Daily Ritual: Oil Pulling

WHAT IS OIL PULLING? 

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice called kavala or gundusha. It is believed that oil pulling improves oral health by alleviating bad breath, preventing tooth decay, and strengthening the teeth and gums. Oil pulling is a simple but effective ritual that we can add to our normal dental routine to maximize our overall oral health. I oil pull first thing in the morning as a way to get grounded and focus my thoughts on the day ahead (it’s hard to talk with oil in your mouth!).

HOW DOES OIL PULLING WORK?   

Place 1-2 teaspoons of edible oil in your mouth and allow it to melt. Coconut and sesame oil are the most commonly used oils for oil pulling. I use coconut oil both for the taste and for the antimicrobial benefits of its lauric acid content.

After a few seconds, the oil will have melted. Simply start swishing it around your mouth and pulling the oil through the teeth and from front-to-back and side-to-side in your mouth. Ideally you’ll oil pull for 10 minutes. It’s okay if you have to build up slowly to 10 minutes. I use this time to make my bed, get dressed, and put the kettle on for tea. When you are done swishing, spit the oil into a jar (it can clog drains) and rinse your mouth with warm water.

Oil pulling is a great way to enhance your oral health. Practiced daily, most people experience fresher breath, whiter teeth, reduced tooth sensitivity, and healthier gums.

If you missed the first daily ritual, read about tongue scraping here.

P.S Curious about Ayurveda? Click through to discover how I can help you navigate your balancing your dosha(s).