Does Coconut Oil Pulling Work?

Coconut oil pulling has gained mainstream consideration within the information and on vogue blogs lately. I’ve been utilizing this Ayurvedic oral well being observe 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 1000’s of years. The observe 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. (Take heed to this superb podcast with a dentist).

Including coconut oil pulling to your dental hygiene routine is a good way to help a wholesome mouth and physique. It’s one software that must be in your dental well being toolkit!

What’s Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is an historic treatment from the Ayurveda observe that originated in India 1000’s of years in the past. It entails 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 must be food-grade (edible oil). And it must be one thing you’d eat (so high-quality). I desire to make use of coconut oil due to its many well being advantages and antibacterial properties.

It may very well be referred to as “oil-swishing,” because the phrase “pulling” will 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 a fantastic complement to an oral care routine of brushing and flossing. And it’s significantly better than utilizing typical mouthwash, usually filled with poisonous chemical substances and alcohol. Utilizing coconut as your oil of alternative is a good way to profit from this superb oil.

If 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 stop 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 can assist every little thing from zits 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 total 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 accomplished with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is one outstanding 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 typical antiseptic that’s used as a mouth rinse. It’s additionally a potential neurotoxin. I’d a lot somewhat use coconut oil than that!

Does Coconut Oil Pulling Whiten Enamel?

Though there isn’t scientific proof exhibiting 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 seemed whiter after including on this observe. A 2017 examine discovered oil pulling helps take away plaque which causes enamel to look yellow. 

Nonetheless, I received’t depend on this observe 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 basically helps to whiten!).

Coconut Oil Pulling Risks

It’s essential to make use of oil pulling as a part of a complete oral well being routine and to not substitute regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a superb addition to brushing twice every day, flossing, and common dental checkups.

There aren’t any unwanted side effects of oil pulling. Nonetheless, some individuals report damaging reactions to coconut. Anybody with any topical or inner response to coconut in any kind (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.

For those who unintentionally swallow the oil, it might provide you with a abdomen ache. Be sure you spit it out within the trash can (extra on the right way to oil pull under). Not swallowing helps your physique not reabsorb the micro organism you’re attempting to eradicate.

Since you possible haven’t swished one thing for 15-20 minutes earlier than, it could make your mouth or jaw drained whenever you first begin. If that’s the case, begin off with 5 minutes, then work your approach as much as 15-20.

As with every oral product, it’s essential to verify with a dentist about any considerations earlier than utilizing, particularly if different dental circumstances are current.

What Sort of Oil Can I Use for Oil Pulling?

You should utilize quite a lot of oils for oil pulling, together with sesame oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Conventional cultures often use sesame seed oil. I desire to make use of coconut oil for a number of causes. I like that it’s antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial. It additionally incorporates antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I 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 approach, 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 good friend, I’ve additionally experimented with utilizing MCT oil as a substitute. MCT oil is a superb possibility for many who don’t just like the style of coconut however nonetheless need a few of the advantages. It’s dearer, however I like utilizing it.

Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all mainly the identical factor. For those who go for one in every of these, be certain 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. 

The way 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 often one of many first issues I do. Because it takes a number of minutes, I usually 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 stability 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 superb various to mouthwash!
• Swish for 15-20 minutes. The period of time issues. You wish to swish lengthy sufficient to interrupt via 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’ve got 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 filled with micro organism and plaque that are actually not within the mouth! It must be creamy white whenever you’re accomplished.
• Rinse nicely with heat water. Heat water appears to scrub the mouth higher (for my part). Often, I swish with salt water, which appears simpler (however can be extra work).
• Brush nicely. I brush with both a selfmade 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. But it surely’s received a whole lot of advantages, and I’ve seen enhancements from utilizing it, so I’d undoubtedly advocate including it to your routine.

Strive Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Quick on time within the mornings, however wish to strive oil pulling? I’ve found a technique 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 technique 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 approach.

Have you ever ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How did you prefer it? Share under!