Last week, during my routine dental check-up, as the dental hygienist was busy poking and scraping my teeth and gums, a random memory from my college days suddenly popped into my head. I'd always been proud of my dental hygiene and had been fortunate enough to avoid any dental issues growing up. However, one day, I began to experience tenderness in my gums and found it painful to brush my teeth. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor irritation, and as a college student without dental insurance, I decided to wait it out. Unfortunately, the discomfort worsened over the weeks.

One morning, while brushing my teeth, I noticed in the mirror that my gums were swollen and bleeding. Despite the cost, I made an appointment with the first available dentist I could find. After a thorough examination, I was diagnosed with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Apparently, despite my best efforts, bacteria had accumulated around my teeth and gums, causing severe inflammation. After a deep cleaning and a lecture on gum disease I was sent home.

Feeling a combination of embarrassment and determination, I stepped up my dental hygiene routine by incorporating oil pulling, an Ayurvedic practice which involves swishing oil in your mouth. It's been over two decades and I’m happy to report that I haven’t experienced a similar issue since.

Oil pulling is a part of dinacharya—the daily routine recommended by Ayurveda for thousands of years. The benefits are remarkable, and I’m excited to share this practice, which has been widely used to strengthen teeth, gums, and jaws, as well as prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, bad breath and bleeding gums. But it doesn’t stop there. Here are more reasons to consider incorporating oil pulling into your routine:
 

• The act of swishing oil in the mouth helps cleanse the oral cavity by pulling out toxins and bacteria from between the teeth and gums.
   

• Sesame oil, the recommended oil to use, is particularly effective due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which helps reduce the accumulation of harmful bacteria.
   

• Swishing sesame oil, which is rich in calcium and vitamins E and K, is beneficial for strengthening teeth, nourishing gum tissue, and reducing inflammation.
   

• Oil pulling helps maintain moisture in the mouth, which is incredibly beneficial for dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, which occurs when the salivary glands don't make sufficient saliva.
   

• It helps strengthen the jaw making it an ideal practice for those suffering from TMJ.
   

How to oil pull:
1. Put about 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed sesame oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid swallowing it.
3. When you are done, spit out the oil into the rubbish bin. Avoid spitting it into the sink to prevent clogging the pipes.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as normal.

I’ll be honest—when you first try oil pulling, it may feel a bit odd. After all, swishing oil around in your mouth isn’t something you may be used to. You might even feel tired after just a few minutes. Like any new habit, it’s best to start slow. Begin with 1-2 minutes and gradually increase the time. You’ll notice the oil thins out as you swish, making it less tiring over time. Be patient and stick with it—I really want you to experience the benefits.

Note: You may hear of coconut oil being used for oil pulling. Traditionally, Ayurveda recommends cold-pressed sesame oil and other herbal oils. However, if you’re prone to canker sores or live in hot climate, coconut oil can be a good alternative.

Sharing a few stats from the National Institute of Health (NIH):
 

• More than 42% of all adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease.

• The rate of gum disease increases with age. Almost 60% of adults 65 years and older have some form of gum disease.

• People with certain health conditions may be more likely to develop gum disease. For example, almost 60% of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease.
   

Oil pulling has made a remarkable difference for me. If you’re dealing with gum issues or simply want to enhance your oral health, why not give it a try? You might be surprised by what a little oil can do!

And if you know anyone struggling with dental health or lacks access to dental care, please share this practice with them as an easy addition to brushing and flossing.

🎯  Quote of the week

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you’re not going to stay where you are.
— J.P. Morgan

I like this quote because it reminds us that progress starts with the decision to move forward, leaving behind unfulfilling situations. Taking that first step is essential for personal growth and transformation.

🦷 Recommendation of the week - My Ayurvedic dental essentials

Below are the two Ayurvedic products I use daily as part of my dental routine.
 

Dasanakanti Churnam is an herbal tooth powder made from a blend of herbs including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. This powder is massaged into the gums to support oral health.

Following this, I practice oil pulling with Valiya Arimedas, my preferred oil for the process. This sesame oil-based formula is infused with a combination of Ayurvedic herbs.

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