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Coconut Oil for Dental Care?

You may have heard about the practice of "oil pulling" to get healthy teeth and gums. Can rubbing coconut oil on your gums make them healthier? Here's what you need to know about oil pulling and your dental health. 

An Ancient Home Remedy

Although you might have just heard of it recently, the practice of "oil pulling" goes back thousands of years. It's a key part of ayurvedic medicine in India, where it is still popular.

Unlike some home remedies, oil pulling comes with solid scientific backing. Coconut, sunflower, and sesame oil all have antibacterial properties. They can all help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Here's How It Works

Your mouth is filled with bacteria. Some of it is helpful, but some of it is harmful to your teeth. When you eat or drink something, you leave a film on your teeth that can trap the bad bacteria. This film is what we call the plague. If you don't remove it, the bacteria can start attacking your tooth. This process is what we call tooth decay.

When you use oil, the oil attaches to the harmful bacteria to pull it from your teeth.

As dentist Jessica Emery explained in WebMD,

"Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell. Cells are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane, which is the cell's skin. When these cells come into contact with oil, a fat, they naturally adhere to each other."

Why You Should Use Coconut Oil

Although almost any edible oil will work for oil pulling, it's best to use coconut oil because it contains lauric acid, which boosts its antibacterial potency.

  • Well-designed research studies have concluded that coconut oil can:

  • Reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

  • Prevent gum inflammation.

  • Prevent cavities and gum disease.

  • Improve bad breath.

A Word of Warning

Many people claim oil pulling can heal a number of conditions including headaches, migraines, diabetes, asthma, and acne. There is no evidence to back these claims. There's also no evidence that coconut oil can whiten teeth. 

How to Add Oil Pulling to Your Dental Regime

Oil pulling is simple. Here's what you do:

1. Place one or two teaspoons of oil in your mouth.

2. Swish the oil. To get the most benefits, you should swish for 20 minutes, but that's difficult at first. If you can only swish for 5 or 10 minutes, that's fine.

3. Spit the oil into a tissue and throw it away. Don't swallow the oil because you'll be swallowing bacteria. Oil can solidify and clog your pipes, so don't spit it into the sink. Toss it in the trash.

4. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

5. Brush your teeth as you normally do.

Where to Buy Coconut Oil

You can find coconut oil in most supermarkets and organic markets. Coconut oil is solid in the jar. It turns to clear liquid when you rub it or heat it. Coconut oil has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that most people tolerate well.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Are you ready to try a simple, natural way to get cleaner teeth? Oil pulling won't replace regular dental care, but it can aid in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Every little bit helps when it comes to your healthy smile. If you need professional cleaning, schedule an appointment with Malan Family Dentistry today.