Oil pulling with coconut oil is easy to fit into a regular oral health routine. Coconut oil is available at grocery stores and online, and people do not need any additional ingredients.
In this article, learn about what oil pulling is, how to do oil pulling with coconut oil, and about the possible benefits and risks.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an oral health routine that involves swishing oil around in the mouth in a similar way to mouthwash, but for a much more extended period.
Coconut oil is a highly absorbable oil with several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria. It is also edible, so has few risks for oral use.
Most supporters of oil pulling recommend swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 15–20 minutes to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth.
To do an oil pull with coconut oil, place a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth. Those who do not like the taste of coconut oil can use other oils, such as sesame oil or olive oil.
Sit upright and swish the coconut oil around the mouth for 15–20 minutes. People who have difficulty keeping the coconut oil in their mouth for this length of time can start with 5 or 10 minutes and slowly increase the duration. It is essential to keep swishing and to breathe through the nose.
Once done, spit the oil in the garbage. Avoid spitting into the sink or toilet, as it can lead to clogging. Do not swallow the coconut oil.
Most recommendations suggest brushing the teeth immediately after an oil pull. However, some people believe that it is better not to brush right away to allow the retention of good bacteria and the rebalancing of the oral microbiome.
Either way, proponents recommend using a separate toothbrush after oil pulling to the one used for daily teeth cleaning.
Takeaway
Existing scientific studies support some benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil, but there is not enough evidence to determine whether it is effective.
However, oil pulling is a simple, affordable, and generally safe technique to add to an existing oral health routine.
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