I’ve been doing oil pulling with coconut oil for years. I read a long time ago about the benefits of oil pulling and how it improves cavities and helps remineralize and whiten teeth. Since I started using it, there is no doubt that the plaque on my teeth has decreased and the health of my teeth has improved. Recently, I came across several articles online questioning oil pulling and whether it is dangerous.
Here’s what I learned about oil pulling and the benefits and drawbacks to your overall health.
What is coconut oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that comes from Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Indian medicine. It has long been used to promote oral hygiene and overall health by eliminating harmful bacteria and reducing plaque buildup.
The process involves shaking a tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach for 5 to 20 minutes and spitting it out. The term “oil pulling” comes from pulling and pushing oil through the teeth, causing a washing machine-like action. Oil pulling works by helping break down plaque while cleaning your teeth.
Sesame oil is usually used in traditional Indian oral hygiene routines. However, you can use any type of cold-pressed cooking oil. Olive oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil are all popular choices. Coconut oil might be the best!
Coconut oil may also be the most effective. It has a high “saponification index,” meaning it can react with saliva to form a type of soap. Natural foam reduces plaque and cleans teeth.
Benefits of oil pulling
Why do people practice coconut oil pulling? Oil pulling has many benefits for oral health. Some of these include reducing plaque, reducing the severity of gingivitis, and reducing cavities. It may also whiten your teeth and solve bad breath.
Oil pulling’s ability to reduce plaque may improve gum health and help prevent periodontal disease. A 2009 study reported that oil pulling helped improve plaque-induced gingivitis. This is very important because gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious form of periodontal disease that can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Oil pulling may be the ticket to solving chronic bad breath. A study of 60 hostel students compared oil pulling with the prescribed mouthwash chlorhexidine. Oil pulling was just as effective at reducing bad breath as prescription.
Coconut oil may be better than other oils at supporting dental hygiene because of its lauric acid content. Lauric acid is an antibacterial compound that kills harmful bacteria associated with tooth decay, such as Streptococcus mutans.
What does the dentist say?
The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend oil pulling because there is limited scientific evidence that it improves dental health. It has been said that oil pulling can help remove debris from teeth, which is great. But they believe the benefits of oil pulling are anecdotal or come from limited research.
However, some studies have shown promise. For example, some studies have shown that oil pulling can help manage gingivitis and bad breath. Scientific evidence is growing over time, but it’s just not clear yet.
Critics of the ADA point out that the agency’s controversial recommendations for fluoride treatments and mercury fillings don’t exactly support patient health. However, as scientific research on oil pulling accumulates, its effectiveness may become more widely accepted.
coconut oil side effects
Although generally considered safe, oil pulling with coconut oil has some potential side effects. Thankfully, the dangers of harvesting coconut oil are rarely serious.
upset stomach
The taste and texture of coconut oil may cause nausea for some people. In some cases, it may be caused by accidental swallowing. However, too much oil can overload the system and cause nausea. To avoid nausea, start with 1 teaspoon and gradually increase to 1 tablespoon. Start with 5 to 10 minutes instead of 15 to 20 minutes.
jaw pain
Sweating for a long time (10 to 20 minutes) can cause fatigue and pain in the jaw muscles, especially in people who grind their teeth or have temporomandibular joint disorders. Again, start with 5 to 10 minutes of swishing instead of 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t grit your teeth or swish too hard. Over time, your jaw muscles will become stronger and your endurance will increase.
allergic reaction
Although rare, some people are allergic to coconut oil. Symptoms include inflammation, itching, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Some people may also experience skin reactions such as a rash or hives around the mouth.
If allergy symptoms appear, stop oil pulling immediately. Rinse your mouth with water and seek medical attention. If you are allergic to coconut, use something like sesame or sunflower oil.
Lipoid pneumonia
Accidentally inhaling oil while swiping can irritate the lungs and cause infections such as lipoid (or lipid) pneumonia. This is rare, but can occur if the oil is inhaled rather than exhaled. Even when it occurs, 40% of patients with lipoid pneumonia have mild or no symptoms. Oil is only dangerous if it contains particularly high levels of bacteria.
To avoid this risk, sit up straight while oil pulling to reduce the risk of inhaling the oil, and use only a small amount at a time. Gently sip and then spit out. Lipid pneumonitis due to oil pulling is rare but can occur if done improperly. Sweating too vigorously can increase the risk of lipoid pneumonia, so be sure to do it slowly.
It is also important to note that oil pulling is not a substitute for dental treatment if you have an infection or periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis). It’s also important to continue good oral habits such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. So don’t throw away your toothbrush!
My thoughts on the dangers of coconut oil
If oil pulling is done properly, symptoms like lipoid pneumonia are very rare. Coconut oil pulling is a safe oral care method. However, it should be supplemented with regular use of high-quality (fluoride-free) toothpaste and mouthwash. However, people with coconut allergies or oral health issues should consult their dentist before trying it.
Would you like to start coconut oil pulling? Introducing brands that are easy to use. You can also add this healthy oral blend for additional oral health benefits.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? Do you think it’s dangerous, are there any negative effects? Please share below!
