What is oil pulling? What if I told you that there is a brand new trend that may improve your oral health with simple ingredients and an easy method? Well, there is! It’s called oil pulling. But really, oil pulling isn’t a trend at all. In fact, this simple and healthy practice has been around for thousands of years, but many people are just now learning of its benefits. Simply by using a quality oil, such as coconut oil, you can use the oil pulling method to improve your oral health.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Many people want to know, “What is oil pulling?” The method is very simple: swish a small amount of high-quality oil (coconut oil is best) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes in order to remove toxins from the mouth and improve oral health. Oil pulling is believed to have many benefits including its ability to improve:
- Tooth Decay
- Bad Breath
- Bleeding Gums
- Inflammation
- The Whitening of Teeth
- Throat Dryness
- Cracked Lips
- Cavity Prevention
- Gum and Jaw Strength (Dr. Josh Axe, draxe.com)
How to Oil Pull: Coconut Oil is Best
Here are the simple steps to a healthier mouth:
- Be sure to oil pull first thing in the morning with 1/2 tablespoon – 1 tablespoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil.
- Swish the coconut oil in your mouth for at least 5 minutes, working your way up to 20 minutes. Don’t be intimidated by swishing for what feels like a long period of time. Oil pull while you are showering or completing one of your usual morning tasks.
- Do not swallow the oil. The oil pulling method involves “pulling” toxins and plaque from your mouth. The last thing you want to do is swallow the toxins you just removed from your mouth. Spit the oil into a trashcan as it can cause your sink drains to clog.
- Brush your teeth as you usually would.
- Aim to oil pull several times a week for healthy teeth and gums.
Oil Pulling: Essential Oils For Added Effectiveness
While you can certainly use organic extra virgin coconut oil alone to oil pull, I prefer to add a few ingredients to my coconut oil in order to reap the extra benefits. Melt approx. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and add to it 1 drop of clove essential oil, 1 drop wild orange essential oil, and 1 drop of liquid stevia. Mix well and swish according to the steps listed above.
According to Organic Facts, clove oil is an effective ingredient to add to your oil pulling routine as it has been shown to improve bad breath and possess cleansing, purifying, and germ-banishing properties that will leave your mouth as healthy and fresh as can be. Wild orange essential oil possesses cleansing and purifying properties. Not to mention, both clove and wild orange essential oils smell wonderful!
When using essential oils, be sure to only purchase them from reputable sources. Many of the essential oils found on supermarket and health food store shelves are not pure and contain harmful fillers and toxic ingredients.
Oil pulling is a simple and effective method by which one may experience better oral health. Now if anyone ever asks you “Hey, what is oil pulling?,” you’ll have an answer!
A Word About the Safety of Essential Oils
As I discussed, essential oils can be incorporated into your oil pulling routine. When using essential oils, it is imperative to understand that all oils are not created equal. Please be sure that you purchase therapeutic grade essential oils that are certified pure from a reputable source. Many oils found in stores and online are filled with cheap filler oils and some are even toxic. Please do your homework before using any essential oil brand. Please note that all essential oils are not intended to be used internally and some may cause sun sensitivity.
Reference:
Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils (6th ed.). (2015). Orem, UT: Aroma Tools.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product/website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
