Coconut oil pulling has gained mainstream attention in the news and fashion blogs in recent years. I have been using the Ayurvedic oral health practice off and on for years, and have seen noticeable effects. It was one of the tools I was used to Remineralize my teeth and Reverse tooth decay.
Although it is somewhat controversial, the process of oil pulling has been around for thousands of years. Not only does this practice provide health benefits for our mouths, but in taking care of our mouths, we are taking care of our bodies. Oral health goes beyond the health of our teeth and gums. (listen to This amazing podcast with the dentist).
Adding coconut oil to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to support oral and body health. It’s one of the tools that should be in your dental hygiene kit!
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling It is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. This involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oils and swishing them in your mouth (like mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Different oils can be used for oil pulling, but they must be food grade (edible oil). And it has to be something you eat (high quality). I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
It can be called “oil combing”, because the word “pulling” can be confusing. The term pulling refers to the idea that the oil pulls bacteria from the gums.
Benefits of coconut oil pulling
There are many benefits of oil pulling. It is a great complement to your oral care routine of brushing and flossing. It is much better than using traditional mouthwash, which is often full of toxic chemicals and alcohol. Using coconut as your oil of choice is a great way to benefit from this amazing oil.
When you wash with oil, it binds to biofilm, or plaque buildup, on the teeth. This helps reduce tooth decay and strengthens gum health. This helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. It also removes harmful bacteria that can cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and bad breath (halitosis).
Some sources claim that oil pulling with coconut can help with everything from acne to sore throats to heart disease. But I’ve never seen any scientific documentation of these claims. However, it is known that good oral health practices can benefit overall health. This includes reducing the risk of diabetes and heart attacks.
I would not rely on it alone to treat any internal or serious medical issue, but I do find it helpful in maintaining my oral health and avoiding bad breath.
Does oil pulling work?
Oil pulling has been shown to Reducing the number of mutans streptococci Bacteria in the mouth, especially when eating coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is one of the prominent bacteria in the mouth. It was Associated with tooth decay And gum disease.
There is also scientific evidence for this As effective as chlorhexidine Mouthwash reduces bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common antiseptic used as a mouthwash. It’s also a Potential neurotoxins. I prefer to use coconut oil instead!
Does pulling coconut oil whiten teeth?
Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that it is beneficial for teeth whitening, I have found it to be beneficial for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling has helped whiten my teeth. I felt like my teeth became softer and looked whiter after adding in this practice. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove plaque that causes enamel to appear yellow.
However, I would not rely on this practice alone to whiten my teeth. I also use a few Other practicesincluding brushing your teeth Whitening toothpaste And a Toothpaste containing charcoal (This really helps with whitening!).
Risks of coconut oil withdrawal
It is important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not as a substitute for regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to twice daily brushing. Teeth cleaningAnd regular dental check-ups.
There are no side effects of oil pulling. However, some people report negative reactions to coconut. Anyone who has had any local or internal reaction to coconut in any way (especially an allergy to it) should not use it for oil pulling. In these cases, sesame oil will be a better alternative.
Some people have raised concerns about oil pulling with amalgam or mercury fillings. Holistic dentist Dr. Rees explains that oil pulling is not only safe with mercury fillings, but it may help pull toxic metals from nerve endings and the central nervous system.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, it may cause stomach pain. Be sure to spit it out in the trash (more on how to pull oil below). Not swallowing helps your body not reabsorb the bacteria you are trying to eliminate.
Since you’ve probably never chewed something for 15 to 20 minutes before, this may tire your mouth or jaw when you first start. If so, start with 5 minutes, and work your way up to 15-20 minutes.
As with any oral product, it is important to check with your dentist about any concerns before use, especially if other dental conditions are present.
What type of oil can I use for oil pulling?
You can use a variety of oils for oil pulling, including sesame oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Traditional cultures usually use sesame seed oil. I prefer using coconut oil for several reasons. I love that it is antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I love using it in my healthy recipes, including my own Natural whitening toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, it is effective in attacking Streptococcus mutans bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides and contains a high percentage of lauric acid, which makes it effective in killing bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil swishing is more effective at removing plaque and whitening teeth than sesame oil, although there are no scientific studies proving the difference.
Best coconut oil for oil pulling
Choose high-quality, organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. This way, you will get the most out of it. Plus, I like that it has a lighter taste than other oils. This is it My favourite To use.
At the suggestion of a friend, I also gave it a try MCT oil instead of. MCT oil is a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coconut but still want some benefits. It’s more expensive, but I love using it.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all basically the same thing. If you choose one of these products, make sure it is organic and food grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had the lauric acid removed, so they don’t offer the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to use coconut oil for oil pulling
Oil pulling is easy to do! I would love to do that as part of My morning routine. It’s usually one of the first things I do. Since it takes several minutes, I often do it in the shower.
- Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I also add a few drops of Balanced mouthfeel blend To my oil. This blend of essential oils helps restore the balance of the oral microbiome (here’s a Great podcast On that!). It helps freshen breath and reduce plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Swish for 15-20 minutes. The amount of time is important. You want to chew long enough to break through the plaque and bacteria but not so long that the body can reabsorb the toxins and bacteria you are trying to remove. The oil will become thicker and milkier as it mixes with saliva.
- Spit the oil into the trash. Especially if you have a septic system like me…don’t spit in the sink! You don’t want to clog your sink. Do not swallow the oil, as it is full of bacteria and plaque that are no longer in the mouth! It should be a creamy white color when finished.
- Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). Sometimes, I rustle with salt Water, which seems more effective (but also requires more work).
- Brush well. I brush with neither Homemade remineralizing toothpaste Or a Whiten one with charcoal To remove any remaining bacteria.
Using oil pulling adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. But it has a lot of benefits, and I’ve seen improvements from using it, so I definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try chewing coconut oil
Don’t have enough time in the morning, but want to try oil pulling? I’ve discovered a way to simplify it (and save time every day)! I make Small spoons of coconut oil That melts in the mouth. I add Balanced mouthfeel blend Essential oils and freeze them.
It’s an easy way to have pre-portioned pieces ready to use. It makes it easy to have my kids do it with me (plus it helps me stay on track with my dental care!). Just put one in your mouth and use it the same way.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How did you like it? Share below!