While coconut oil pulling sounds like a new trend, in all reality it has been around for thousands of years! Although the treatment has yet to be proven in long-term studies, it has a tremendous history with astonishing individual results. This procedure is quite simple but it is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it can take some time to get used to the-
- Taste…
- Texture…
- and Action of Oil Pulling.
If you decide to move forward with oil pulling, you will essentially take a teaspoonful of coconut oil and put it in your mouth. You will then swish it around for about 20 minutes. While it may take time for you to get used to it, the benefits that you will experience will be worth it! Even our own Dr. Patty is a fan of oil pulling. You can read what she says here.
Suggested Benefits of Oil Pulling
There are many benefits associated with oil-pulling, although very little research has been done to support any of these. Some benefits that you may see when you try oil pulling can include:
- Removing toxins from your body which can improve your overall health
- Whitening your teeth
- Improving morning breath
- Improving your oral health
- Reducing the amount of Streptococcus Mutans bacteria found in your mouth
- Increase your energy
- Balancing your hormones
- Help with current hormonal issues
- Experience less jaw pain (great option if you suffer from TMJ)
- Improves skin conditions
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Keratosis Pilaris
- Lessens the amount of headaches that you experience
- Reduce hangover effects
- Boosts your immune system
- Prevent heart disease
- Reducing inflammation within your body
Please note, however, that none of these benefits are guaranteed, as there have yet to be substantial studies on the treatment to support them. To learn more, you can read about the stance the ADA has on coconut oil by clicking here. You can take advantage of all of these benefits in only 20 minutes a day!
What Does Coconut Oil Pulling do?
Your mouth is home to thousands of different strains of bacteria. Due to the bacteria being harbored there, many diseases originate in your mouth. While larger studies are still needed, some smaller-scale studies have shown improvements in oral health. For example, in this recent study, it was shown that within as little as two weeks, there was a reduction of bacteria found in the mouths of those that practiced oil pulling.
Next, if you suffer from gingivitis, this may be a great method to try. Oil pulling is effective against this inflammatory disease of your gums. In fact, when comparing coconut oil pulling to Chlorhexidine mouthwash as shown in this study, they were both effective in eliminating gingivitis.
Although we are still awaiting more research, we feel that taking such steps to improve your oral health is important. Along with oil pulling, be sure to schedule your general dental cleaning as well! At Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique & Spa we believe this method is just one of the many steps towards naturally focusing on the improvement of your mouth and body’s health.
How to do Coconut Oil Pulling
You may want to take advantage of this practice now that you have read about the suggested benefits. The best time to do your oil pulling is in the morning when you first wake up. If you want to, you can wait and do it after you have finished your first cup of coffee. There have not been any studies that have shown whether it is better to do it before having a drink, or after. You can try both and see which option works best for you.
When you are ready to begin, you will do the following:
- Put one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth. The coconut oil may seem hard at first but it will quickly melt once it’s in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes
- Once the time is up, you will want to spit your oil into a trash can, NOT your sink. This is because the oil may harden and block your drain.
- You will then want to rinse your mouth out with water
- We also suggest to brush and floss your teeth immediately after rinsing your mouth.
Once you begin coconut oil pulling, you will become more invested and attuned with your mouth. You will know what looks right and what doesn’t. By following the directions above, you can take advantage of all of the benefits of coconut oil pulling!
Results of Oil Pulling
The results that you experience from oil pulling may vary — especially since none of these benefits have been clinically proven. While small-scale studies like those we mentioned above have yielded some results, larger studies are still needed to accurately prove them. You can find out what Dr. Patty thinks about coconut oil pulling by clicking here.
Our hope is that you will be able to focus more on your oral health and know when something doesn’t look right inside of your mouth. If you would like to find out more about this method or have questions about other services that we offer such as microblading or our natural facials, give us a call and schedule a complimentary consult!