Coconut oil
pulling has become more popular as a home remedy for dental health in
recent years. This dental hygiene technique, which comes from ancient Ayurvedic
practices, involves swishing coconut oil around in your mouth.
Let's explore what coconut oil pulling is, why it works, how to do it, and if you should include it in your daily routine for dental health.
What is Coconut Oil Pulling?
Pulling
coconut oil is a usual dental hygiene technique rooted in thousands of
years of Ayurvedic medicine.
Using coconut
oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes is similar to using mouthwash, but it is
free of harsh chemicals.
Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling
1. Reducing Harmful Bacteria
Lauric acid,
found in coconut oil, has antimicrobial qualities. By swishing coconut oil
around your mouth, you may be able to lessen the quantity of dangerous
bacteria, which could result in better oral health and breath.
2. Whitening Teeth
Pulling
coconut oil is said by some to help whiten teeth by removing stains, but there
is not much scientific proof to back up this claim.
3. Preventing Gum Disease
Coconut oil
pulling may help prevent gum disease and promote healthier gums
by lowering bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.
4. Moisturizing
For those who
have dry mouth or irritation in their throat, coconut oil can help hydrate
their mouth and throat.
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How to Do Coconut Oil Pulling?
1. Choose High-Quality Coconut Oil
Choose
unrefined, organic coconut oil because it has more of its healthy qualities.
2. Start with a Small Amount
As you get
used to the feeling, gradually increase the amount of coconut oil you use from
about one teaspoon at first.
3. Swish, Don't Swallow
Do not swallow
the coconut oil; instead, swish it around in your mouth and pull it between
your teeth.
After 15 to
20 minutes, dump the oil into the trash rather than the sink because it can
solidify and clog drains.
4. Rinse and Brush
After giving
your mouth a good rinse with water, brush your teeth as normal.
Does coconut oil pulling really work?
The
effectiveness of coconut oil pulling as a natural oral
hygiene technique is still up for debate among dentists, even though it
is growing in popularity.
It is not a
substitute for consistent brushing, flossing, and professional dental care,
even though it might have some advantages like lowering bad bacteria and
promoting fresher breath.
Coconut oil
pulling can be included in your oral care treatment in a variety of ways, but
it is necessary to speak with your dentist to make sure it works well with your
overall dental health plan.
Do dentists recommend oil pulling?
Dentists have
differing opinions about the benefits of oil pulling, including coconut oil
pulling.
Because there
lack of solid research to support oil pulling's success, some dentists are
doubtful despite the practice's potential benefits, which include lowering bad
bacteria and promoting fresher breath.
Oil pulling
should not be used as a replacement for usual oral hygiene procedures like
brushing, flossing, and routine dental examinations, as many dental
professionals stress.
Rather, they
see it as a supplement method that could offer some extra advantages to some
people.
In the end,
deciding whether to add oil pulling to one's oral hygiene regimen should be
decided after consulting with a dentist and taking note of the needs and
preferences of each patient.
Final Note
Using coconut oil pulling as a natural dental hygiene method may have advantages like less bad breath, healthier gums, and a decrease in harmful bacteria.
Many people find it to be a calming addition to their dental care routine, even though it might not be a miracle cure.
For the best dental health, whether you choose to try coconut oil pulling or not, you still need to follow proper oral hygiene procedures like routine brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
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