Oil Pulling

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Learn about oil pulling for health using coconut oil. Oil pulling helps whiten teeth, regrow receding gums, stop bleeding gums, balance blood sugar, cure insomnia, and get great skin!
5 minutes

Oil pulling is an ancient and simple method of oral care. The process basically involves swishing a teaspoon or two of oil around the mouth for 10-20 minutes, then spitting it out.

Coconut oil is common to use today and ideal due to it containing Lauric Acid, proven to have antimicrobial properties. [1] Studies using sesame oil found it effective in reducing the tooth decay causing bacteria Streptococcus mutans,[2] and plaque induced gingivitis. [3]


Benefits include:

  • Healthier teeth and gums
  • Reduces plaque
  • Combats tooth decay
  • Reduces unhealthy bacteria
  • Reduces bad breath
  • Whiter teeth


Helpful hints:

  • To avoid possible build-up, do not spit used oil down plumbing drains.
  • Try to push and pull oil through teeth.


Footnotes

  1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC444260/
  2. Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu M S, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswari. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent [serial online] 2008 [cited 2014 May 24];26:12-7. Available from: http://www.jisppd.com/text.asp?2008/26/1/12/40315
  3. Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res [serial online] 2009 [cited 2014 May 24];20:47-51. Available from: http://www.ijdr.in/text.asp?2009/20/1/47/49067