Oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums!
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is an oral detoxification procedure that is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that is needed to prevent cavities and disease.
This effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:
- Kills bad breath
- Cures tooth decay
- Heals bleeding gums
- Prevents heart disease
- Reduces inflammation
- Whitens teeth
- Soothes throat dryness
- Prevents cavities
- Heals cracked lips
- Boosts Immune System
- Improves acne
- Strengthens gums and jaw
*A photo of the oil I use is pictured above. I buy it at Lakewinds, a local food cooperative in my neighborhood. It contains sesame, sunflower, coconut and peppermint oils.
How to Oil Pull:
- Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed before you brush your teeth or drink anything.
- Gently swish 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10-20 minutes making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks)
- Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
- Finally, brush your teeth with toothpaste as normal.
Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
Most toothpaste contains sugar, fluoride, artificial colors, and other harmful ingredients that are best avoided. Instead of using the toxic commercial varieties, why not make your own? It’s easy!!
Tooth Powder Recipe
½ cup baking soda
10 drops pure peppermint essential oil (this is not the same as peppermint extract or fragrance oil. Also, it should be a high quality food grade essential oil, which is available from many health food stores or you can get from a Young Living or DoTerra Distributor)
5 drops pure myrrh essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a small jar with a lid, cover, and shake well to disperse oils throughout. Use a small amount on a damp toothbrush the way you would use toothpaste.
The peppermint essential oil helps freshen breath, kill bacteria, and clear sinuses. The myrrh oil is highly antibacterial and antifungal. The baking soda restores a natural, slightly alkaline pH balance to the teeth and gums and whitens teeth.
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
