Oil pulling–Use coconut oil to prevent gum diseases

Gargling with coconut oil for three to five minutes can help you fight a wide range of oral health problems. Find out how!

Poorva Chavan | Updated: December 11, 2015 9:59 am

Many a times we tend to ignore inflammation of the gums or gingivitis thinking it will subside on its own. The inflammation of the gums is mainly caused due to bacterial infections and if not treated at the right time can damage your gums and lead to tooth loss. Another factor that causes gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is thin film of bacteria that forms around your teeth and if not cleaned, hardens and turns into tartar. When plaque forms at the edge of the gums, there are high chances that it can get infected and cause inflammation.

Although gingivitis is treatable with medicines, you can simply prevent it with this technique called oil pulling. Also known as Kavala Graha or Kavala Gandusha, it is an Ayurvedic procedure in which you have to swish or swirl the oil in your mouth. It is claimed that oil pulling can cure 30 systemic diseases ranging from headache, migraines to diabetes and asthma[1]. It has also been used in India to prevent conditions like foul breath, bleeding gums, tooth decay and more. Want to know if should try oil pulling? Here’a an expert opinion on what oil pulling is and how it helps.

Coconut oil is effective in reducing plaque formation and also preventing gingivitis. It is not only easily available but is also edible and has antibacterial properties, owing to its lauric acid content [2].

How to use it

There are two ways to perform oil pulling

1. Kavala Graha — In this procedure, take a comfortable amount of oil in your mouth. Close the mouth and retain the oil for three to five minutes while gargling. When the oil turns thin and milky white, spit it out without swallowing. [2]

2. Kavala Gandusha — Gandusha involves filling your mouth completely with oil so that gargling is impossible. Hold the oil in your mouth for three to five minutes and spit it out.[1]

You may like to read about the 7 ways your mouth is warning you about your health!

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: December 9, 2015 3:57 pm | Updated:December 11, 2015 9:59 am

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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