What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease that results in inflammation of the gums. It is caused by the accumulation of a layer of plaque or bacteria on the teeth.
Symptoms
Gingivitis is usually characterized by red, puffy gums, easy bleeding of gum and teeth, tender gums, bad breath,inflammation, swollen gums, or soft gums.
Risk Factors
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most prominent underlying causes of gingivitis. Other probable causes include:
Changes in hormones
Diseases like cancer, diabetes, and HIV are linked to a higher risk of gingivitis.
Drugs
Smoking
Age
Poor diet
Family history
Ayurvedic remedy – Oil pulling for treating gingivitis
Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic therapy that was widely used by Indians before the brushes and other oral hygiene care were introduced to mankind. Oil pulling is a traditional procedure of rinsing the mouth with potent oil to treat oral and systemic diseases. It is very effective in maintaining oral hygiene.
Procedure of oil pulling
Oil pulling is a method of gargling using oil instead of warm water. Oils like sesame, coconut, mustard oil, Ayurvedic formulated oils etc. are usually opted for this process because of their strong anti-bacterial properties.
The mouth is swished with the oil for 5 – 10 minutes till the oil pulls out the toxic substances and turns milky white in colour. The toxic oil is then spit out and mouth is thoroughly washed with clean water.
Benefits of oil pulling in gingivitis
Oil pulling has been proven to be effective in reducing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis. It is believed to help in the excretion of toxic heavy metals by saliva. Oil pulling activates salivary enzymes which absorb toxins such as chemical toxins, bacterial toxins and environmental toxins and eliminate them from the body. Thus oil pulling detoxifies and purifies the entire human body.
Mustard oil for oil pulling
The religious practice of oil pulling helps in removing the thick layer of plaque accumulated in the gums and teeth. Researches have established the efficacy of oil pulling using sesame oil and sunflower oil in reducing gingivitis.
Coconut oil for oil pulling
Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. Oil pulling using coconut oil has been proven for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Coconut oil also has anti-septic properties and causes no side effects which make it a perfect solution for oral hygiene maintenance.
Sesame oil for oil pulling
Sesame oil is mostly preferred oil for practicing oil pulling for it has detoxification, antioxidant, and antibiotic actions. It has been proved to help reduce plaque induced gingivitis. Sesame oil contains chlorosesamone which has antifungal activity and the polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce free radicals that deteriorates the oral health.
Olive oil for oil pulling
Olive oil is blessed with antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and antioxidative effect. Oil pulling performed using with olive oil helps in preventing oral malodour by inhibiting plaque formation and inhibiting growth of germs.
Other benefits of oil pulling
Oil pulling is a great way of detoxification of oral cavities as it sucks the toxins out and kills the bad bacteria thriving in the mouth. It creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to preventing cavities and disease.