Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene.It is often associated with Auyrveda, the traditional medicine system from India.
Studies suggest that oil pulling can kill bacteria in the mouth and improve dental health. Some alternative medicine practitioners also claim that it can help treat several diseases
While it’s not entirely clear how oil pulling works, it’s claimed to “pull” bacteria from the mouth. It may also help by moisturizing your gums and increasing saliva production, which can reduce bacteria.
Some types of oil also contain properties that can naturally reduce inflammation and bacteria to promote oral health
However, research on oil pulling is limited, and there is much debate over how beneficial it really is.
This article looks at some of the science-backed benefits of oil pulling and then explains how to do it in order to maximize benefit.
1. Can Kill Harmful Bacteria in Your Mouth
There are approximately 700 types of bacteria that can live in your mouth, and up to 350 of them may be found in your mouth at any given time
Certain types of harmful bacteria can contribute to problems like tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease
Several studies have shown that oil pulling could help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
