Oil pulling is a simple and inexpensive daily habit that you can incorporate into your life. It is beneficial for your teeth and gums, and has been used as an oral health remedy for many, many years. It may seem weird to swish coconut oil around in your mouth, but it may help to keep you out of the dentist’s office.
The process of oil pulling starts with taking one tablespoon of organic unrefined coconut oil and swishing it around in your mouth for five to twenty minutes. Fifteen to twenty minutes is the optimal amount of time you should oil pull, but first time oil pullers should start with five minutes. You can gradually work your way up to twenty minutes, increasing the amount of time every day.
If you have a smaller mouth, you may want to adjust the amount oil to whatever is tolerable, possibly even down to a teaspoon or less. Once you become comfortable with oil pulling, you can increase the amount of oil you use.
How To Oil Pull
Swish the oil around the front and back of the mouth, over the tongue, and toward the back of the throat, but do not swallow the oil. To maximize oral health, it is recommended to pull the oil in and out from between the teeth and around the gums as well. This can help reduce plaque build up and lower your risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
At the end of your pulling session, spit the oil out in a cup or trashcan. A whitish color indicates that you successfully helped to rid toxins from your mouth. Gargle some warm water to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth without toothpaste in order to clean off your teeth.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Natural Teeth Whitener
Rather than using commercial, chemical-laden teeth whiteners, oil pulling helps to cleanse toxins from your mouth. It also helps to clean the teeth and reduce plaque build up.
Freshens Breath
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is typically the result of having an excess amount of toxins or bacteria in the mouth. The natural properties in coconut oil help to attack the bacteria, helping to naturally freshen your breath and oral health.
Helps You Detox
Your mouth, despite what you wish to believe, is home to a variety of bacteria and toxins. If these toxins accumulate in the body, it can lead to oxidative stress or improper organ function. Start oil pulling to help with overall body detoxification.
Removes Plaque
This is probably one of primary reasons that you should start oil pulling. Oil pulling works especially well on the Streptococcus mutans bacterium, which can cause cavities, gingivitis, or other oral health issues.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
