Should You Oil Pull Before Or After Brushing Your Teeth
If you're looking for a way to improve your oral health naturally, you might have heard about oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing oil around your mouth for a few minutes each day to remove bacteria and improve overall oral hygiene. However, many people are unsure whether they should oil pull before or after brushing their teeth. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of oil pulling and provide some guidance on when to include it in your daily routine.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around your mouth for several minutes each day. This practice is believed to have a range of health benefits, including improving oral hygiene, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the body. While any oil can be used for oil pulling, coconut oil is a popular choice due to its high levels of lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties.
Benefits Of Oil Pulling
There are many benefits associated with oil pulling. Here are some of the most notable:
- Improves oral hygiene: Oil pulling can help remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Reduces inflammation: Oil pulling has been shown to reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can help improve oral health and reduce the risk of systemic illnesses.
- Detoxifies the body: Oil pulling can help remove harmful toxins from the body, improving overall health and wellbeing.
- Whitens teeth: Some people report that oil pulling can help whiten teeth naturally over time.
When Should You Oil Pull?
When it comes to oil pulling, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people prefer to oil pull first thing in the morning before brushing their teeth, while others prefer to do it after brushing. Ultimately, the best time to oil pull depends on your personal preference and schedule. Here are some things to consider when deciding when to oil pull:
- Consistency: Consistency is key when it comes to oil pulling. It's important to choose a time of day that works for you and stick to it every day.
- Comfort: Some people find oil pulling uncomfortable or unpleasant. If this is the case for you, it might be best to oil pull after brushing your teeth, as the toothpaste can help mask the taste of the oil.
- Efficacy: Some experts recommend oil pulling on an empty stomach, as this can help improve its efficacy. However, if you find that oil pulling makes you feel nauseous or lightheaded, it might be best to do it after eating.
How To Oil Pull
If you're new to oil pulling, here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Choose your oil: Any oil can be used for oil pulling, but coconut oil is a popular choice due to its antibacterial properties.
- Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Be sure not to swallow the oil, as it will contain harmful bacteria that you're trying to remove from your mouth.
- Spit the oil into a trash can. Do not spit it into the sink, as the oil can solidify and clog your pipes over time.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as normal.
The Bottom Line
Oil pulling is a natural and effective way to improve your oral hygiene and promote overall health and wellbeing. While there is no one "right" way to oil pull, it's important to choose a time of day that works for you and stick to it consistently. Whether you prefer to oil pull before or after brushing your teeth, the most important thing is to make it a daily habit and enjoy the many benefits it can provide.
