If you are oil-pulling, swishing natural carrier oils through your teeth to freshen your breath and help strengthen the teeth for a healthier mouth, you may want to try adding food-grade essential oils!
Oil pulling is a centuries-old Ayurvedic practice for promoting oral health, detoxifying the mouth, and maintaining fresh breath. Adding essential oils to your oil-pulling routine can increase its effectiveness by introducing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The best essential oils for oil pulling include Peppermint, Tea tree, Clove, Lemon, and Cinnamon. Make sure to use high-quality food-grade essential oils!
Read on to see the best ways to use them for a healthy, happy mouth!
The Benefits of Essential Oils in Oil Pulling!
Essential oils have numerous benefits when used for oil pulling; they add flavor and beneficial plant compounds to improve the experience! Here are some reasons to add food-grade essential oils to your oil-pulling practice!
Antimicrobial Properties.
Many essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint, and clove, have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. They help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque buildup, bad breath, and infections like gingivitis.
Freshens Breath.
Essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, and lemon have a refreshing flavor and aroma that help combat bad breath, leaving your mouth fresh and clean.
Promotes Gum Health.
Oils like tea tree and clove are anti-inflammatory and soothing, effectively reducing gum inflammation and helping to relieve discomfort from gingivitis.
Teeth Whitening.
Lemon and orange essential oils can help brighten teeth naturally due to their mild bleaching properties, though they should be used sparingly to avoid enamel damage.
Pain Relief.
Clove oil is renowned for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, making it useful for soothing toothaches or sensitive gums during oil pulling.
Reduces Oral Inflammation.
Essential oils like chamomile and frankincense are anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe irritation in the gums and oral tissues.
Fights Candida Overgrowth.
If you have oral thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida), antifungal essential oils like tea tree or oregano can help combat the overgrowth.
Boosts Overall Oral Health.
Using essential oils in oil pulling adds an extra layer of protection against cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Oils like myrrh also promote healthy saliva production, which is essential for maintaining the mouth’s natural balance.
Precautions.
- Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil (like coconut or sesame) before use. Typically, 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil is enough.
- Avoid Harsh Oils: Certain oils, such as Cinnamon or oregano, can be too intense for some people and may irritate your mouth.
- Quality: Use high-quality, food-grade essential oils for safety and effectiveness.
Essential oils enhance the antimicrobial and therapeutic benefits of oil pulling and make it more enjoyable and flavorful!
How To Use Essential Oils for Oil Pulling!
Essential oils must be diluted correctly in carrier oils before being used in the mouth. Try these ideas for using them in oil pulling.
Peppermint Essential Oil.
Peppermint essential oil is perhaps the favorite essential oil for the mouth; it freshens breath, reduces bacteria responsible for gum disease, and has a cooling, soothing effect on gums.
DIY peppermint Oil-Pulling Recipe:
- One tablespoon of coconut oil* or sesame oil*.
- 1–2 drops of food-grade peppermint essential oil*.
Instructions:
- Combine the oils in a small bowl.
- Swish the mixture in your mouth for 10–15 minutes.
- Spit out the oil and rinse with warm water.
Coconut oil has many beauty uses, and if this is your preferred oil for oil pulling, try this boosted recipe!
Tea Tree Essential Oil.
Tea tree oil is essential for everyone’s bathroom as it has numerous beauty uses. It is fantastic for oil pulling as it has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Tea tree oil also helps prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup and helps reduce gum inflammation.
DIY Tea tree oil pulling Recipe:
- One tablespoon of coconut oil*.
- One drop of food-grade tea tree essential oil*.
Instructions:
- Mix the oils.
- Swish for 10 minutes.
- Rinse well and brush as usual.
Clove Essential Oil.
Clove essential oil is excellent for oil pulling as it has natural analgesics ideal for soothing toothaches.
Clove contains eugenol, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and helps prevent cavities.
DIY Clove essential oil pulling Recipe:
- One tablespoon of sesame oil*.
- One drop of food-grade clove essential oil*.
Instructions:
- Stir the oils to blend.
- Swish gently for 5–10 minutes if you have sensitive teeth.
- Spit and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Sesame oil is an Ayurvedic favorite for oil pulling; try this recipe with many added ingredients and benefits!
Lemon Essential Oil.
Lemon essential oil works well for oil pulling as it naturally brightens teeth, has antimicrobial properties that combat bacteria, and freshens breath.
It also balances oral pH to prevent decay.
DIY Lemon essential oil pulling Recipe:
- One tablespoon of olive oil*.
- Two drops of food-grade lemon essential oil*.
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients.
- Swish for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and avoid direct sun exposure immediately after.
Cinnamon Essential Oil.
Cinnamon is a popular flavor for oral care products, so it is excellent to add to oil-pulling carrier oils. It has antibacterial and antifungal, targeting oral pathogens.
Cinnamon essential oil also reduces inflammation in the gums and has a warm, spicy taste and aroma.
DIY Cinnamon essential oil pulling Recipe:
- One tablespoon of coconut oil*.
- One drop of food-grade cinnamon essential oil*.
Instructions:
- Mix the oils thoroughly.
- Swish for 10–15 minutes.
- Spit into a trash bin and rinse well.
Thyme Essential Oil.
Thyme essential oil treats mouth infections, sores, or other soothing issues. It is a great essential oil to add to any DIY mouth recipes.
Thyme essential oil’s potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help against harmful bacteria and benefit the mouth’s health. It also has natural anti-inflammatory benefits that can soothe gums.
Thyme essential oil has a fresh, herbaceous aroma, leaving the mouth feeling clean and refreshed!
DIY Oil Pulling Recipe with Thyme Essential Oil.
- One tablespoon of coconut oil (or sesame oil)
- One drop of food-grade thyme essential oil*
Mix the oils and swish in your mouth for 10–15 minutes before spitting it out. Rinse with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Tips for Oil Pulling:
- Always spit the used oil into the trash to avoid clogging your sink.
- Swish gently to prevent jaw fatigue.
- Practice oil pulling first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.
- Follow up with brushing and flossing for best results.
Food-grade essential oils can be a great addition to carrier oils for oil pulling. They add taste and beneficial natural properties that can be used to target particular issues.
If your mouth feels too sensitive, stop using them and consult a medical professional; also, avoid using them for children.
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