In recent years, coconut oil pulling has gained mainstream attention on news and fashion blogs. I have been using this Ayurvedic oral health practice for years, and have seen visible results. It was one of the tools I used. Remineralize my teeth And Reverse tooth decay.
Although somewhat controversial, oil pulling has been around for thousands of years. Not only does the practice have health benefits for our mouths, but by taking care of our mouths, we take care of our bodies. Oral health is more than the health of our teeth and gums. (Listen This is an amazing podcast with a dentist).
Adding coconut oil to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to support a healthy mouth and body. It’s a tool that should be in your dental toolkit!
What is oil pulling?
Oil absorption It is an ancient remedy from the practice of Ayurveda that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oil and rinsing it in your mouth (as a mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
A variety of oils can be used for oil pulling, but they must be food grade (edible oil). And what you eat should be (very high quality). I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
Because the word “absorption” is confusing, it can be called “oil-swimming”. The word pulling refers to the idea that the oil draws bacteria out of the gums.
Benefits of coconut oil pulling
Oil pulling has many benefits. It is an excellent supplement to oral care for brushing and flossing. And it’s much better than using conventional mouthwash that is often full of toxic chemicals and alcohol. Using coconut as your oil of choice is a great way to take advantage of this wonderful oil.
When you swim in oil, it binds to the biofilm or plaque buildup on your teeth. This will reduce tooth decay and strengthen gum health. This helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. It also removes harmful bacteria that can cause periodontitis, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
Some sources claim that oil pulling with coconut can help with everything from ankle sprains to sore throats and even heart disease. But I have never seen any scientific documentation of these claims. However, good oral health practices are known to benefit overall health. This reduces the risk of diabetes and heart failure.
I don’t trust it alone to solve any internal or serious medical problem, but I do find it helpful in keeping my mouth healthy and getting rid of bad breath.
Does oil pulling work?
Oil pulling is observed. Reduce the number of streptococcus mutans Bacteria in the mouth, especially when working with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is the most common bacteria in the mouth. has been Related to tooth decay and gum disease.
There is scientific evidence that it is. As effective as chlorhexidine Rinse the mouth to reduce bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common disinfectant used as a mouthwash. Also a A possible neurotoxin. I would rather use coconut oil then!
Does coconut oil pulling whiten teeth?
While there is no scientific evidence that it is good for teeth whitening, I have found that it works for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling has helped whiten my teeth. After adding to this practice, my teeth felt soft and white. In the year A 2017 study found that oil pulling can help remove the plaque that causes enamel to appear yellow.
However, I don’t rely solely on this practice to whiten my teeth. I also use some Other experiencesIncluding brushing with Whitening toothpaste and a Toothpaste containing coal (This really helps make it whiter!).
The dangers of consuming coconut oil
It is important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not to replace regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling and brushing twice a day is a huge plus. Incubatorand regular dental checkups.
There are no side effects with oil pulling. However, some people react negatively to coconut. Anyone with any local or internal reaction to coconut in any form (especially an allergy to it) should not use oil pulling. In these cases, sesame oil will be a better option.
Some people have raised concerns about amalgam or mercury-based oil pulling. Holistic dentist Dr. Rees says oil fillings with mercury are not only safe, but also help flush toxic metals from nerve endings and the CNS.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, it may give you stomach pain. Be sure to spit it out in the trash (more on how to pull oil below). Not swallowing helps prevent the bacteria from recombining that your body is trying to get rid of.
Because you haven’t brushed anything for 15-20 minutes before, it may tire your mouth or jaw when you first start. If that’s the case, start with 5 minutes and then go up to 15-20.
As with any oral product, it is important to consult with a dentist about any concerns before use, especially if you have other dental conditions.
What kind of oil can I use for oil pulling?
You can use different oils for oil pulling, including sesame oil, sunflower oil or olive oil. Traditional cultures usually use sesame oil. I prefer to use coconut oil for several reasons. I love that it is anti-germ, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I love using it in my DIY health recipes, including mine. Natural white toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, streptococcus is effective in attacking dead bacteria, which causes cavities. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and lauric acid which makes it effective in killing bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective than sesame oil pulling, although I don’t have any scientific studies to prove the difference.
Best coconut oil for oil pulling
Choose high quality unrefined organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. This way, you will get more benefit from it. Plus, I like that it has a milder flavor than other oils. this is My favorite to use.
At the suggestion of a friend, I also tried to use it MCT oil Instead. 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 like using it.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all basically the same thing. If you choose one of these, make sure it’s 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 like to do it as a part. My morning routine. It’s usually one of the first things I do. I usually do it in the shower because it takes several minutes.
- Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I also add a few drops A balanced oral mixture To my oil. This blend of essential oils helps restore the balance of the oral microbiome (this is a Great podcast On top of that!) and helps to refresh the breath and reduce the plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes. The amount of time is important. You want to rinse long enough to get rid of the plaque and bacteria, but not long enough to reabsorb the toxins and bacteria the body is trying to get rid of. When the oil mixes with the saliva, it becomes thick and milky.
- Pour oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system like mine…don’t spit in the sink! You don’t want to clog your sink. And don’t swallow the oil because it’s full of bacteria and plaque that don’t exist in your mouth! When finished, the cream should be white.
- Wash well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). Occasionally, I swim. Salt Water, which seems more effective (but is more work).
- Brush well. In both A Homemade remineralizing toothpaste or a Whitening one with charcoal To remove the remaining bacteria.
Using oil pulling adds another step to maintaining oral hygiene. But it has many benefits, and I’ve seen improvements using it, so I definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try chewing coconut oil
Short in the morning, but want to try oil pulling? I found a way to make it easier (and save time every day)! I will do it Chew a little coconut oil Melt in the mouth. I will add A balanced oral mixture Essential oils and cool them.
Pre-portioned bites are an easy way to have them ready to go. It makes it easier to have my kids do it with me (plus, it helps me stay on track with my dental care!). Just pop 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!