Oil pulling is gaining popularity on social media for its oral health benefits. Representative image.
While the benefits of Indian Ayurveda for overall health are well known, social media has recently brought attention to dental hygiene practices. This is called oiling, and medical experts say it prevents oral disease.
First of all…what is oil pulling?
The practice involves swirling a tablespoon of cold-pressed organic cooking oil in your mouth continuously for 10 to 12 minutes, then spitting it out, then brushing your teeth.Speaking from someone with about 20 years of Ayurvedic experience Forbes Health.
This oil helps remove fat-soluble toxins from the body, reducing the risk of bacteria-related dental problems such as gingivitis (inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums around the roots of the teeth) and tooth decay.
We recommend using cold-pressed oils, especially sesame, sunflower, and coconut oils. These oils are manually extracted from nuts and seeds using a pressing technique rather than using solvents, which allows them to maintain health benefits such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids such as omega-3. Unharmed.
What are the benefits of oil pulling?
1. A study titled Reduce Plaque: “Effect of coconut oil on plaque-related gingivitis”Researchers Faisal Peedikail, Pratima Sreenivasan, Arun Narayanan and colleagues found that a week of oil pulling with coconut oil significantly reduced plaque. However, coconut oil does not significantly treat severe gum disease or whiten teeth.
2. Preventing tooth decay: Research on pub med Researchers who analyzed the effects of several cold-pressed oils on the oral health of more than 70 adolescents found that oil pulling can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, prevent cavities, and in turn reduce the formation of cavities. I discovered.
3. Healthier digestion: It may help improve your digestive tract, says Rudra. “Oil pulling helps with gum health and improves taste buds and saliva secretion.” But so far, we haven’t seen any evidence that this practice can positively impact or even improve your digestion. There are no studies that have done so.
4. Helps reduce bad breath: Oil pulling can help reduce symptoms and reduce bad breath, commonly known as halitosis, due to its potential antibacterial properties.
2017 review of Complementary Medicine Journal They found that oil pulling was comparable to chlorhexidine, a mouthwash ingredient known to reduce oral bacteria.
5. Helps with migraines: According to a study titled “Oil pulling and the importance of traditional medicine in maintaining oral healthThis habit creates warmth in the mouth and helps manage sinuses, which can contribute to chronic conditions such as headaches, migraines, and asthma.
Is there a misunderstanding?
Matthew J. Messina, consumer advisory spokesperson for the American Dental Association, reports that he cautioned against relying solely on oil pulling for oral health. washington post. Although it may reduce bacteria throughout the mouth, it is not as effective as brushing to remove plaque, he said.
Additionally, Messina emphasized that oil swishing is not a substitute for flossing, as the oil may not reach the narrow spaces between the teeth, where the bacteria that cause gingivitis thrive. He advised that oral infections should be dealt with by a medical professional, who may recommend a prescription for antibiotics for treatment.
The side effects of oil pulling are generally minimal, but it’s important not to overlook them. Dr. Jossen Gastelum, a general and cosmetic dentist, said: preventionaccording to American magazine, common side effects include the possibility of swallowing the oil and causing stomach upset.
Additionally, some people experience jaw pain after shaking the oil vigorously for the recommended 20 minutes or so.
“I’m open to embracing this habit, but the problem, in my opinion, is that you have to sweesh continuously for about 20 minutes to get the full intended effect.” Gastelum told the magazine. “This doesn’t fit into the daily lives of most modern patients.”
So, is oil pulling good for your teeth?
Social media trends have revived an ancient practice, and while it may seem like an effective way to help with oral health, it’s important to note that oil pulling is a prevention method, not a cure.
Research on oil pulling lacks large enough scientific trials to demonstrate its effectiveness in promoting dental health. The overall evidence of scientific discovery remains low.
When treating serious oral diseases, it is always better to consult a medical professional rather than opting for home remedies. “Trying to treat things yourself can cause more harm than good,” says Amelia E. Hartzell, a dentist at UT Health Houston School of Dentistry and UT Dentistry in Tennessee. washington post report.
said Kennewick Dentistry’s Dr. Craig Barney. shape“meanwhile [oil pulling] It can contribute to improved gum health and fresher breath, and it’s essential to think of it as a complementary habit, rather than a replacement for regular oral hygiene. ”
Based on opinions from agents
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