35. COULD OIL PULLING HEAL GUMS?
Because my gums are tender above my front teeth, I have become concerned that I may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which is an inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque around the teeth. Gums may be red and swollen and sometimes bleed when brushing. About 75 percent of people have this condition, so it is very common.
The bad news is that gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, which is much more serious. The bacteria in the plaque in gum tissue reaches a level at which the body can no longer reverse the problem. I have a friend who has this disease. It is destroying the bones in her jaws, which is requiring extensive dental work. Her husband said, “I could buy a car for the cost of taking care of my wife’s mouth.”
I’m sure that was an exaggeration, but the message is clear—we need to take better care of our teeth. We should brush and floss thoroughly after every meal. My dentist also recommends using a water pic.
The professional way to take care of gingivitis is deep cleaning, which is a very expensive process I would like to avoid; so I have been searching for natural remedies. There are many listed, but it seems that one of the most effective is oil pulling. This is an ancient Ayurvedic technique, which is an old system of natural healing that had its origin in India. You simply swish one tablespoon of cold-pressed oil in your mouth for 20 minutes.
Seyward Sebhal gives details of oil pulling on her website: “Oil Pulling Heals & Whitens Teeth Naturally.” She began her investigation because producing a baby had brought on pregnancy-induced gingivitis. She read positive testimonies about oil pulling, and decided to give it a try. And it worked!
She explains it like this: Plaque accumulates under the gums at the base of teeth causing little pockets to form. Bacteria move into the pockets irritating the gums and causing inflammation and bleeding (gingivitis). Oil spreads quickly and is sticky. In the 20 minutes of swishing, it will seep into every area of your mouth and pull out the harmful bacteria. Here is the way to practice oil pulling:
- First thing in the morning before you brush your teeth or wash your mouth, measure 1 tablespoon of virgin cold-pressed organic coconut, sesame, sunflower or olive oil. Coconut and sesame oil have the best reputation. Use organic oil to avoid pesticides.
- Swish this around in your mouth letting it pass over your tongue, gums and teeth, trying to move it between each tooth for a full 20 minutes.
- At the end of 20 minutes, spit the oil into the trash so it won’t clog drains.
- Gargle with salt water and thoroughly rinse mouth
- Repeat daily for 45 to 60 days.
Oil pulling is reported to reduce headaches, and support general detoxification of
the body.
I found several other natural remedies that might work:
Rinse mouth with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water two times daily or use the
juice of one lemon in a glass of warm water two times daily.
Brush teeth morning and evening with a paste of turmeric and water.
Make a paste to apply to the gums with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and water. Apply for 1-2 minutes two or three times a week. Rinse mouth with warm water.
Rub the pulp of the aloe vera leaf on the gums, leave 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat several times daily.
I have been practicing oil pulling for about five days. Hopefully I will have the same success as Seyward experienced after two months of oil pulling: HEALED GUMS!
COUSCOUS WITH CARROTS
2 lbs carrots sliced
1 red onion sliced into rings
2 T olive oil
2/3 c couscous
1/3 c toasted slivered almonds
Preheat oven to 425. Toss carrots and onion with
olive oil. Spread on baking sheet and roast 25
minutes. Pour 1 cup boiling water over couscous
in a bowl. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Stir
roasted carrots, onion and almonds into couscous.
Toss with dressing.
DRESSING
2 T olive oil
2 T maple syrup
2 T lemon juice
1/4 t cayenne pepper
Shake ingredients together.