Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, has experienced a resurgence in modern dental hygiene conversations. This technique involves swishing oil in the mouth for a period of time and is often practiced alongside toothbrushing, the modern standard for maintaining oral health. The act of combining these two distinct routines naturally raises a question about the correct order of operations. Understanding the specific function of each practice is the first step in resolving the query of whether to oil pull before or after brushing.
Defining the Purpose of Oil Pulling vs. Brushing
The goals of oil pulling and toothbrushing are complementary, but their mechanisms of action are quite different. Oil pulling is primarily a mechanical process that relies on the principles of fat-solubility. Most oral bacteria, including those that contribute to plaque and bad breath, are single-celled organisms encased in lipid-based membranes.
The act of vigorously swishing a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut or sesame oil, causes these lipid-coated microorganisms and debris to bind to the fat molecules in the oil. This makes oil pulling an effective method that physically collects and loosens the bulk of the oral cavity’s overnight accumulation.
Toothbrushing, conversely, uses a combination of abrasive and chemical action to clean the tooth surfaces. The bristles physically scrub away residual plaque and biofilm that adhere strongly to the enamel. Toothpaste delivers therapeutic ingredients, most notably fluoride, to the teeth. These active agents are designed to interact directly with the clean enamel surface to help remineralize and strengthen the teeth.
The Optimal Sequence for Oral Health
To maximize the benefits of both practices, oil pulling should be performed before brushing. This sequence is based on preparing the mouth for the delivery of therapeutic ingredients. Oil pulling acts as the initial cleansing step, physically removing a large volume of the bacteria and debris that have accumulated overnight.
By pulling first, you ensure that the subsequent brushing is done on a mouth that is already largely cleared of loose microorganisms and oil residue. If you were to brush first, the oil itself could coat the enamel. This oil coating creates a barrier, preventing the beneficial compounds in toothpaste from adequately contacting the tooth surface to exert their full protective effect.
This pre-cleaning with oil allows the active ingredients in your toothpaste to engage with cleaner enamel, optimizing the strengthening and protective effects. The mechanical action of brushing, combined with the chemical action of the paste, then thoroughly cleans any remaining residue left by the oil. Performing the pull first ensures a comprehensive cleaning and maximizes the efficacy of your toothpaste.
Essential Tips for the Complete Morning Routine
For the best results, oil pulling should be done first thing in the morning, ideally on an empty stomach. The recommended duration for the oil pull is between 10 to 20 minutes. Beginners can start with a shorter time, such as five minutes, and gradually work up to the full duration as the jaw muscles become accustomed to the motion.
Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its pleasant taste and lauric acid content, which offers natural antimicrobial properties. Sesame and sunflower oils are also traditionally used and effective. Use about one tablespoon of oil and swish it gently enough to move it through the teeth without causing jaw fatigue.
After completing the oil pull, spit the oil directly into a trash receptacle, not the sink or toilet. As the oil cools, it can solidify and lead to clogged plumbing over time. Immediately following the disposal of the oil, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water or salt water to remove any lingering oil or collected toxins. Only after this rinsing step should you proceed to brush your teeth as you normally would.