Oil pulling is an ancient practice. Believed to have originated in India as part of Ayurvedic medicine, and still widely used in many parts of the world today, swishing with coconut oil is said to have various oral health benefits, such as reducing plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. And tooth decay . It may also help whiten teeth and improve the overall appearance of the smile.
But why do we use coconut oil? What is the best way to do this? In this article, we'll explore the science behind coconut oil pulling, how to do it safely and effectively, and what to expect from this natural oral hygiene method.
Why coconut oil?
Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils used for oil extraction, and for good reasons. Coconut oil has several properties that make it ideal for oral health, such as:
1. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Lauric acid can kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the mouth and reduce inflammation and swelling of the gums.
2.It is easily absorbed by the oral mucosa, which means it can penetrate deeper into the tissues and reach areas that are difficult to brush and floss.
3. It has a good taste and smell, which makes it more enjoyable to use than other oils, and it does not leave greasy residue in the mouth or on the teeth.
How to gargle with coconut oil?
Swishing with coconut oil is a simple and inexpensive way to improve your oral health. All you need is a bowl of organic virgin coconut oil and a spoon, and here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose a time when you can do oil pulling without interruption, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
2. Scoop about a tablespoon of coconut oil and put it in your mouth. If the oil is solid, let it dissolve in your mouth for a few seconds before gargling.
3. Swish the oil around your mouth, pushing and pulling it between your teeth and around your gums. Do not gargle or swallow the oil, because it will contain the bacteria and toxins that you want to get rid of.
4.Continue rinsing the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, or as long as you can comfortably. The longer you rinse, the more benefits you may get, but don't overdo it or strain your jaw muscles.
5. Spit the oil into the trash or into a tissue, not into the sink or toilet, as it may clog the pipes. Rinse your mouth with warm water or salt water to remove any remaining oil and bacteria.
6. Brush your teeth as usual and enjoy a fresh and clean mouth
Benefits of rinsing with coconut oil
Swishing with coconut oil may have many oral health benefits, such as:
1. Killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. The mouth contains a variety of bacteria, some of which are beneficial and some are harmful. Harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. A 2016 study with 60 participants found that swishing with coconut oil can It reduces the number of bacteria in saliva and supports oral hygiene. Researchers say coconut oil is a safe alternative to chlorhexidine, an ingredient in some commercial mouthwashes.
2. Reducing bad breath. Bad breath, or bad breath, is usually caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially on the tongue and between the teeth. Oil pulling with coconut oil can help remove these bacteria and freshen the breath, a 2011 study found. Oil pulling may be an effective natural treatment for bad breath.
3. Prevent tooth decay. Cavities or tooth decay are holes in the teeth that result from bacterial erosion of the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the teeth. Swishing with coconut oil can help prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of plaque, which is a sticky layer of bacteria and Food particles that coat teeth and destroy enamel, according to a 2016 study, swiping with coconut oil can reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
4. Reduce inflammation and improve gum health. Bacteria in plaque can also cause gingivitis, a common gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into gingivitis, a serious condition that can lead to tooth decay. Weight loss and other health problems. Swishing with coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and improve gum health by removing plaque and stimulating blood circulation in the gums. A 2015 study and another 2020 study found that swishing with coconut oil can reduce plaque formation and help Prevent gingivitis caused by plaque.
5. Teeth whitening. Some people claim that swishing with coconut oil can whiten teeth by removing stains from the enamel surface. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. It may have a mild whitening effect by removing plaque and bacteria but is not a substitute for professional teeth whitening treatments.
Side effects of rinsing with coconut oil
Oil pulling with coconut oil is generally safe and well-tolerated but may have some risks and side effects, such as:
1.Allergic reactions. Some people may be allergic to coconut oil or its components, such as lauric acid. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing, stop oil pulling and seek medical care at Immediately.
2. Stomach upset. Swallowing oil after rinsing the mouth may lead to stomach upset or diarrhea, as the oil contains bacteria and toxins that you want to get rid of from your body. To avoid this, spit out the oil carefully and rinse your mouth well after rinsing the oil.
3. Tooth damage. Scrubbing with coconut oil is not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you neglect oral hygiene, you may continue to develop tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Oil pulling should be used as an adjunct to your oral care routine, not as a substitute.
How often should I rinse with coconut oil?
There is no set answer on how often you should swipe with coconut oil, however, here are some general guidelines:
1.To obtain maximum benefits, it is recommended to practice oil pulling 1-2 times daily for at least two weeks.
2.Since it acts as an antiseptic, it is best to do oil pulling on a daily basis, first thing in the morning before eating.
3.You may also want to consult your dentist before trying oil pulling with coconut oil, as they may have more specific oral health advice. Oil pulling with coconut oil is not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, but should be used. As an adjunct to your oral care routine, not as a substitute.
How long does it take to see results from oil pulling?
There is no definitive answer on how long it takes to see results from oil pulling, as different sources may have different recommendations. However, based on web search results, some general guidelines are:
1.To obtain maximum benefits, it is recommended to practice oil pulling 1-2 times daily for at least two weeks.
2.With daily oil pulling, your teeth may become noticeably whiter in less than a week.
finally
Oil pulling with coconut oil is a natural and inexpensive way to improve your oral health. It may help kill harmful bacteria, reduce bad breath, prevent cavities, reduce inflammation, and improve gum health. However, it is not a miracle cure for all dental problems, and it may have some risks and side effects. Therefore, it is important to use it with caution and moderation, and to consult a dentist before trying it. Coconut oil swishing can be a beneficial addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it should not replace regular brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist.
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