Coconut oil pulling has gained mainstream consideration within the information and on trend blogs lately. I’ve been utilizing this Ayurvedic oral well being apply on and off for years, and I’ve seen noticeable results. It was one of many instruments I used to remineralize my enamel and reverse tooth decay.
Though it’s considerably controversial, oil pulling has existed for hundreds of years. The apply not solely provides well being advantages for our mouths, however in caring for our mouths, we’re caring for our our bodies. Oral well being goes past the well being of our enamel and gums. (Hearken to this superb podcast with a dentist).
Including coconut oil pulling to your dental hygiene routine is a good way to assist a wholesome mouth and physique. It’s one device that must be in your dental well being toolkit!
What’s Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an historic treatment from the Ayurveda apply that originated in India hundreds of years in the past. It includes taking a small quantity of high-quality, natural oil and swishing it in your mouth (like a mouthwash) for 15 to twenty minutes.
Numerous oils can be utilized for oil pulling, however they have to be food-grade (edible oil). And it must be one thing you’d eat (so high-quality). I choose to make use of coconut oil due to its many well being advantages and antibacterial properties.
It may very well be known as “oil-swishing,” because the phrase “pulling” may be complicated. The time period pulling refers to the concept that the oil pulls micro organism out of the gums.
Coconut Oil Pulling Advantages
There are many advantages of oil pulling. It’s an incredible complement to an oral care routine of brushing and flossing. And it’s significantly better than utilizing typical mouthwash, typically stuffed with poisonous chemical compounds and alcohol. Utilizing coconut as your oil of selection is a good way to profit from this superb oil.
Once you swish with oil, it binds to the biofilm, or plaque buildup, on the enamel. This helps scale back tooth decay and strengthens gum well being. This helps forestall cavities and gingivitis. It additionally removes dangerous micro organism that may trigger periodontitis, tooth decay, and halitosis (unhealthy breath).
Some sources declare that oil pulling with coconut may also help all the things from pimples to sore throats and even coronary heart illness. However I’ve by no means seen any scientific documentation of those claims. Nonetheless, it’s well-known that good oral well being practices can profit general well being. This consists of decreasing the chance of diabetes and coronary heart assaults.
I wouldn’t depend on it alone to handle any inner or critical medical downside, however I discover it useful to maintain my mouth wholesome and keep away from unhealthy breath.
Does Oil Pulling Work?
Oil pulling has been proven to scale back the variety of Streptococcus mutans micro organism within the mouth, particularly when carried out with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is one distinguished micro organism within the mouth. It’s been linked to tooth decay and gum illness.
There’s additionally scientific proof that it’s as efficient as chlorhexidine mouthwash in decreasing micro organism. Chlorhexidine is a standard antiseptic that’s used as a mouth rinse. It’s additionally a doable neurotoxin. I’d a lot quite use coconut oil than that!
Does Coconut Oil Pulling Whiten Enamel?
Though there isn’t scientific proof displaying that it’s good for enamel whitening, I discovered it labored for me. In my expertise, utilizing coconut oil for oil pulling helped whiten my enamel. My enamel felt smoother and appeared whiter after including on this apply. A 2017 research discovered oil pulling helps take away plaque which causes enamel to look yellow.
Nonetheless, I gained’t depend on this apply alone to whiten my enamel. I additionally use a couple of different practices, together with brushing with whitening toothpaste and a toothpaste containing charcoal (that actually helps to whiten!).
Coconut Oil Pulling Risks
It’s vital to make use of oil pulling as a part of a complete oral well being routine and to not exchange regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a good addition to brushing twice day by day, flossing, and common dental checkups.
There aren’t any unintended effects of oil pulling. Nonetheless, some individuals report detrimental reactions to coconut. Anybody with any topical or inner response to coconut in any type (particularly an allergy to it) shouldn’t use it for oil pulling. In these circumstances, sesame oil could be a greater various.
Some individuals have raised considerations about oil pulling with amalgam or mercury primarily based fillings. Holistic dentist Dr. Reese explains that not solely is oil pulling secure with mercury fillings, however it could assist pull the poisonous metals out of the nerve endings and the CNS.
When you by chance swallow the oil, it might offer you a abdomen ache. Be sure to spit it out within the trash can (extra on how one can oil pull beneath). Not swallowing helps your physique not reabsorb the micro organism you’re attempting to eradicate.
Since you probably haven’t swished one thing for 15-20 minutes earlier than, it could make your mouth or jaw drained once you first begin. If that’s the case, begin off with 5 minutes, then work your manner as much as 15-20.
As with every oral product, it’s vital to examine with a dentist about any considerations earlier than utilizing, particularly if different dental situations are current.
What Sort of Oil Can I Use for Oil Pulling?
You should utilize a wide range of oils for oil pulling, together with sesame oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Conventional cultures normally use sesame seed oil. I choose to make use of coconut oil for a number of causes. I really like that it’s antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial. It additionally accommodates antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I really like to make use of it in my DIY well being recipes, together with my pure whitening toothpaste.
As talked about earlier, it’s efficient in attacking Streptococcus mutans micro organism, which causes cavities. It’s wealthy in medium-chain triglycerides and excessive in lauric acid, making it efficient in killing micro organism.
In my expertise, coconut oil pulling is simpler at eradicating plaque and whitening enamel than sesame oil, though I don’t have any scientific research proving the distinction.
Greatest Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Select a high-quality, unrefined natural virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. That manner, you’ll get probably the most profit from it. Plus, I like that it has a milder style than different oils. That is my favourite one to make use of.
On the suggestion of a buddy, I’ve additionally experimented with utilizing MCT oil as an alternative. MCT oil is a good choice for individuals who don’t just like the style of coconut however nonetheless need a number of the advantages. It’s costlier, however I like utilizing it.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all mainly the identical factor. When you go for one in every of these, be sure that it’s natural and food-grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had the lauric acid eliminated, so that they don’t supply the identical well being advantages as unrefined coconut oil.
Learn how to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is simple to do! I love to do it as part of my morning routine. It’s normally one of many first issues I do. Because it takes a number of minutes, I typically do it within the bathe.
- Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I additionally add a couple of drops of Balanced Mouth Mix to my oil. This mix of important oils helps restore the steadiness of the oral microbiome (right here’s a nice podcast on that!). And it helps freshen breath and scale back plaque. This combo is a good various to mouthwash!
- Swish for 15-20 minutes. The period of time issues. You wish to swish lengthy sufficient to interrupt by way of plaque and micro organism however not too lengthy for the physique to re-absorb the toxins and micro organism you’re attempting to take away. The oil will get thicker and milky because it mixes with saliva.
- Spit oil into the trash can. Particularly when you have a septic system like I do… don’t spit into the sink! You don’t wish to clog your sink. And don’t swallow the oil, because it’s stuffed with micro organism and plaque that are actually not within the mouth! It must be creamy white once you’re carried out.
- Rinse properly with heat water. Heat water appears to wash the mouth higher (for my part). Sometimes, I swish with salt water, which appears simpler (however can be extra work).
- Brush properly. I brush with both a do-it-yourself remineralizing toothpaste or a whitening one with charcoal to take away any remaining micro organism.
Utilizing oil pulling provides one other step to your oral hygiene routine. However it’s bought a whole lot of advantages, and I’ve seen enhancements from utilizing it, so I’d undoubtedly suggest including it to your routine.
Attempt Coconut Oil Pulling Chews
Quick on time within the mornings, however wish to attempt oil pulling? I’ve found a option to simplify it (and save time every day)! I make mini coconut oil chews that soften within the mouth. I add in Balanced Mouth Mix important oils and freeze them.
It’s a straightforward option to have pre-portioned bites able to go. It makes it simpler to get my children to do it with me (plus, it helps me keep on observe with my dental care!). Simply pop one in your mouth, and use it the identical manner.
Have you ever ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How did you prefer it? Share beneath!
