A smile is a gesture that could change the definition and intention of a message. People generally smile –and laugh, when they are in a good mood, and in many times, a smile is as infectious as any other feeling. However, sometimes it can be hard to smile –or laugh when you have teeth that are discoloured, or when you have a bad mouth odour. It is recommended you visit a dentist at least twice a year, or when you have a toothache weighing you down. Read about The Science of Smiling: A Guide to The World’s Most Powerful Gesture
Oil pulling is a practice that dates as far back as 2,500 years ago and its roots can be retraced back to Indian traditional medicine. Oil pulling has been thought of to have teeth whitening properties and well as a few other dental-related benefits which we shall delve into in this article.
To start us off let us actually describe what oil pulling is; oil pulling is using a small amount of oil, most preferably olive oil or coconut oil, to rid your mouth and body of toxins. The procedure is pretty straightforward, you just take a tablespoon of oil (an amount you can adjust as you go), and swish it in your mouth for between five to thirty minutes. While starting off, it might prove difficult to keep the oil in your mouth for a long period, so start off with five minutes and work your way up.
Note: please do not swallow the oil. The oil has just ‘pulled’ bacteria and other toxins from your teeth, swallowing them will only give most a free ride and send them on an infection spree. Instead, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water. Oil pulling once a day should do the trick, the best time to do it is when you wake up just before brushing your teeth. Also note, that oil pulling is not a tooth brushing substitute and you should continue brushing twice a day as recommended.
Now that we are all acquainted with oil pulling, let’s look at the benefits you can reap from this simple but mundane exercise.
Prevents tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria is prevalently found in the plaque and saliva. Research carried out by the Department of Paediatric Dentistry in India found that oil pulling was an effective way to rid the mouth of decay-causing bacteria.
Rids you of bad breath
While swishing the oil around your mouth, the oil attracts all the harmful bacteria hiding in all parts of the mouth to itself. Through the process, the oil can rid you of halitosis and a study has found that oil pulling for a couple of weeks ought to rid your mouth of halitosis, the condition associated with bad breath and mouth odour.
Whitens your teeth
Finally, the one you’ve been waiting for! If for nothing else, this is a pretty solid reason to use the oil-pulling technique. Dating back over two millennia, the science behind it is, that while you are gently swishing the oil in your mouth, it goes collecting all the toxins. It also scraps away anything lodging itself on your teeth. It also protects your gums from bacterial attack, subsequently strengthening your gums and whitening your teeth.
It’s also worthwhile to mention that only in recent times has a light been shone on this antiquated yet effective routine. There are roughly two dozen studies in the field. But some of the other benefits that have stood across the research include, refurbishing cracked lips, preventing cavities, treating bleeding gums, etc. If you are not quite convinced that you should try it check out this article by 123Dentist on the truth about oil pulling.
When dental health is the subject, I have lived a pretty much precarious adult life. With sugar and coffee ruling my day, this article is as helpful to you as it is to me. I am on the second day of my oil-pulling routine, and I can already note a slight difference. To make sure it’s not just in my head, I will report back the results, and any progress after two weeks. Until then, feel free to join me in this mundane yet effective technique.
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