How to Oil Pull to help whiten teeth and improve oral health! This one health practice has a dozen health benefits. Here’s how you do it the right way.
This age-old remedy involves using natural substances, like oil, to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It can help to whiten teeth naturally, among many other benefits, and using certain oils can assist in keeping harmful bacteria in the mouth at bay.
Oil pulling simply involves swishing oil – often coconut or sesame – around the mouth for up to 20 minutes to improve oral health. Just like the Oil Cleansing Method, the oil helps to draw out and remove toxins without affecting the teeth or gums.
While there is definitely more research needed to determine any scientific backing to oil pulling, I’ve personally noticed the benefits. In my research I’ve found many testimonials online from people who’ve experienced benefits, too, such as whiter teeth, improved skin conditions, a reduction in headaches, improvements in arthritis, hormonal imbalances, asthma, liver problems, infections, and more.
I’ve been doing oil pulling for a few months now, and the benefits I’ve noticed from my personal experience have been improved oral health; less plaque and whiter teeth with less sensitivity.
At the very least, oil pulling can be quite beneficial and has no downside as long as a high quality oil is used; it should be a food-grade quality that is edible. It must also be done correctly. I’ll share the method below.
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The Correct Method for Oil Pulling
The concept is incredibly simple.
It involves swishing up to one tablespoon of oil (coconut or sesame) around the mouth for 20 minutes, then spitting it out (do not swallow it!) and rinsing the well afterwards. It’s recommended that the best time to oil pull is in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. However, it can be done before each meal if needed for more severe infections or dental problems.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp organic unrefined coconut oil
How to Oil Pull (Step-by-step)
- Put one tablespoon of the oil into your mouth. Organic sesame oil is traditionally used in oil pulling, and is also the most studied for use in oil pulling, but organic coconut oil works too.
- Swish the oil around the mouth, moving it around both sides, and in front of, behind, and through the teeth, swishing for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows enough time to break through plaque and remove bacteria, but not long enough that the body starts to re-absorb the toxins.
- The oil will start to double in volume during this time as saliva builds up in the mouth. At first, it can be difficult to make it the full 20 minutes, so start out by swishing for around 5 to 10 minutes and just build up from there.
- Spit the oil into the garden, especially if you have a septic system. The oil may harden and thicken over time, which can clog the pipes. Do not swallow the oil as it’s full of bacteria and toxins.
- Rinse the mouth well with warm water. I swish water around my mouth a few times to remove any remaining oil.
- To finish, brush the teeth well. I follow-up by brushing my teeth with a remineralising toothpaste or tooth powder to remove any remaining oil residue.
- An alternative is to make these oil pulling tablets. Simply freeze some unrefined organic coconut oil in little cough drop moulds, and place one in the mouth to use to oil pull.
If allergic to coconut oil or coconut products, avoid using coconut oil in this way. Sesame oil is a great alternative, just make sure that it is organic.
Avoid using any high Omega-6 or chemically created oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, etc.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Have you tried oil pulling before? What was your experience? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
