A Natural Approach to Balancing Oral Microbiota

Did you know that you can significantly improve your oral microbiota with s simple and yet effective method? Keeping a healthy oral microbiota plays a very important role on our overall well-being. Failing to care about it causes imbalances that start from our oral health and goes down our throat and beyond.

How can it be that swishing oil in your mouth promotes better oral health than expensive tooth paste and oral care products? Does oil pulling help strengthen the tooth enamel? Find out all of these and more below, backed by scientific studies.

What Exactly Is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is a simple practice where you swish a tablespoon of oil—commonly coconut, sesame, or flax-seed oil—in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. This technique is believed to help remove toxins and bacteria from the mouth, improving oral health and hygiene. I personally bulk buy cold pressed virgin coconut oil. Every time I do oil pulling (a few times a week) I feel the tropical breeze and the sweet sensation of the coconut oil, what a gift from our mother nature!

The Science Behind Oil Pulling & Oral Microbiota

Oral microbiota refers to the diverse community of microorganisms residing in the mouth, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Maintaining a balanced microbiota is crucial for overall oral health, as an imbalance can lead to issues such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath and much more.

1. Reduction of Harmful Bacteria

One of the key benefits of oil pulling is its potential to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that oil pulling significantly reduces the number of bacteria associated with dental plaque and gingivitis (A. S. Asokan et al., 2011). The oil’s mechanical action helps dislodge bacteria from the oral surfaces, while its fatty acids have antimicrobial properties that can inhibit bacterial growth.

2. Improved Oral Health and Reduced Plaque

Another study in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry highlighted that oil pulling could be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash—a common antimicrobial mouthwash—at reducing plaque and gingivitis (R. A. K. Sharma et al., 2016). By decreasing plaque accumulation, oil pulling helps maintain a healthier oral environment and supports a balanced microbiota.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Oil pulling also has potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Chronic inflammation in the mouth is linked to periodontal diseases, which can disrupt the oral microbiota. Research published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine demonstrated that oil pulling reduced markers of inflammation in the gums (S. K. Karthikeyan et al., 2015). This can help in maintaining a balanced environment conducive to healthy microbiota.

4. Enhanced Oral Hygiene Practices

Incorporating oil pulling into your routine can complement other oral hygiene practices. While it shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing, it is indeed very beneficial. According to the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, regular oil pulling helps in maintaining oral hygiene by removing toxins and reducing the bacterial load, which can positively affect the overall balance of oral microbiota (M. K. B. R. Gupta et al., 2012).

How to Choose the Right Oil?

Coconut oil is often the most recommended due to its lauric acid content, which has potent antimicrobial properties. Sesame oil and flax-seed oil are also effective, though they may not offer the same degree of antibacterial action as coconut oil.

How to Oil Pull?

1. Choose Your Oil: Opt for high-quality, organic oil. Coconut oil is a popular choice for its taste and benefits.

2. Swish: Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth gently for 15-20 minutes. In the beginning, you may as well swish occasionally and just keep it in your mouth. Be careful not to swallow it.

3. Spit and Rinse: Spit the oil into your garden (to avoid clogging your sink) and rinse your mouth with warm water.

4. Brush: Follow up with your regular brushing routine.

While oil pulling is not a substitute for conventional dental care, it offers a natural and effective way to support oral health and balance your oral microbiota. With benefits supported by scientific research, it’s a practice worth considering for those seeking holistic approaches to wellness.

Cconsider giving oil pulling a try, it's the laziest best thing you can do for your overall health. Also, read my blog post on Biomimetic Dentistry here.

See you later with a coconut-refreshed mouth friends!

Ref:

Asokan, S., Emmadi, P., & Sudhakar, P. (2011). A Comparative Study on the Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque Indices and Gingival Health. Journal of Clinical Dentistry.

Sharma, R. A. K., & Bhardwaj, K. (2016). Efficacy of Oil Pulling on Plaque Indices and Gingival Health: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry.

Karthikeyan, S. K., & Kumar, P. (2015). Effect of Oil Pulling on Oral Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Gupta, M. K. B. R., & Sharmila, D. (2012). Oil Pulling: A Historical Review and Current Applications. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine.