Oil Pulling: Does It Really Work?

Do you know of a simple dental procedure performed every morning that could do wonders for your teeth and gums? Yes, that’s oil pulling. This practice of swishing oil in the mouth has been around for many years and comes from our old Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda.1 The process is simple: Take a spoonful of oil, like coconut or sesame oil, and swish it around in your mouth for just 15 to 20 minutes, then spit it out.2 It’s easy, right?

People who swear by oil pulling say it can help with many things from whitening your teeth to getting rid of the bad breath. Some even believe it can make your gums healthier by preventing gum bleeding and helping to prevent dry mouth, throat and lips. Coconut oil pulling is a more popular choice because it’s said to fight off bacteria that can cause cavities and gum issues.2 But the big question is - does oil pulling actually work, or is it just another trend?

In this article, we’ll see whether oil pulling lives up to the hype, and whether it’s safe to do, especially if you use teeth aligners.

Benefits of oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that is said to have many advantages for oral health and overall well-being. According to ayurveda, using this technique can help remove toxins from your blood through your mouth. It is proposed to activate salivary enzymes that can pull out toxins, like some chemical, bacterial and environmental toxins, and remove them through your mouth.

Regular oil pulling can show the following benefits with regard to your oral health.

• Coconut oil pulling helps to reduce a thin film of bacteria growing on your teeth, that is the plaque. There are studies which show that oil pulling can be as effective as mouthwash in lowering levels of Streptococcus mutans which is the common bacteria causing tooth decay.

• Regular oil pulling where you pull oil around your teeth, mouth and gums can also help to improve gum health. For those who are having gum issues like bleeding from gums or gingivitis, a condition where the gums get swollen due to some infection, this oil pulling can help reduce it.

• Oil swishing is beneficial for individuals having issues of bad breath. It makes your breath fresher and works similarly to a mouthwash where the bacteria causing the unpleasant breath is reduced.

• If you have a dry mouth or chapped lips, oil pulling benefits to help soothe and relieve such issues.

• When you do this procedure, you will be using your mouth and jaw muscles mostly, therefore it makes them stronger.

While oil pulling can be a super helpful method for maintaining good oral health, always remember that it should be an additive procedure to your normal oral hygiene routine. It's important to keep up with your routine care of brushing and flossing even if you choose to do oil pulling.

Oil Pulling with Aligners: Is It Safe?

Oil pulling is a popular practice that many are doing, as it has got oral health benefits, but if you wear teeth aligners, you might wonder if it’s safe to do. Don’t worry, oil pulling is still safe for you, but remember to always remove your aligners before starting.

You must wear your aligners most of the time during the day, but like when you eat, brush, or floss, they need to be taken out, the same should be followed while oil pulling. This is because aligners are made from plastics like polyurethane and polyethylene, which can easily get stained by food, drinks, and other things which can stain easily. Especially, oil pulling using coconut oil, can leave a residue that might make your aligners look discolored. Over time, these materials can lose their clarity and become less attractive. To avoid this, you need to remove your aligners before oil pulling and clean them thoroughly afterwards. This keeps your aligners clear and ensures your oral health routine remains effective.

So remember, though oil pulling has got great benefits for your teeth and gums, it’s crucial to remove your aligners during the process to maintain their appearance and effectiveness.

Best Teeth Aligners in India

In India, there are many top brands that offer high-quality teeth aligners for those who are looking for an alternative option to traditional braces for teeth straightening. They are almost invisible, convenient to use and more comfortable, thus making them a popular choice for many looking for a better option to traditional braces

The teeth aligner cost in India ranges between ₹80,000 and ₹1,20,000.6 But this also varies with the manufacturer and the complexity of your case. There are companies like Toothsi that offer clear aligners suitable for different budgets. This startup company in India provides at-home teeth straightening services with custom-made aligners and personalised treatment plans. Toothsi is a leading choice for aligners as many prefer them for the high-quality yet affordable teeth aligners they offer.

Conclusion

Oil pulling can be a great addition to your normal oral hygiene routine owing to its benefits like reducing plaque and improving gum health. However, remember if you’re wearing teeth aligners, you need to remove them before oil pulling procedure to avoid oil residue and staining. This ensures that you don’t compromise on effective oral hygiene and at the same time maintain the aligners bright and clear.