Studies have showed the benefits of oil pulling with coconut for oral health and preventative dental care. The mouth is the gateway to the health of the body inside. There are bacteria in the mouth that can subject the body to illnesses. Oil pulling is, therefore, considered an efficient way of preventing these illnesses that are caused by bacteria in the mouth.
What is Oil Pulling and does it Work?
Oil pulling is an old method of cleaning and purifying the teeth and mouth for preventative dental care. It helps to whiten the teeth and at the same time maintains healthy teeth by removing harmful bacteria that could lead to tooth decay and inflammation of your gums. Oil pulling has been used for many years in India for medicinal purposes.
To apply it for oral health, you have to take a tablespoon of oil and put it into your mouth and then swish it throughout your teeth for preventative dental care. Swish the oil for about 10 minutes to 20 minutes. This is done to combat the multitudes of bacteria in the mouth, which can be so harmful. Bacteria like Streptococcus cause plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and buildup on the mouth thus leading to tooth decay. These bacteria often get attached to the plaque.
Oil pulling makes the bacteria get dissolved in the oil and then removes it when the oil is spit out. Just by swishing for 10 – 20 minutes, you will be able to keep your mouth healthy from the bad bacteria. The main bacteria targeted are Streptococcus mutants as the main cause of plaque.
Other oral health benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil involve the reduction of bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by buildup and plaque in the mouth that is triggered by bacteria. Since oil pulling removes these bacteria, it reduces bad breath for preventative dental care. How to apply oil pulling in the mouth for preventative dental care?
Application of oil pulling with coconut oil in the mouth is challenge-free and involves minimal tools. You need to have time as you will have to swish the coconut oil for 10 to 20 minutes in your mouth. Prepare a tablespoon of oil. Put the oil in your mouth and subsequently swish around for 10 to 20 minutes. After swishing, spit out the mixture. The resulting mixture will have lots of bacteria as it’s removed from your teeth for preventative dental care. After spitting out the oil, brush your teeth as normal for an improved whiteness and oral health.
It is recommended to never swallow the resulting oil after oil pulling in your mouth. When you swish the oil in your mouth, you are actually removing the bacteria that are prevalent in the mouth. If you swallow it, you will be swallowing the harmful bacteria; therefore, you will be harming your body health. For preventative oral care, oil pulling helps to remove bacteria and enhance oral health.
photo credit: Phú Thịnh Co via photopin cc
Patsy is an avid health and nutrition blogger. She’s currently working with Dr Patricia Hunter and Ackroyd Dental Richmond, BC to help educate people about natural dental health and care.
