The versatility of coconut oil is one reason why this health food has been trendy in previous years.
From using it in baking to applying it directly for softer skin, the nutritional and topical benefits for coconut oil is profound. Many snacks and beauty products on the market are now found with this tropical ingredient.
Apart from the latter, coconut oil can also help one obtain better oral health. In the form of oil pulling, one can enjoy a plethora of benefits from this oil.
What is Oil Pulling? How Do I Do It?
Oil pulling involves swishing oil in the mouth. This has actually been used for many years as an Indian home remedy.
While one can use a variety of different oil for oil pulling, including olive oil, coconut oil tends to have a better taste for many.
Coconut oil pulling is recommended before one brushes his or her teeth in the morning (preferably on an empty stomach).
Simply place one tablespoon of coconut oil your mouth. (Note: Coconut oil is solid in cooler climates but will quickly melt in the mouth. You can find liquid coconut oil in special packaging to ensure it stays a liquid even in the wintertime.)
Swish this for about 15 to 20 minutes. Others prefer to reduce the time to 5 to 10 minutes.
Bear in mind that it is not advisable to swish the coconut oil around with a lot of force. If swishing with coconut oil causes some facial pain, there is no need to worry. Just relax, and consider using less coconut oil next time.
Afterward, spit out the oil (do not swallow or reuse), rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, and immediately brush the teeth.
What Does Oil Pulling Do?
There are several diverse types of bacteria in the mouth. A few of these are friendly while others are quite harmful.
Eventually, the bacteria in the mouth form what is known as a biofilm on the teeth. Biofilm is referred to a thin layer which the bacteria use to stick to the surface. Bacteria in the mouth is known as plaque.
It is true that having some plaque on the teeth is normal. However, in excess, this can result in all sorts of oral complications. Gum inflammation, bad breath, cavities, yellow or stained teeth, and gingivitis may result.
The good news is that oil pulling provides a simple way to keep plaque under control. As a person swishes oil, the bacteria stick to it and eventually dissolve. Surely, a great amount of plaque will eliminate each time this approach is done.
For oil pulling, Indians typically use coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil. Oil pulling comes with countless health benefits. Since coconut oil contains lauric acid, oil pulling is effective in killing fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
At first, oil pulling might be uncomfortable and irksome, but after a few times, one will begin to get used to it.
Here are some of the proven benefits of coconut oil pulling to oral health:
- Cleaner, shinier, and whiter teeth
- Fresh breath
- Fewer dental complications
- Because oil pulling has been proven effective in terms of eliminating inimical bacteria in the mouth, once this approach is performed, a person can significantly improve their overall wellness as well. Oral health and general health have strong connections, according to research.
