Gandusha - Oil Pulling for Oral Health

Oil pulling has a long-standing tradition in Ayurveda. It is used to purify the organism. In Europe, oil pulling is gaining popularity.

Gandusha, as oil pulling is referred to in Ayurveda, has been used for millennia. In Ayurveda, gandusha not only serves to clean the oral cavity but is also rids the body of and toxins or waste products that arise as a metabolic product. These deposits gather in the body and could lead to an array of discomforts or illness.

Incorporating Gandusha into your morning routine

Oil pulling is best carried out in the morning by swirling a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and pulling it through the interdental spaces and teeth. Spit the oil into a basin after 10 to 20 minutes and rinse the mouth with lukewarm water, and you're done!

Traditionally sesame oil is used in Ayurveda for oil pulling purposes because it is said to be particularly well suited. However, other plant oils such as coconut and olive oils may also be used.

According to Ayurveda, oil pulling is said t have several positive benefits for the whole body. Gandusha can help with:

migraines
impure skin
inflammation of the mouth and throat
fatigue or dullness
limb and joint pain
rheumatic diseases

Unfortunately, very few scientific studies of the above-mentioned holistic effects of this technique have been conducted.

What makes oil pulling so beneficial?

Regular oil pulling contributes to oral hygiene because it rids the entire oral cavity of microorganisms. Thus plaque is reduced and as a result also reduces caries, tartar, inflammation and periodontal disease.

Why does it work?

Much of the bacteria found in dental plaque have a hydrophobic cell surface. This means that they prefer oil. Bacteria accumulate during oil pulling and can be easily released from the body. They can likely be found as emulsifiers on the boundary between oil and saliva.

Moreover, many plant oils have antibacterial properties which additionally influence dental health.

Can I oil pull instead of brushing my teeth?

We simply cannot forgo the good old brushing of teeth. But oil pulling is an excellent complement for those who want to do something extra for dental health, etc.

Products used specifically for oil-pulling

Today you will find numerous products on the market that have been specifically developed for oil pulling. These consist not only of oil but also often contain essential oils that have a specific effect against various bacteria. This, of course, depends on the raw material of the essential oil.

Special oils which have been developed for oil pulling in particular, often have additional benefits. A mixture of plant oil and essential oil is even more effective and can actively prevent inflammation and improve your general oral health. Positive features are: