Coconut oil has been garnering a lot of attention from news and fashion blogs in recent years. I have been using this Ayurvedic oral health remedy for years and have seen noticeable results. It was one of the tools I used to rejuvenate my teeth and reverse my tooth decay.
Although somewhat controversial, oil charms have been around for thousands of years. The practice not only provides benefits to our oral health, but by taking care of our mouth, we are taking care of our body. Oral health goes beyond the health of teeth and gums. (Listen to this amazing podcast with a dentist).
Adding coconut oil to your dental hygiene regimen is a great way to support a healthy mouth and body. It’s one tool that should be in your dental kit!
What is Pulling Oil?
Oil pulling is an ancient medicine from the Ayurveda tradition that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves taking a small amount of high-quality, organic oil and swishing it in your mouth (like a mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Different oils can be used for oil pulling, but they need to be food grade (edible oil). And it should be something you would eat (high quality). I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
It can be called “oil washing”, as the word “drag” can be confusing. The term pulling refers to the idea that the oil draws bacteria out of the gums.
Coconut Oil Benefits of Pulling
There are many benefits to oil pulling. It is a great complement to the oral care routine of brushing and flossing. And it’s much better than using regular mouthwashes, which are often full of toxic chemicals and alcohol. Using coconut as your oil of choice is a great way to get the most out of this amazing oil.
When you apply oil, it binds to the biofilm, or plaque buildup, on the teeth. This helps reduce tooth decay and strengthens gum health. This prevents cavities and gum disease. It also removes harmful bacteria that can cause periodontitis, tooth decay, and halitosis (bad breath).
Some sources claim that oil pulling on coconuts can help with everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease. But I have never seen any scientific evidence for these claims. However, it is known that good oral health practices can benefit overall health. This includes reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
I wouldn’t rely on it alone to treat an internal or serious health problem, but I find it helpful to protect my mouth and avoid bad breath.
Does Oil Pulling Work?
Oil pulling has been shown to reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, especially when done with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common bacteria in the mouth. It has been linked to tooth and gum decay.
There is also scientific evidence that it is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common disinfectant used in mouthwash. It is also a potential neurotoxin. I would much rather use coconut oil!
Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
Although there is no scientific evidence that it is good for teeth whitening, I found that it worked for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling has helped whiten my teeth. My teeth felt softer and looked whiter after incorporating this practice. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove the plaque that causes enamel to appear yellow.
However, I will not rely on this practice alone to whiten my teeth. I also use a few other routines, including brushing with white toothpaste and toothpaste with charcoal (which really helps to whiten!).
Coconut Oil Pulling Danger
It is important to use oil pulling as part of a complete oral health regimen and not replace regular oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
There are no effects of oil attraction. However, some people report negative reactions to coconut. Anyone with an internal or external sensitivity to coconut of any kind (especially allergies) should not use it for oil pulling. In these cases, sesame oil would be a good alternative.
Some people have expressed concern about oil pulling with amalgam or mercury-based oils. Dentist Dr. Reese explained that the oil does not safely absorb mercury fillings, but it may help flush toxic metals out of the nerve endings and CNS.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, it can give you an upset stomach. Be sure to spit out the trash (more on how to pull the oil down). Not swallowing helps your body not reproduce the bacteria you are trying to eliminate.
Because you probably haven’t brushed 15-20 minutes before, it can make your mouth or jaw feel tired when you first start. If that happens, start with 5 minutes, then work up to 15-20.
As with any oral product, it’s important to check with your dentist about any concerns before using, especially if you have other dental conditions.
What kind of oil can I use for oil pulling?
You can use a variety of oils for oil pulling, including sesame oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Traditional cultures often use sesame oil. I prefer to use coconut oil for several reasons. I like that it is antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial. It also contains antioxidants and prevents inflammation. I like to use it in my DIY healthy recipes, including natural toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, it is effective against the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid, which makes it effective in killing bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective at removing plaque and whitening teeth than sesame oil, although I have no scientific studies to prove the difference.
Best Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Choose high quality, unrefined organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. That way, you will get the most out of it. In addition, I like that it has a mild taste of other oils. This is my favorite to use
At the suggestion of a friend, I also experimented with using MCT oil. MCT oil is a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coconut but still want some of the benefits. It’s more expensive, but I like using it.
Fractured coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are all the same thing. If you choose one of these, make sure it is organic and food grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had the lauric acid removed, so they don’t offer the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is easy to do! I like to do it as part of my morning routine. It’s usually one of the first things I do. Since it only takes a few minutes, I usually do it in the shower.
- Put 1-2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth. I also add a few drops of essential oils to my mouth blend to help restore balance to the oral microbiome (here’s a great podcast on that!). And it helps to breathe and reduce plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Add 15-20 minutes. The amount of time is important. You want to wash long enough to break down plaque and bacteria but not long enough for the body to reabsorb the toxins and bacteria you are trying to remove. The oil will thicken and become milky as it mixes with saliva.
- Pour oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system like this…don’t spit in the sink! You don’t want to clog your mouth and swallow the oil, as it is full of bacteria and plaque that is no longer in your mouth! It should be white and creamy when done.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). Occasionally, I bathe in salt water, which seems more effective (but is also a lot of work).
- Brush well. I brush with homemade toothpaste or charcoal to remove any remaining bacteria.
Using oil pulling adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. But it has many benefits, and I’ve seen improvements from using it, so I’d definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try Coconut Oil Pulling
Little time in the morning, but want to try oil pulling? I found a way to make it easier (and save time every day)! I make a little coconut oil that melts in your mouth. I add Balanced Mouth Essential Oil and let it cool.
It’s an easy way to have pre-portioned bites ready to go. It makes it easier for my kids to do it with me (plus, it helps me keep up with my dental care!). Just put one in your mouth, and use it the same way.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How did you like it? Share it below!
