Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil - Benefits and How Does It Work

Oil pulling with coconut oil has taken the internet by a storm and for all the good reasons. From celebs to influencers, everyone has been talking about oil pulling and its numerous benefits. While it is a highly recognized trend right now, did you know that oil pulling with coconut oil goes back centuries? It finds its mention in ancient Indian texts and is a common practice in many cultures. 

Today we will look into what is oil pulling and why do oil pulling using coconut oil! Let’s understand if it is just another trend or if there are some health benefits to it. 

What Is Oil Pulling? 

Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique of using a cold pressed oil to massage and rinse mouth. Unlike the chemical based mouth wash, oil pulling relies on natural and botanical oils like coconut oil or sesame oil for cleansing the mouth. It is usually done twice a day after brushing. 

How Does Oil Pulling Work?

Natural oils like coconut oil, are not just moisturizing but healing and protective too. When you do oil pulling, you gently end up massaging your gums, teeth, tongue and other areas of mouth. This creates a shield in the mouth and prevents corrosion of teeth. Moreover, it also creates a shield on the tongue and prevents the development of harmful bacteria. 

Why Choose Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling?

Coconut oil is one of the most anti-bacterial, sensitivity safe and cooling carrier oils. Along with moisturizing, coconut oil also prevents the development of unhealthy micro-organisms inside the mouth. This makes coconut oil an excellent choice for oil pulling. 

Complete Benefits of Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil 

From maintaining overall oral hygiene to preventing mouth ulcers, oil pulling with coconut oil is a shortcut to oral care. Let’s look at what makes coconut oil a popular choice for oil pulling. 

Prevents Bad Breath 

Coconut oil’s natural anti-bacterial properties keep oral hygeine on point. It keeps germs and microorganisms away. This means your mouth is clean and doesn’t smell bad (unless you just had raw onion, just kidding)

Keeps Digestion On Point

Our mouth is a window to our digestive system. Bad breath and oral concerns could point towards a weak digestive system. Similarly, controlling oral concerns and maintaining good oral hygiene can impact the digestive system on point. 

Naturally Helps Keep the Gut and Body Cool

Coconut oil is believed to have cooling properties. Using coconut oil for oil pulling helps reduce acidity in the stomach as it brings down the overall temperature of the body. Oil pulling with coconut oil reduces excess heat from the body. 

Might Reduce Mouth Ulcers

Ulcers are often a result of dehydration or excess toxins in the body. They create an inflammation in the mouth that can often be painful. Oil pulling with coconut oil pulls out the toxins from the system and soothes the inflammation. It is a simple yet effective natural remedy for reducing mouth ulcers. 

Maintains Strong Teeth

Regular brushing and salty food can strip the teeth of their outer layer and make them prone to corrosion. Oil pulling with coconut oil creates a protective layer on teeth and prevents this corrosion. Regularly using coconut oil for oil pulling leads to stronger and visibly whiter teeth.

How To Do Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil - Best Practices and Process Breakdown

• Start with selecting a food-grade coconut oil. 
• Brush your teeth as usual. 
• Take 5-20 ml of coconut oil in a spoon and put it in your mouth. 
• Circle it around your entire mouth but don’t gargle with it. 
• Keep doing this for 5-10 mins. You can later move on to 15 mins. 
• Spit it out. No need to rinse the mouth. 
• You can also gently use your fingers to massage the teeth. 
• Start oil pulling once a day and move on to doing it twice a day. 

Oil Pulling Before And After

A dry and smelly mouth transforms into a smooth, moisturized and clean environment. After a few months of oil pulling, the teeth and gums start to get stronger and cleaner. It enhances overall hygiene of the mouth and makes oral care a therapeutic experience you might want to look forward to. 

Choosing The Right Oil - What Type Of Coconut Oil For Oil Pulling Works Best?

It is important to select the right kind of coconut oil to achieve the desired results with oil pulling. Go for food grade cold pressed and virgin coconut oil. It is even better if you can find an organic variant. Do not use bleached, refined or deodorized coconut oil as it can have residual processing chemicals. 

Concluding Thoughts

Oil pulling with coconut oil is an ancient technique to maintain oral hygiene and overall wellness. It is a simple process which involves swishing or circling coconut oil in mouth for 5-10 mins everyday.

Oil pulling with coconut oil helps reduce ulcers, bad breath and makes teeth strong. Interestingly, it also ensures a smooth and strong digestive system. This easy 5 mins technique can easily be followed with a daily brushing regime and doesn’t require fancy instruments or hours. Make sure to choose a food grade cold pressed coconut oil for oil pulling and stay away from bleached or deodorized oils! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil do you use for oil pulling?

Oil pulling can be done using a variety of food grade carrier oils like avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, walnut oil etc. However, coconut oil is one of the best oils for oil pulling, especially in summers. 

What kind of coconut oil for teeth?

Always use food grade cold pressed coconut oil for teeth and stay away from options that have any other preservatives or chemicals added to them. 

How much coconut oil for oil pulling?

Start with using 5-10 ml of coconut oil for oil pulling. You can slowly increase it to 20 ml after a few weeks as your body gets used to oil pulling.