Oil pulling is a natural folk remedy from India that involves swishing oil in the mouth. It has become increasingly popular in other regions for its purported health benefits.
Oil pulling with coconut oil is easy to fit into a regular oral health routine. Coconut oil is available at grocery stores and online, and people do not need any additional ingredients.
In this article, learn about what oil pulling is, how to do oil pulling with coconut oil, and about the possible benefits and risks.
Oil pulling is an oral health routine that involves swishing oil around in the mouth in a similar way to mouthwash, but for a much more extended period.
Coconut oil is a highly absorbable oil with several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria. It is also edible, so has few risks for oral use.
Most supporters of oil pulling recommend swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 15–20 minutes to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth.
Benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil may include:
Killing harmful bacteria in the mouth
The mouth contains hundreds of bacteria, some of which are harmful and may lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
According to a 2016 study on 60 participants, oil pulling can reduce the number of bacteria found in the saliva and can help support proper oral hygiene. The authors stated that coconut oil was a safe alternative to chlorhexidine, which is an ingredient in some mouthwashes.
Reducing bad breath. Bad breath is generally due to poor oral hygiene, tongue coating, infection, or gum disease as a result of bacteria buildup.
According to a 2011 study, oil pulling may be an effective natural alternative for bad breath and may work as well as traditional treatment with chlorhexidine.
Preventing cavities. Cavities stem from tooth decay as a result of bacteria buildup, poor oral hygiene, and consuming too much sugar.
Plaque can also cause cavities by forming a coating of bacteria, saliva, and food particles on the teeth that can damage the enamel.
According to 2016 research, oil pulling may decrease the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, possibly helping to prevent cavities. In addition to brushing and flossing, this can be another way to achieve optimal oral health.
Reducing inflammation and improving gum health. The bacteria in plaque may lead to gingivitis, which is a common gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and inflamed gums that bleed easily.
Research suggests that coconut oil can reduce inflammation. This may benefit oral health and inflammation in the mouth.
According to a small 2015 study, oil pulling with coconut oil reduced plaque and could help prevent plaque-induced gingivitis.
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