Oil pulling is one of the hottest new trends right now. It has steadily been taking over people’s health and beauty routines and it’s easy to see why. There are numerous reported benefits to the easy practice, plus it’s affordable, all natural, and even oddly hypnotic for some.
While oil pulling is new to practically everyone in western culture, it can be traced back to ancient times where it originated in India. People swear by the practice and claim that it helps to do everything from whiten their teeth to clean toxins out their blood.
Other benefits that have been touted are that it helps prevent cancer, makes skin glow, kills bacteria responsible for bad breath, inhibits tooth decay, helps fight exhaustion, keeps colds at bay, helps strengthen gums, decreases instances of mouth sores and ulcers, re-mineralizes teeth, and more.
While almost all of these benefits are self reported and need more studies to either prove or disprove them, there is some scientific evidence backing claims it’s good for oral health. One recent study found oil pulling to be effective at decreasing plaque formation and plaque-induced gum disease.
The study measured patient’s plaque and gum disease levels at several stages, and after just 7 days of pulling they were all significantly reduced, and continued to decrease further over the course of the study. Furthermore, coconut oil has proven antimicrobial effects and has anti inflammatory properties as well.
Here is all you need to know about how to do it yourself at home. First, pick out a good, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. Place 1-2 teaspoons into your mouth. It will feel odd and lumpy at first, but soon it melts into liquid, and that’s when you can begin to swish it all around your mouth.
You need to swish for at least 5 minutes, but many people go for as long as 20. Try not to swallow any oil but if you do it won’t harm you, it’ll just taste kind of gross. When you’re done spit out the oil into a trash can or something of the like. Do not spit it into the sink!
After all, it’s oil and will re-solidify, and that means it’ll clog septic systems and pipes. Lastly, rinse out your mouth with warm water and finish up by brushing your teeth well. Oil pulling is not a replacement for flossing, brushing, and regular dental check ups. Rather, it is something that can be added to your oral care regimen.
Even if you’re skeptical about the whole thing, you can’t knock it until you try it. The practice has endured for centuries since Indians first swished coconut oil around in their mouths. Perhaps there is truth to its many beneficial effects, why else would so many different people be raving about the method and swearing by it?
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