The action of swishing oil around the mouth may also activate digestion, and when the oil mixes with digestive enzymes in saliva
By OLUFUNKE FALUYI
After last week’s article, I received a hilarious chat from a reader. It read, “Egusi is my favourite, but my wife removed it from our menu because of cholesterol. With today’s write-up, I now have something to fight back.”
My reply was, “Yes, you can fight back!”
One more thing about egusi. A reader said he was told that it can increase blood sugar. This is another misconception. Egusi does not cause a spike in blood sugar.
This week, we shall be talking about an ancient dental care practice called oil pulling.
The practice of cleansing the mouth with oil is commonly attributed to Ayurveda, an ancient traditional medical system in India. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal technique to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, dry throat, cracked lips, and to strengthen the teeth, gums, and jaw.
Additionally, according to Ayurvedic texts, it is believed that oil pulling may help manage and prevent physiological health complaints such as headaches, asthma, and diabetes.
Although many believe that the benefits of oil pulling are mostly anecdotal, trust me, we will explore what science says about it. Besides, it is not a replacement for regular dental care.
It is basically done by swishing oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil around the mouth. As you swish the oil, it is “pulled” between the teeth. When you are done, you spit out the oil.
Recently, coconut oil has become popular for oil pulling because it has a pleasant taste, is easily available, and contains high amounts of antimicrobial lauric acid.
A 2009 study highlighted the strong bactericidal properties of lauric acid, while a 2016 study found that, for reducing the bacteria associated with tooth decay (Streptococcus mutans), coconut oil pulling was as effective as the prescription mouthwash chlorhexidine.
A 2017 study indicated that the lauric acid in coconut oil, when mixed with alkalis in saliva, reduces plaque adhesion and accumulation.
Another study carried out in 2018 concluded that, for reducing the severity of gingivitis, coconut oil pulling is more effective than oil pulling with sesame oil.
One study noted that oil pulling with coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash, in reducing Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria believed to cause tooth decay.
Another study published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis.
“The best oils for oil pulling are coconut and sesame oil”, says a New York–based board-certified alternative medical practitioner with approximately 20 years of experience practising Ayurveda, Vaidhya Reeta Rudra. “The oil should be organic and cold-pressed,” she adds.
The action of swishing oil around the mouth may also activate digestion, and when the oil mixes with digestive enzymes in saliva, it may become a potentially powerful antiviral and antibacterial agent, says John Douillard, a doctor of chiropractic and a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Niwot, Colorado.