Coconut oil pulling has gained mainstream attention in news and fashion blogs in recent years. I have been using this Ayurvedic oral health regimen for several years and have seen noticeable results. It was one of the tools used to remineralize teeth and reverse cavities.
Although somewhat controversial, oil pulling has been around for thousands of years. Not only does this practice provide health benefits to your mouth, but by taking care of your mouth, you are also taking care of your body. Oral health is more than just the health of your teeth and gums. (Listen to this amazing podcast with a dentist).
Adding coconut oil pulling to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth and body. This is one tool you should have in your dental health toolkit!
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient treatment form of Ayurveda, a practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oil and gargling it in your mouth (like a mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
A variety of oils can be used for oil pulling, but they must be food grade (cooking oil). And it has to be something you can eat (very high quality). I prefer using coconut oil because of its many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
The word “pulling” can be confusing, so you might call it “oil whipping.” The term pulling refers to the concept that the oil pulls bacteria out of the gums.
Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits
Oil pulling has many benefits. It is a great complement to your oral care routine, including brushing and flossing. And it’s much better than using traditional mouthwash, which is often full of toxic chemicals and alcohol. Choosing and using coconut oil is a great way to reap the benefits of this amazing oil.
When you use oil to brush your teeth, it binds to the biofilm, or plaque buildup, on your teeth. This helps reduce cavities and strengthen gum health. This helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. It also eliminates harmful bacteria that can cause periodontitis, cavities, and bad breath (bad breath).
Some sources claim that coconut oil pulling can help with everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease. However, I have never seen any scientific documentation for these claims. However, it is well known that good oral health care can benefit your overall health. This includes lowering the risk of diabetes and heart attack.
I wouldn’t rely on this alone to fix any internal or serious medical issues, but I find it helpful in keeping my mouth healthy and preventing bad breath.
Does oil pulling work?
Oil pulling has been shown to: Reduces the number of Streptococcus mutans. Coconut oil in particular can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the main bacteria present in the mouth. I did Associated with tooth decay And gum disease.
There is also scientific evidence. As effective as chlorhexidine Mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common preservative used as a mouthwash. It also possible neurotoxin. I would much rather use coconut oil than that!
Will coconut oil pulling whiten my teeth?
There is no scientific evidence that it is good for teeth whitening, but it seemed to work for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling has helped whiten teeth. After adding this practice, my teeth looked smoother and whiter. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove plaque that makes enamel look yellow.
However, I would not rely solely on this method to whiten my teeth. I also use a few other methods, including brushing my teeth. whitening toothpaste and Toothpaste containing charcoal (It really helps with whitening!)
Attracting the Dangers of Coconut Oil
It is important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not as a replacement for regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
There are no side effects from oil pulling. However, some people report negative reactions to coconut. People who have a local or internal reaction to coconut in any form (especially an allergy to coconut) should not use coconut for oil pulling. In these cases, sesame oil may be a better alternative.
Some people have raised concerns about oil pulling with amalgam or mercury-based fillings. Holistic Dentist Dr. Reese explains that oil pulling with mercury fillings is not only safe, but can help draw the toxic metal out of nerve endings and the CNS.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, you may get a stomach ache. Be sure to spit it out in the trash (see below for more information on oil pulling methods). Not swallowing prevents your body from reabsorbing the bacteria it is trying to eliminate.
Your mouth or jaw may get tired when you first start because you haven’t washed something in 15-20 minutes before. If so, start with 5 minutes and increase to 15-20 minutes.
As with any oral product, it is important to check with your dentist if you have any concerns before using it, especially if you have other dental conditions.
What types of oils can I use for oil pulling?
A variety of oils can be used for oil pulling, including sesame oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. Traditional cultures commonly use sesame oil. I prefer using coconut oil for several reasons. I like that it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I love using this ingredient in DIY healthy recipes, including natural whitening toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, it is effective in attacking mutans bacteria that cause cavities. Rich in medium-chain triglycerides and rich in lauric acid, it is effective in killing bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective than sesame oil at removing plaque and whitening teeth, but there are no scientific studies proving the difference.
Best Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
For oil pulling, choose high-quality, unrefined, organic, virgin coconut oil. That will give you the most benefit. Plus, I like that it has a milder taste compared to other oils. This is my favorite.
At the suggestion of a friend, I tried using MCT oil instead. MCT oil is a great choice for people who don’t like the taste of coconut but still want some of the benefits. It’s more expensive, but it’s easier to use.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all basically the same. If you choose one of these, make sure it is organic and food grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had the lauric acid removed, so they do not provide the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is easy to do! I like to make it part of my morning routine. It’s usually one of the first things I do. It only takes a few minutes, so I often do it while showering.
- Place 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. Also add a few drops of Balanced Mouth Blend to the oil. This essential oil blend helps restore balance to your oral microbiome (here’s a great podcast about it!). And it helps freshen your breath and reduce plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Stir for 15-20 minutes.. The amount of time is important. It’s a good idea to agitate it long enough to break through plaque and bacteria, but not so long that the toxins and bacteria you’re trying to remove are reabsorbed into the body. As the oil mixes with saliva, it thickens and becomes milky.
- Spit the oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system like I do… Don’t spit in the sink! You don’t want to clog the sink. And don’t swallow the oil because it is now full of bacteria and plaque that doesn’t fit in your mouth! Once done, it should be creamy white.
- Rinse well with warm water.. Warm water seems to cleanse the mouth better (I think). I sometimes do a salt water wash, which seems to be more effective (but requires more work).
- Wipe it well. I use homemade remineralizing toothpaste or whitening toothpaste with charcoal to remove any remaining bacteria.
Oil pulling adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. However, it has many benefits and I have seen improvements while using it, so I highly recommend adding it to your routine.
Coconut Oil Pulling and Chewing
Short on time in the morning but still want to try oil pulling? I discovered a way to simplify it and save time every day! Make mini coconut oil chewables that melt in your mouth. i add Balanced Mouth Blend Freeze essential oils.
It’s an easy way to prepare ready-made bites. This makes it easier for the kids to join me (plus it helps me keep up with their dental work!). Just put one in your mouth and use it in the same way.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How was it? Share below!
