What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice in which oil is “swished” around the mouth. There is no good evidence to support the claims made for the benefits of oil pulling.It’s important to remember that, in spite of the fact that most people in Pakistan today were all raised with toothbrushes in our mouths, our ancestors didn’t brush their teeth with toothpaste for thousands of years. And, as far as archeological evidence suggests, most people throughout history lived until a ripe old age with most of their teeth intact and in a strong, healthy state.
This unbelievably effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional pakistan remedy to:
- Treat tooth decay
- Kill bad breath
- Heal bleeding gums
- Prevent heart disease
- Reduce inflammation
- Whiten teeth
- Soothe throat dryness
- Prevent cavities
- Heal cracked lips
- Boost the immune system
- Improve acne
- Strengthen gums and jaws
So if you’re looking for whiter teeth, there is no better, safer whitening practice than coconut oil pulling, which has a host of benefits beyond making those teeth look great.
1. Can Kill Harmful Bacteria in Your Mouth
There are approximately 700 types of bacteria that can live in your mouth, and up to 350 of them may be found in your mouth at any given time.Certain types of harmful bacteria can contribute to problems like tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease.Several studies have shown that oil pulling could help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.In one two-week study, 20 children either used a standard mouthwash or did oil pulling with sesame oil for 10 minutes daily.After just one week, both the mouthwash and oil pulling significantly reduced the number of harmful bacteria found in the saliva and plaque.A recent study found similar results. It had 60 participants rinse their mouths using either mouthwash, water or coconut oil for two weeks. Both mouthwash and coconut oil were found to reduce the number of bacteria found in saliva.
Decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth can help support proper oral hygiene and prevent some conditions.
2. Could Help Reduce Bad Breath
From the same researchers in Chennai, oil pulling has been shown to be as effective as mouthwash at improving bad breath and reducing the microorganisms that may cause it.Some of the most common include infection, gum disease, poor oral hygiene and tongue coating, which is when bacteria become trapped on the tongue.Treatment typically includes the removal of the bacteria, either through brushing or by using an antiseptic mouthwash like chlorhexidine. Interestingly, one study found that oil pulling was as effective as chlorhexidine at reducing bad breath.
3. May Help Prevent Cavities
Cavities are a common problem that stems from tooth decay.Poor oral hygiene, eating too much sugar and a buildup of bacteria can all cause tooth decay, which leads to the formation of holes in the teeth known as cavities.Plaque can also cause cavities. Plaque forms a coating on teeth and is comprised of bacteria, saliva and food particles. The bacteria begin to break down the food particles, forming an acid that destroys tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.Several studies have found that oil pulling can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, preventing tooth decay.In fact, some research has found that oil pulling may decrease the number of harmful bacteria found in saliva and plaque as effectively as a mouthwash.Decreasing these strains of bacteria through oil pulling could help prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of cavity formation.
Some Other Benefits
In addition, I found these five studies showing how coconut oil pulling affects a wide range of oral health issues particularly helpful as I considered making it a part of my natural health regimen:
- According to researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Tamil Nadu, India, oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans bacteria — a significant contributor to tooth decay — in the plaque and saliva of children.In the authors’ words, “Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.”
- As uncovered by researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Chennai India, oil pulling can significantly reduced aerobic microorganisms in plaque among children with plaque.
- From the same researchers in Chennai, oil pulling has been shown to be as effective as mouthwash at improving bad breath and reducing the microorganisms that may cause it.
- That said, the anti-inflammatory effects of oil pulling may have a beneficial effect on certain conditions linked to inflammation.
- While no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of oil pulling on these conditions, it may be a possibility given its potential to relieve inflammation.
- Furthermore, there is anecdotal evidence that oil pulling could be a natural way to whiten your teeth.
- Some claim that it’s able to pull stains from the surface of teeth, resulting in a whitening effect, although there is no scientific research to back this up.
To Check for Coconut Oil Product Click here…