to feed on sugar, so any sugar left on the teeth will provide a feast that allows bacteria to proliferate.
These bacteria secrete a waste product that is acidic and eats away at the enamel of our teeth. One way to overcome this problem is to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Studies have shown that oil pulling is fairly effective at limiting the number of bacteria in the mouth, therefore helping to reduce cavities.
Benefit #2: Whiten Teeth
Our very first teeth are pearly white, at least until they become stained. The first teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by others, and they too will be pure white to begin with. As adults, though, we are likely to drink tea, coffee, and other drinks that stain our teeth. It can be quite unsightly and many people do what they can to get them white again.
There are various products available on the market that help with teeth whitening. Some are more effective than others, while a dentist will also be able to perform procedures that will help get your teeth white again. In oil pulling, it is thought that olive oil is the most effective at teeth whitening.
Benefit #3: Strengthen Immune System
A strong and healthy immune system is essential for our overall well-being. Every day, our immune system is protecting us against threats. If it is weakened somehow then we will become more susceptible to infections and disease.
It is highly recommended to eat a well-balanced diet to help make sure your immune system is as strong as it can be. You will also find that there are plenty of supplements available that will also help boost your immune system if needed. Another option is oil pulling, with many people claiming that it can provide a boost to your ability to fight off disease.
Benefit #4: Reduce Flossing
Although fairly easy, flossing can still be very time-consuming. This is not great for people who are in a hurry and may not have time to floss every morning. What’s more is that there may also be times when you run out of floss. If you are looking for alternatives, then oil pulling is a potential substitute.
Oil pulling takes less time than flossing does, making it more convenient for people that don’t have a lot of time. It helps to reduce bacteria in your mouth, which helps to do the job that flossing would usually do. Bear in mind, though, that flossing is recommended by experts and is something you should do as often as possible.
Benefit #5: Reduce Canker Sores
Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, are painful lesions that occur in the mouth. They can appear in people of all ages and will often arise at times when you are sick or feeling run down in general. There are various remedies available that will help cure the ulcers.
The best cure of all, though, is prevention. Some people are more prone to getting ulcers than others and will often look for ways to reduce the regularity of occurrence. There are various ways in which you can do this and it is thought that oil pulling can also help to reduce the chances of getting an ulcer.
Benefit #6: Freshen Breath
Not many of us can boast fresh breath in the mornings. This is not usually a problem, though, because it is often overcome quite easily with brushing and mouthwash. Some people, though, can find it difficult to maintain fresh breath throughout the day.
Bad breath is caused by bacteria that build up in your mouth. If you are able to reduce the bacteria, you will also be able to reduce any odors. There are numerous ways that you can try to achieve this, and oil pulling is one of them. Try it out and you could find it is the answer to your bad breath problems.
Benefit #7: Prevent Inflammation
If something is irritating our body tissues, it can cause them to become inflamed. There is a huge range of irritants that can do this, most of which are pathogens or some form of injury. This can occur in the mouth as well, and this can be very uncomfortable with the soft and delicate tissues involved.
If you do suffer from inflammation problems in the mouth, you will no doubt be looking for a solution. One potential solution to your problem is oil pulling and many people believe that it can be very effective. However, if the problems persist, you should consider speaking with a doctor.
Benefit #8: Prevent Thrush
Thrush is a type of yeast infection that can affect the genital area and/or the mouth. It can be painful, while many people that have it can also find it to be quite embarrassing. Some people are more likely to develop thrush infections than others, while it is also more likely to occur when people are ill or run down.
If you are looking for ways to prevent oral thrush, then oil pulling could be the answer to your problem. Many people that perform oil pulling will tell you that it is an effective way to prevent oral thrush. Of course, you should also speak with a doctor if your thrush problems persist.
Benefit #9: Prevent Cancer
Mankind’s battle against cancer has been going on for as long as we remember. We have learned a lot and have made strides in regard to treating and curing it. Still, it continues to pose a very real risk and kills millions of people every year.
Cancer can affect pretty much every part of the body, including the mouth. A study in 2005 showed that there is a correlation between oral cancer and a high bacteria population in the mouth. Hence, it is thought that reducing bacteria in the mouth can help to prevent oral cancer. One way to achieve this is to perform oil pulling.
Benefit #10: Prevent a Heart Attack
We often hear a great deal about keeping in good shape to help prevent heart problems in the future. This is good advice as being in good shape is beneficial to the long-term and short-term health of the heart. Keeping physically fit is not the only thing that can help, though.
There is a much closer association between good oral health and heart health than you might imagine. It is thought that keeping your mouth in good health can go a long way toward maintaining good health overall. Because oil pulling can help you to maintain good oral health, it could also be helping to prevent a heart attack.
