Oil Pulling

Oil pulling or oil swishing has become a popular home remedy. Oil pulling is a process where vegetable oil is swished or held in the mouth for a short period of time to help improve oral and systemic health. Oil pulling has been used in ancient Indian Ayurveda as daily prevention to help reduce dryness, inflammation, and burning sensation in the mouth.

By increasing the secretion of saliva, oil pulling uses the salivary glands to detoxify. The saliva can trap toxins within the oil particles and dislodge bacteria and undigested particles from the deep crevices within the mouth.

Coconut oil can help eliminate microbes, viruses, and bacteria and has a pleasant taste. Coconut oil that has been partially digested or enzyme modified by saliva is more effective at removing toxins than natural coconut oil. Oil pulling provides a surface layer that can help prevent plaque or bacteria from adhering to teeth which helps with fresh breath, whiter teeth, reduced inflammation and improved gum health.

You simply swish a couple teaspoons of coconut, sesame, sunflower, or olive oil in your mouth, “pulling” it between your teeth for about 20 minutes. Then spit the oil out into the garbage can, not the sink since coconut oil can clog the pipes if it solidifies. Avoid swallowing the oil because it may be loaded with bacteria, potential toxins, and debris it has pulled out. Once the oil turns thin and milky white, you'll know it's time to spit it out. After you spit out the oil, rinse your mouth with water or a combination of water and baking soda. Coconut oil mixed with baking soda is simple, inexpensive, and effective toothpaste to help fight tooth decay. Oil pulling should be done in the morning before breakfast, but it can be done at any time. It can be done before each meal if needed for more severe infections or dental problems.

Oil Pulling Tips

• Put 1-2 teaspoons of organic virgin coconut oil in mouth.

• Let oil liquefy in mouth.

• Swish for 20 minutes.

• Spit oil into the trash can not into the sink.

• Do not swallow the oil as it may contain bacteria and toxins.

• Rinse well with warm water.

• Brush well.

Swish long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not long enough to re-absorb toxins and bacteria. The oil gets thick and milky as it mixes with saliva and should be creamy-white when spit out.

- Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing and Wellness Support