Coconut oil extraction has received mainstream attention in the news and fashion blogs in recent years. I have been practicing this Ayurvedic oral health method on and off for years and have seen remarkable results. It was one of the tools I used to remineralize teeth and heal cavities.
Although somewhat controversial, oil pulling has been around for thousands of years. This habit not only benefits your oral health, but by taking care of your mouth, you’re also taking care of your body. Oral health is more than just the health of your teeth and gums. (Listen to this great podcast by a dentist).
Adding coconut oil pulling to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to help maintain a healthy mouth and body. This is one of the tools you should have in your dental health toolkit.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that originated in India thousands of years ago. This involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oil and rinsing 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 (edible oil). And it has to be something you want to eat (very high quality). I prefer using coconut oil because it has many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
The word “pull” is confusing, so it can also be said to “pull oil.” The term “pulling” refers to the idea that the oil pulls bacteria out of the gums.
Benefits of pulling coconut oil
The benefits of oil pulling are many. Perfect to complement your oral care routine of brushing and flossing. It’s also much better than using traditional mouthwashes, which are loaded with toxic chemicals and alcohol. If you choose coconut oil, you can reap the benefits of this wonderful oil.
When you clean with oil, the oil binds to the biofilm, or plaque buildup, on your teeth. This helps reduce cavities and strengthens gum health. This helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. It also eliminates harmful bacteria that cause periodontitis, tooth decay, and halitosis (bad breath).
Some sources claim that oil pulling with coconut can treat everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease. However, I have not seen any scientific documentation regarding these claims. However, it is well known that good oral hygiene habits benefit your overall health. This includes reducing your risk of diabetes and heart attack.
I wouldn’t rely on it alone to deal with internal problems or serious medical issues, but I think it can help keep your mouth healthy and avoid bad breath.
Is oil pulling effective?
Oil pulling, especially when done using coconut oil, has been shown to reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the prominent bacteria in the mouth. It has been pointed out that there is a relationship with tooth decay and periodontal disease.
There is also scientific evidence that it is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common antiseptic used as a mouthwash. It may also be a neurotoxin. I would rather use coconut oil!
Will removing coconut oil whiten my teeth?
Although there is no scientific evidence that it is good for teeth whitening, I have found it to be effective for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling whitens teeth. After adding this habit, my teeth looked smoother and whiter. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove plaque that causes enamel to appear yellow.
However, this habit alone is not meant to whiten your teeth. I also use a few other methods, including brushing with whitening toothpaste and charcoal toothpaste (which really helps whiten!).
Dangers of drawing coconut oil
It’s important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health plan, not as a replacement for regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to twice-daily brushing, 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 (especially an allergy to coconut) should not use coconut for oil pulling. In such cases, sesame oil is a better alternative.
Some people express 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 may help remove harmful metals from nerve endings and the central nervous system.
Accidentally swallowing the oil can cause abdominal pain. Be sure to spit it out in the trash (more on how to oil pull below). By not swallowing, the bacteria you are trying to eliminate will not be reabsorbed into your body.
Your mouth and jaw may be tired the first time you sip, as you likely haven’t sipped something for the last 15 to 20 minutes. 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 about any concerns before use, especially if you have other dental conditions.
What kind of oil 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 usually use sesame oil. There are several reasons why I prefer using coconut oil. I love that it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. I love using this in DIY healthy recipes such as natural whitening toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, it is effective in attacking the Streptococcus mutans bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, which helps kill bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective at removing plaque and whitening teeth than sesame oil, but there are no scientific studies to prove the difference.
Best coconut oil for oil pulling
Choose high-quality, unrefined, organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. That way you’ll get the most benefit. I also like that the taste is mild compared to other oils. This is my favorite.
At the suggestion of a friend, I also tried using MCT oil instead. MCT oil is a great option for people who don’t like the taste of coconut but still want the benefits. It’s expensive, but I like it and use 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 the lauric acid removed, so they don’t have the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to use coconut oil for oil pulling
Oil pulling is easy! I like to do it as part of my morning routine. That’s usually one of the first things I do. It takes a few minutes, so I usually do it in the shower.
Place 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I add a few drops of Balanced Mouth Blend to the oil. This essential oil blend helps restore balance to your oral microbiome (there’s a great podcast on this!). And it helps freshen bad breath and reduce plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash. Shake for 15-20 minutes. The length of time is important. Be sure to swipe long enough to destroy plaque and bacteria, but not too long so that the toxins and bacteria you are trying to remove are reabsorbed into your body. When 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 your sink. Also, don’t swallow the oil as it contains a lot of bacteria and plaque that you don’t have in your mouth. It should be cream colored when finished. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Warm water seems to clean your mouth better (in my opinion). Sometimes I wash myself with salt water, which seems to be more effective (but also more labor intensive). Please brush well. I brush with a homemade remineralizing toothpaste or charcoal whitening toothpaste to remove any remaining bacteria.
Using oil pulling adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. However, it has many benefits and I’ve seen improvements from using it, so I definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try chews made with coconut oil
I don’t have time in the morning, but would you like to try oil pulling? We’ve discovered a way to simplify it (and save you time every day). Make mini coconut oil chews that melt in your mouth. Add the Balanced Mouth Blend essential oils and freeze.
It’s an easy way to pre-portion food and have it ready to eat. This makes it easy to get the kids to do it together (plus, it helps keep dental treatments on track!). Pop one in your mouth and use it the same way.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How was it? Please share below!
