Coconut oil pulling is a new trend in oral care. It has gained popularity on social media such as Facebook, Pinterest, and other segments of holistic health. But does it work? You are likely aware that many DIY health crazes don’t work as a miracle cure. Our Dentistry practice wanted the truth and the myths to be revealed about this oral hygiene routine to give our patients the best information. This article examines whether these claims are true or if coconut oil pulling is simply another useless trend.
What is Coconut Oil Pulling?
Coconut oil pulling refers to the simple act of swirling one tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth to promote good oral health. To ensure that the oil can reach your gums, swish it around. The time it takes to swirl oil varies significantly from one source to the next. Some instructions give time frames ranging from 20 minutes to just 60 seconds. Some oil pullers also recommend using sunflower oil, olive oil, and sesame seeds oil. It isn’t a new technique and has been around for centuries. Many sources attribute the origins of this alternative medical treatment to traditional Ayurvedic medicine from India and Southern Asia.
Does Coconut Oil Pulling Work?
Many people love this alternative medical practice. However, there is not much high-quality medical research about oil pulling. American Dental Association (ADA), which states that no reliable scientific studies support the benefits of coconut oil pulling for oral health, doesn’t recommend it.
In 2016, researchers reviewed randomized clinical trials that examined the effect of oil pulling on dental hygiene. The paper concluded that while there was limited evidence that oil pulling positively affects oral health from clinical trials, further research should be conducted and more thoroughly reported.
Should You Try Coconut Oil Pulling At Home?
There are no known health hazards associated with coconut oil pulling. It cannot hurt you unless you have an allergy to coconuts. To avoid any potential clogging of your pipes, you should not pour the used coconut oil directly into them. Inadvertently swallowing small amounts of oil can cause upset stomachs in some people.
Coconut oil pulling should not be used in place of regular brushing, flossing (recommended tool), and rinsing. Although some studies have shown that coconut oil pulling can be as effective as using a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash, the ADA acknowledges the benefits to your oral health of rinsing twice daily with a mouthwash to reduce plaque and gum disease or a fluoride mouth rinses to prevent tooth decay. Combining brushing twice daily with flossing and rinsing can help kill harmful bacteria and promote a healthy smile.
How to Do Coconut Oil Pulling?
This is how I like coconut oil pulling.
- Oil your pull every morning right after you get up from bed. This is before you even brush your teeth or drink anything.
- Gently swish one tablespoon of coconut oil between your teeth and in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to swallow the oil.
- To get rid of oil, empty it in the trash.
- Finally, brush your teeth like usual.
I recommend oil pulling 3-4 times per week using coconut oil. You can also add essential oils to your mix.
Oil pulling with coconut oil can be a straightforward process. Oil pulling takes only 10-20 minutes. You can do it while driving to work or in the shower. To help pass the time, you can do it even while working around the house.
Oil Pulling with Essential Oils
Essential oils have some of the planet’s strongest antibacterial and antifungal qualities. You can safely use them to enhance oil pulling. Your body will also benefit from essential oils’ medicinal and antioxidant properties as they absorb your oral mucosa.
These are my two favorite essential oil ways in my morning oil pulling routine.
- Use 3 drops of wild orange, peppermint, or lemon with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for everyday use. If you don’t feel like mixing all these oils with your hand, there is a natural mouthwash made with four oils – coconut, sesame, sunflower, and peppermint oils on amazon. It keeps healthy gums and enamel care for an overall teeth-whitening mouth rinse experience.
- Take a different approach to sickness or infection. Mix clove oil, cinnamon, or tea tree oil as a homeopathic remedy.
What are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling has many benefits. Oil pulling can moisturize your gums, increase saliva production, and reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- Reducing Bacteria: Plaque, also known as Biofilm, is a bacteria that can lead to various oral problems, such as gum inflammation and cavities. Streptococcus Mutans is another bacteria that can cause oral health problems. One study found that oil pulling significantly reduced streptococcus mutants in 60 participants. Another study showed that coconut oil is just as effective at lowering streptococcus mutagens in children as chlorhexidine mouthwash.
- Treatment Bad Breath: Bad breath, which affects roughly 50% of the population, can be treated with oil pulling. Bad breath is often caused by poor hygiene, infection, and gum diseases. The most common treatment for bad smells is chlorhexidine or another antiseptic mouthwash like GuruNanda Oil Pulling (Recommended for those who suffer from bad breath). Research has shown that 20 children rinsed with oil or chlorhexidine for their oral hygiene have a lower incidence of bad breath-causing organisms.
- Avoiding Cavities: Oil pulling can also reduce the risk of cavities. Tooth decay can be caused by tartar and plaque that has developed into tartar. Numerous studies have shown that oil pulling can reduce the amount of bacteria that can cause cavities.
- Reducing Inflammation: Gingivitis causes swelling and bleeding of the gums. Plaque contains the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Oil pulling is a great way to treat inflammation. It reduces the bacteria and plaque that cause gingivitis. Coconut oil is an example of an oil that has anti-inflammatory qualities. This can help to reduce inflammation. One study revealed that participants reduced amounts of plaque after one week of coconut oil pulling.
Here’s How to Oil Pull for Improved Dental Health
Another benefit to oil pulling is its simplicity and affordability. You only need to follow a few simple steps to pull oil.
1. Use one tablespoon of coconut oil. You can also use sesame or olive oil.
2. Keep the oil in your mouth for at least 15-20 minutes. Pushing and pulling the oil throughout your mouth will ensure you get rid of any bacteria. Avoid swallowing any oil.
3. When done, pour the oil into a trash can. Avoid spitting into the sink or toilet, as it can cause buildup and blockage.
4. After rinsing, brush your teeth.
You want to get the best results. Should do an oil pull at least a few times per week. Start with a five minutes swish, and then increase your time to reach 20 minutes.
Oil pulling does not replace traditional oral care. For good oral health, flossing and brushing correctly is essential. It’s also necessary that you get regular dental cleanings and exams.
Tips While Doing Oil Pulling
- It is possible to use sunflower, olive, or sesame oils for oil pulling. However, coconut oil is recommended. Coconut oil is the best choice for beginners. It’s more flavorful and easier to use. Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial qualities.
- Coconut oil pulling time is crucial. The ideal time for oil pulling is 20 minutes. Longer oil pulling can lead to discomforts, such as stiffening of the jaw or difficulty swallowing. For now, you should avoid oil pulling for more than 20 minutes if your skills are not yet developed. You can start with only 5 minutes daily and increase the time as you get more comfortable.
- Do not swallow the oil. While it might seem complicated, you will eventually get used to the oil. Reduce the oil content if you are scared of eating.
- You should do coconut oil pulling in the early morning before brushing your teeth is best.
Is Coconut Oil Pulling Safe? Are There Any Side Effects?
It is rare to hear of any side effects from oil pulling. However, there have been some unfortunate reactions. These are just a few side effects of coconut oil pulling:
- A major concern is improper oil pulling technique. A wrong technique in oil pulling can lead to dryness, loss of taste or sensation, excess thirst, and other problems.
- Swallowing the oil after it has been sipped can cause diarrhoea and upset stomach. The oil can also be considered impure because it contains bacteria from your mouth.
- If you are allergic to coconut or coconut oil, you should be cautious when oil pulling with coconut oil.
