Oil Pulling: Does It Really Whiten Teeth?

Who doesn’t dream of white teeththat almost blind the other person when you smile? That’s right, actually everyone, that’s why there are already various tips and tricks on how to get your teeth whiter again. In addition to the typical stripes that you stick on your teeth for a few minutes so that the chemistry contained can work, there are other ways to get a bright white smile – including practical ones and above all positive side effects for our entire organism. The magic word for this is oil pulling.

What does oil pulling do?

Sounds absurd at first, doesn’t it? oil pulling. The first thing that comes to mind is motor oil or body oil. In fact, that’s what oil pulling is all about Food grade oils. This means that coconut or sunflower oil is flushed back and forth in the mouth and should therefore Eliminate plaque and bacteria. By drawing the oil through the entire oral cavity, toxins are reached on the palate, under the tongue or in the spaces between the teeth – spaces that toothpaste cannot necessarily serve.

However, the method of dental hygiene derived from Ayurvedic teachings still meets with skeptics. While some scientists continue to speak of a placebo effect and find no evidence that pollutants can actually be pulled out of the oral mucosa and gums during oil pulling, many dentists are convinced of the oil treatment.

But not only oral hygiene should be improved by oil pulling. Also on ours organism has the cure well positive impact. It is said to help against bad breath, organ problems, headaches and other health problems. There is no scientific evidence for this either, but experience reports show that oil pulling can actually have a positive effect on our organism.

Which types of oil are suitable for oral hygiene?

Not every oil is suitable for oil pulling. The most popular is native coconut oil. The firm consistency softens when it comes into contact with heat, so you put the oil in your mouth on a tablespoon. If the softening doesn’t go fast enough for you, you can simply crush the last solid pieces with your tongue on the palate and then start rinsing.

Another popular type of oil used – especially by those who don’t like the taste of coconut oil – is virgin sesame oil. You only need one of these tablespoonful of oilwhich you then for 20 minutes swish back and forth in your mouth.

A third oil that is suitable for an oil treatment is virgin sunflower oil. Again, use a tablespoon amount to start the oil pulling.

However, always make sure that you use all three types of oil not swallowing. After all, the bacteria bound in the oil should not get into the stomach, but should be spat out.

Where do I spit the remains of oil pulling?

Since oil of any kind does not belong down the drain, you should dispose of the residue from the oil pulling in a kitchen towel spit or handkerchief and dispose of with household waste.

When do you do oil pulling?

Oil pulling should always on an empty stomach take place, so it is best not to eat anything beforehand and only brush your teeth afterwards. Hence oil pulling is also only in the morning useful after getting up.

When can I brush my teeth after oil pulling?

You can brush your teeth immediately after oil pulling, no break is necessary.

When can I eat after the oil treatment?

As soon as you are done with the oil pulling and have brushed your teeth afterwards, you can theoretically already have breakfast.

How long do I have to do the oil pulling?

For the best effect, you should at least 20 minutes Rinse your mouth slowly and carefully with the oil so that every gum pocket can be reached and bacteria also have no chance.

How many times a week should I do an oil cleanse?

Regularity is important when it comes to oil pulling, i.e. daily rinsing with a type of oil of your choice is a prerequisite for a positive result – for example, if you want whiter teeth or want to take action against bacteria.

When does oil pulling have an effect?

Some complaints, such as the general minimization of bacteria in the mouth, are already showing up from a week daily oil pulling first improvements. Whiter teeth and positive effects on the organism are noticeable from approx. four to six weeks true.

Does oil pulling make teeth whiter?

Again, the scientific evidence is lacking. Plaque and bacteria are supposed to be removed with the oil treatment, but does that make teeth whiter? It’s quite possible, because dental plaque and tartar are causes of yellow teeth. If they are cleaned with the right care, for example oil pulling in combination with brushing your teeth, teeth can also become whiter again. However, there is no guarantee for this, because other reasons for yellow teeth are as follows:

What speaks against oil pulling?

In general, nothing speaks against it, but must agree side effects in the beginning be counted. However, this is not untypical and can also occur when taking dietary supplements. Examples of possible side effects are: Nausea, stomach cramps, increased bowel movements, increased mucus formation in the mouth and throat and headaches. After about two weeks, your body should get used to oil pulling.

What are the alternatives?

If oil pulling doesn’t convince you, you can use alternatives for whitening teeth and general oral hygiene. The ones already mentioned teeth strips help, for example, to whiten your teeth so that they can shine again.

In addition to brushing your teeth, it also helps with oral hygiene dental floss – which, by the way, should always be used – and mouthwash.

A little household trick for good oral hygiene is a lukewarm one Glass of water with a pinch of salt. Used three times a week for two minutes each time, the salt water is said to effectively remove bacteria from the mouth. And the practical thing: You can even spit the salt water into the sink as normal.

Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Advantages:

Help by

In addition, oil pulling strengthens teeth, reduces plaque in general, prevents tooth decay and makes teeth whiter in general.

Disadvantages:

Short-term side effects such as

Also, the effectiveness of oil pulling not scientifically proven. The supposed success of oil pulling is based on testimonials and the centuries-long use of the Ayurvedic procedure in India.

Sources used:zentrum-der-gesundheit-heit.de, apotheken-umschau.de, medizin-transparent.at, netdoktor.de, utopia.de

Bridget