Oil pulling has been used for centuries around the world and it has become more popular in recent years. These days, a lot of health enthusiasts use oil pulling for the purpose of maintaining fresh breath, keeping teeth white and enhancing their overall health. There are a variety of health benefits associated with oil pulling. While it’s possible to use different types of oil, the most common type is coconut oil for good reason. The information below sheds light on the use of oil pulling, such as how it works and why it’s beneficial to your health.
About Oil Pulling
If you use mouthwash, then you will have no problems with the oil pulling technique. Why? Because it’s essentially the same method. Just like swishing mouthwash, you basically swish oil around your mouth the same way for oil pulling. The process usually requires about a tablespoon of oil that’s swirled around your mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes. By doing this on a daily basis for two weeks, you can improve your oral health. Coconut oil has the ability to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause health issues.
Bacteria in the mouth can lead to plaque after a period of time. In fact, an excessive amount of plaque can result in bad breath, gingivitis, cavities and inflammation of the gums. Through oil pulling, you can lower your chances of experiencing any of these issues because the oil washes away harmful bacteria. It’s worth noting that the oil must be ejected from your mouth after the pulling process. While it’s possible to use other types of oil, many people prefer coconut oil because it tastes good and also because it contains lauric acid. This is a substance that has antimicrobial properties.
Eliminating Harmful Bacteria
Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria found in the mouth that’s known for being harmful. It’s also known to be one of the main types of bacteria that causes plaque. Through oil pulling, streptococcus mutans bacteria can be nearly eliminated, which means you’re less likely to develop plaque. This is beneficial because the removal of plaque reduces your chances of tooth decay and other dental issues.
Getting Rid of Gingivitis
Gingivitis, which is basically inflammation of the gums, often arises when bacteria attacks the immune system. Much like using mouthwash, oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce gingivitis and contribute positively to your overall oral health.
Reducing Bad Breath
Bad breath can be an issue that’s difficult to resolve, especially if the root of the problem is halitosis. This is a condition that results in the production of gases and chemicals that result in a foul oder in the mouth. Oil pulling is effective at reducing halitosis and other odors in the mouth. In fact, just like mouthwash it releases particles in between teeth and reduces odor caused by bacteria. This is yet another reason why oil pulling has become so popular, especially among individuals that prefer a natural way of dealing with bad breath.
Oil Pulling Misconceptions
There are some beliefs concerning oil pulling that have not been confirmed. For instance, some believe that it whitens teeth, but there have not been enough studies to confirm this idea. It’s worth noting that there is anecdotal evidence. There’s also the belief that oil pulling can eliminate toxins, but this has not been confirmed.
Oil pulling is effective and there are no disadvantages associated with using it. It’s the reason why the use of coconut oil as part of your dental health routine is worthy of consideration.