Coconut oil extraction has attracted mainstream attention in the news and on fashion blogs in recent years. I have been using this Ayurvedic oral health practice for years and have seen noticeable effects. It was one of the tools I used remineralize my teeth And reverse tooth decay.
Although it is somewhat controversial, oil extraction has been around for thousands of years. This practice not only provides health benefits to our mouth, but by taking care of our mouth, we also take care of our body. Oral health goes beyond the health of our teeth and gums. (Listen this amazing podcast with a dentist).
Adding coconut oil to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to support a healthy mouth and body. This is a tool that should be part of your dental health toolbox!
What is oil pulling?
Oil extraction is an ancient remedy from Ayurvedic practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oil and swishing it around your mouth (like mouthwash) for 15-20 minutes.
Different oils can be used for oil pulling, but they must be food grade (edible oil). And it should be something you would eat (if high quality). I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits and antibacterial properties.
This could be called “swishing” because the word “swishing” can be confusing. The term “pulling” refers to the idea that the oil extracts bacteria from the gums.
Benefits of Coconut Oil Extraction
There are many benefits to oil extraction. It's a great addition to an oral care routine consisting of brushing and flossing. And it's much better than using traditional mouthwashes, which are often filled with toxic chemicals and alcohol. Using coconut as your oil of choice is a great way to benefit from this amazing oil.
When you apply oil, it binds to the biofilm, or plaque buildup, on the teeth. This helps reduce tooth decay and strengthen gum health. This helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. It also eliminates harmful bacteria that can cause periodontitis, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
Some sources claim that coconut oil can help with everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease. But I have never seen any scientific documentation of these claims. However, it is well known that good oral health practices can benefit overall health. This includes reducing the risk of diabetes and heart attacks.
I wouldn't rely on it alone to solve an internal or serious medical problem, but I find it helpful to keep my mouth healthy and avoid bad breath.
Does oil pulling work?
Oil extraction has been shown to reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, especially with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is an important bacteria in the mouth. It was linked to tooth decay and gum disease.
There is also scientific evidence that it is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common antiseptic used as a mouthwash. It is also a possible neurotoxin. I would much rather use coconut oil than this!
Does pulling coconut oil whiten teeth?
Although there is no scientific evidence showing its effectiveness for teeth whitening, I have found that it works for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling has helped whiten my teeth. My teeth were smoother and whiter after adding this practice. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove plaque that makes enamel look yellow.
However, I don't rely solely on this practice to whiten my teeth. I also use a few other practicesincluding brushing with whitening toothpaste and a toothpaste containing charcoal (it really helps with whitening!).
Dangers of coconut oil
It is important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not to replace normal oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to twice daily brushing, dental flossand regular dental checkups.
There are no side effects to oil pulling. However, some people report negative reactions to coconut. Anyone with a topical or internal reaction to coconut in any form (especially an allergy to it) should not use it for oil extraction. In these cases, sesame oil would be a better alternative.
Some people have raised concerns about oil extraction with mercury-based amalgam or fillings. Holistic dentist Dr. Reese explains that not only is oil pulling safe with mercury fillings, but it can also help remove toxic metals from nerve endings and the CNS.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, it could give you an upset stomach. Make sure to spit it into the trash (more on how to oil pull below). Not swallowing helps your body from reabsorbing the bacteria you're trying to eliminate.
Since you probably haven't done something for 15 to 20 minutes before, this can strain your mouth or jaw when you start. If so, start with 5 minutes, then work your way up to 15-20.
As with any oral product, it is important to check with a dentist for any concerns before using, especially if other dental issues are present.
What type 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 generally use sesame seed oil. I prefer to use coconut oil for several reasons. I like that it is antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I love using it in my healthy DIY recipes, including my natural whitening toothpaste.
As mentioned earlier, it is effective in attacking the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides and 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 proving the difference.
Best Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
Choose high-quality, unrefined organic virgin coconut oil for oil extraction. This way you will get the most out of it. Plus, I like its milder taste than other oils. It is my favorite to use.
At the suggestion of a friend, I also experimented with using MCT Oil instead. MCT oil is a great option for those who don't like the taste of coconut but still want to enjoy it. It's more expensive, but I like using it.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are basically the same thing. If you opt for one of these, make sure it is organic and food grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had lauric acid removed, so they do not provide the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Extraction
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 takes several minutes, I often do it in the shower.
- Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I also add a few drops of Balanced mouthfeel to my oil. This blend of essential oils helps restore balance to the oral microbiome (here is a great podcast on that!). And it helps freshen breath and reduce plaque. This combo is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Stir for 15 to 20 minutes. Time matters. You want to shake long enough to remove plaque and bacteria, but not so long that the body can reabsorb the toxins and bacteria you're trying to eliminate. The oil will become thicker and milkier as it mixes with saliva.
- Spitting oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic tank like me… don’t spit in the sink! You don't want to clog your sink. And don't swallow the oil, because it's full of bacteria and plaque that's no longer in your mouth! It should be creamy white when you're done.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). Sometimes I rustle with salt water, which seems more efficient (but also requires more work).
- Brush well. I brush either with a homemade remineralizing toothpaste or a whiten one with charcoal to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Using oil pulling adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. But it has many benefits and I have seen improvements with its use, so I definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try Coconut Oil Chews
Short on time in the morning, but want to try oil pulling? I discovered a way to simplify it (and save time every day)! I do mini bites with coconut oil which melt in the mouth. I add Balanced mouthfeel essential oils and freeze them.
It's an easy way to make pre-portioned bites. It's easier for my kids to do it with me (plus, it helps me stay on track with my dental care!). Just pop 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 below!
