Sesame Oil Pulling
A spoon of sesame oil swished around the mouth and then spat out.
Also known as: Gandusha, Kavala, Oil pulling
Overview
A classical Ayurvedic oral practice. A teaspoon of sesame oil is swished gently around the mouth for five to ten minutes on an empty stomach, then spat into a bin, followed by rinsing and normal tooth brushing.
What it is traditionally used for
A morning oral-care practice alongside, never instead of, brushing.
Ingredients used
- Sesame Oil(Tila Taila)Primary
Who it may suit
- adults
- teens
Minimum age: 144 months.
Safety essentials
Never swallow the oil, and always spit it into a bin rather than a sink, where it hardens. This is an addition to brushing and flossing, not a replacement, and does not treat cavities or gum disease.
Who should avoid it
- Young children who may swallow the oil
- People with an active dental abscess or severe gum infection
- Anyone allergic to sesame
- People with swallowing difficulties
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Generally customary if the oil is not swallowed; stop if it triggers nausea.
Children: Not suitable for children who cannot reliably spit out the oil.
Stop and seek medical care if
- Toothache or facial swelling
- Bleeding gums that persist
- A bad taste with fever
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening the mouth
Evidence note
condition. src/content/conditions.ts#oral-care