The Benefits of Oil Pulling With Grapeseed Oil for Oral Health

The Benefits of Oil Pulling With Grapeseed Oil

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic oral health technique that has recently gained popularity in the West. It involves swishing oil around in your mouth to draw out toxins, kill bad bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote oral health.

Coconut oil is the most popular oil used for oil pulling, but grapeseed oil is also an excellent option. Here's a look at the potential benefits of oil pulling with grapeseed oil and tips on how to do it properly.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is an oral health practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes per day. It's claimed to help remove plaque and toxins from the mouth, improve oral hygiene, and support overall health.

The practice originated in ancient India over 3,000 years ago as part of the traditional medicine system known as Ayurveda. It was said to help purify the body and prevent decay.

In recent years, oil pulling has regained popularity as more people seek out natural remedies for oral health.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Proponents claim that oil pulling with oils like coconut oil and grapeseed oil can provide these benefits:

• Whiten teeth: Oil pulling may help remove stains and whiten teeth through the process of swishing.
• Reduce bad breath: The antibacterial effects of oils like coconut oil may reduce bad breath by killing odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Prevent cavities and gingivitis: Oil pulling may fight plaque and gingivitis by reducing oral bacteria that contribute to these oral health issues.
• Relieve inflammation: Oil pulling is thought to draw out inflammation-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Boost immunity: Some research indicates oil pulling may support immune health by reducing oral inflammation.

However, more research is still needed to confirm these potential oil pulling benefits.

Why Use Grapeseed Oil?

Coconut oil is by far the most popular choice for oil pulling, but grapeseed oil also has qualities that make it a great option.

Here are some of the top reasons to try oil pulling with grapeseed oil:

• Contains antioxidants: Grapeseed oil is rich in polyphenol antioxidants that may help neutralize damaging free radicals in the mouth.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The linoleic acid in grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may calm swelling in the gums.
• Kills bacteria: Test tube studies indicate that grapeseed oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities that may be useful for oil pulling.
• Low comedogenic rating: Grapeseed oil is less likely to clog pores than oils like coconut oil, making it a good option if you're prone to breakouts.
• Neutral taste: Grapeseed oil has a mild, neutral flavor that's less overpowering than the coconut taste of coconut oil.

How to Do Oil Pulling with Grapeseed Oil

If you want to give oil pulling with grapeseed oil a try, follow these simple steps:

1. Put 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil in your mouth first thing in the morning before drinking or eating anything.
2. Swish the oil gently around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Try not to swallow any of the oil.
3. Spit the oil into a trash can when you're done swishing. Avoid spitting it into the sink drain where it may clog pipes.
4. Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Optionally, brush your teeth.

Repeat daily, ideally first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, to see the best results. You can work your way up to doing it for the full recommended 20 minutes as your mouth gets used to the oil.

Tips for Oil Pulling with Grapeseed Oil

Follow these tips to get the most out of your new oil pulling habit:

• Purchase organic, cold-pressed grapeseed oil for the highest quality.
• Try other oils like coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil if grapeseed oil isn't your favorite.
• Use 1 tablespoon of oil per session - more than that may lead to swallowing.
• Pull the oil through your teeth to maximize contact with your gums and teeth.
• Time your session with a timer or clock to ensure you oil pull for the full 10-20 minutes.
• Spit the used oil into a trash can, not your sink drain or toilet.
• Rinse your mouth well after oil pulling and drink some water.
• Aim for consistency and oil pull every morning to see benefits.

The Science Behind Oil Pulling

Oil pulling stems from Ayurvedic healing practices that are thousands of years old. The earliest references to oil pulling come from India around 3,000 B.C.E.

According to the traditional texts, oil pulling is said to purify the body, normalize imbalances, and aid the organs. It was believed to help prevent decay, whistling sounds, bad odor, and cracked lips.

In recent decades, scientific studies have begun to examine oil pulling to see if this ancient remedy really works. Here's a look at some of the current research:

Kills Harmful Mouth Bacteria

A number of studies have found that certain oils used for oil pulling, including coconut oil and sesame oil, exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial actions against strains of bacteria linked to dental decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

For example, one study had 20 adolescents perform oil pulling with sesame oil for 2 weeks. Researchers found it significantly reduced oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to plaque and tooth decay.

Reduces Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effects of oil pulling may be one way that it benefits oral health. Several studies have observed reductions in gum inflammation after regular oil pulling.

One 2-week study in 60 adults found oil pulling with coconut oil significantly decreased plaque and gum inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects are likely due to compounds like lauric acid found in coconut oil.

Improves Oral Hygiene

Clinical studies indicate that oil pulling may reduce oral bacteria, plaque accumulation, and gingivitis. These oral health benefits are likely related to the mechanical cleaning effects of swishing as well as antimicrobial properties of oils.

One study in 20 adolescent boys found that oil pulling with sesame oil for 2 weeks significantly decreased oral bacteria and improved dental plaque accumulation and gingivitis compared to a control group.

Has Limitations

While research is still emerging, oil pulling does appear to benefit oral health. However, there are some limitations to the current research:

• Small sample sizes: Many studies to date have included only 20-60 participants.
• Short durations: The longest studies have lasted only 2-3 weeks.
• Limited oils tested: Most research focuses just on coconut, sesame, or sunflower oils.
• No comparisons: There's a lack of research comparing different oils for oil pulling.

More extensive clinical studies on oil pulling are still needed to better evaluate its efficacy and long-term effects.

Choosing the Right Oil for Oil Pulling

You have lots of oil options when it comes to oil pulling. Some of the top choices include:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is by far the most popular choice for oil pulling thanks to its many health benefits. Studies indicate coconut oil is effective at reducing oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that contribute to cavities and tooth decay.

Be aware that coconut oil becomes solid below 76°F (24°C). To make sure it liquefies properly, store your coconut oil at room temperature or place the jar in warm water before oil pulling.

Sesame Oil

Traditionally used for oil pulling, sesame oil contains antibacterial compounds like sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol that may combat harmful oral bacteria.

Research shows sesame oil is effective at reducing oral bacteria counts and provides anti-inflammatory effects. Just be aware of the strong flavor.

Olive Oil

Olive oil makes a good oil pulling oil thanks to its anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds like oleocanthal that may benefit oral health. It has a milder flavor than sesame or coconut oil.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil contains antioxidants like vitamin E that may help neutralize free radicals. One study found oil pulling with sunflower oil reduced gingivitis compared to a control group.

Grapeseed Oil

Rich in polyphenol antioxidants, grapeseed oil provides anti-inflammatory effects that may calm swelling of the gums. It has a neutral taste and smooth texture.

How to Make Oil Pulling Part of Your Routine

Here are some tips to help you stick with oil pulling for the long haul so you can enjoy the full benefits:

1. Start Slowly

When you first start oil pulling, begin with just 5-10 minutes per day before working up to the full recommended 15-20 minutes per session.

2. Find a Fixing Oil

Some oils have stronger flavors than others. Test different options like coconut, sesame, olive and grapeseed oil to find one you can tolerate for longer periods.

3. Oil Pull at a Set Time

Link your oil pulling session with an existing habit like your morning shower or coffee to help make it a regular routine.

4. Set Phone Reminders

Use reminders or timers on your phone to make sure you oil pull for the full recommended duration each time.

5. Stay Hydrated

Keep water handy and drink a full glass after oil pulling to help flush away any remaining oil left behind.

6. Try Oil Pulling 3-5 Days Per Week

Daily oil pulling isn't always realistic. Aim for at least 3-5 days per week to see benefits.

Safety and Side Effects

When done properly, oil pulling is generally considered safe for most adults. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid swallowing the oil - Accidentally swallowing large amounts may cause diarrhea or an upset stomach.
• Allergies - Skip oil pulling if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to any of the oils.
• Cuts or sores - Oil pulling may irritate open wounds in the mouth. Wait to oil pull until any mouth injuries have healed.
• Medications - Talk to your doctor before oil pulling if you regularly take medication, as some oils may reduce absorption.

Additionally, while research indicates oil pulling is safe for dental work like braces or fillings, discuss it with your dentist first to be safe.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also check with their doctor before trying oil pulling.

The Bottom Line

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that is said to draw out toxins, kill harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and benefit oral health.

Using oils like coconut, sesame, sunflower, olive, or grapeseed oil may help prevent issues like cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath according to emerging research.

Grapeseed oil offers antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antimicrobial effects that make it a great oil for oil pulling.

While oil pulling is generally safe and simple, more extensive research on different oils and long-term benefits is still needed.

Try oil pulling 3-5 times per week with grapeseed oil or another preferred oil to help enhance your oral care routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.