Oil pulling is the process of rinsing the mouth with coconut oil or sesame oil. The practice dates back to ancient times and is said to remove toxins from the mouth, whiten teeth and help with congestion. It has recently become popular again with many celebrities and many other people who are health conscience are trying it as well.
“It is an age old method of oral cleaning and is one of the most powerful, effective methods of detoxification and healing in natural medicine. The process ‘pulls’ bad bacteria and their toxins out from nooks and crannies in the mouth,” explains cosmetic dentist Dr. Jessica Emery, owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft in Chicago.
The process of oil pulling is simple and can be safely added to your daily dental hygiene routine. Dentists recommend rinsing with salt water and then brushing teeth thoroughly before rinsing with the oil. Use a teaspoon of coconut oil or sesame oil and rinse it in your mouth for anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes.
When you have finished rinsing with the oil, make sure you spit it out and do not swallow it. The oil will be pulling the bacteria and toxins from your teeth and gums so if you swallow the oil, you will just be putting those toxins back in your body.
Dentists who believe in oil pulling say that the bacteria and toxins that start in the mouth are spread through the body and cause a variety of health problems and illnesses. By removing these toxins and bacteria, the body will be able to heal itself and a person may find that they feel better in general, are sick less often and have more energy.
The taste of coconut oil is not unpleasant and many people see an improvement in the way their teeth and mouth feel and their overall health after just a few weeks of practicing oil pulling.
Have you or would you try oil pulling?