Plenty of people who swear by natural remedies regarding oral health or detoxing the mouth tend to practice oil pulling. Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth and then spitting it out. The claim is that oil pulling can help remove plaque and keep oral bacteria in check and although some research exists, most of the evidence is anecdotal.
What Is Oil Pulling?
An article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine described oil pulling as swishing oil around in the mouth first thing in the morning. By swishing the oil in the mouth, you “pull” the oil between teeth. Ideally, you do this for five to 20 minutes and spit the oil in the trash when finished. It is important not to swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, as that can affect plumbing. The practice stimulates saliva production and helps remove harmful oral bacteria.
Does Oil Pulling Work?
Some studies exist on oil pulling’s effect on oral health and hygiene. Most of the discussion is about which oil is the best for the practice. The research is as follows:
- One study concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis.
- Another study found that oil pulling with coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash, in the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria believed to cause tooth decay.
- Olive oil may also be useful for oil pulling because it exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
It’s important to note that these studies, and other studies, were mostly small-scale, so more research is necessary to draw positive conclusions about oil pulling. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable replacement for brushing and flossing. It may enhance your oral health routine, but you continue to brush and floss as you would in your normal day.
Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil
Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes and toothpaste, oil may get into those hard-to-reach parts of the gums. The natural antibacterial properties of oils like coconut may help break down bacteria. A lot of people who oil pull with coconut oil find that their teeth and gums feel much healthier and cleaner when they add it to their oral hygiene routine. Oil pulling is not a miracle cure, nor is it for everyone. There is a good chance that it can help promote healthier teeth and gums, just like Dherbs’ Natural Tooth Powder, especially if you use it in combination with other oral health practices.
Coconut Oil Pulling With Essential Oils
Below, you will find a recipe for coconut oil chews, which make oil pulling a little easier. We added essential oils for flavor and health properties that may help enhance oral health. Peppermint, clove, and tea tree essential oils work to improve the taste. Whichever essential oils you choose, make sure that you are not allergic, they do not interact with your meds, and that they are safe for oral use.
Coconut Oil Pulling Chews
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops clove essential oil
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want it to be solid, but you don’t want it completely liquid either.
- Remove from the heat, add essential oils, and mix gently. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and put in the fridge or the freezer to harden.
- Once the molds are firm, remove from the molds and store in a jar in the fridge. Use one chew per day, or as needed, for oil pulling.
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.
