Coconut Oil Pulling For Oral Health – Does it Work?
What is Oil Pulling?
To put it quite simply, oil pulling is the procedure of swishing a oil around your mouth for several minutes at a time before spitting it out. Many believe that this is an effective way to whiten teeth and remove bacteria, but there is no real evidence to substantiate these claims.
“Currently, there are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being,”
– The American Dental Association
Oil pulling is an ancient remedy that originates from traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, but recent celebrity endorsements have resulted in an exponential rise of the practice in the modern, Western world.
Why Coconut Oil?
While sesame oil and sunflower are recognized to have bacterial fighting benefits, WebMD claims that coconut oil is reported to have the added benefit of Lauric acid, which is known for its antimicrobial agents.
How to Oil Pull
Oil pulling is done by swishing approximately one tablespoon of oil around your mouth, typically before eating breakfast. It is recommended to start with 5 minutes a day, before gradually increasing the amount of time for up to twenty minutes. Many believe that the longer the oil is swished, the more bacteria gets picked up and removed. It’s important not to spit the oil down the sink, as it can clog the pipes. Simply spit into a trash can.
What Oil Pulling Won’t Do
An oil pulling regimen will not reverse the effects of tooth decay, and there is no real scientific evidence to prove it will whiten your teeth, either. It’s important to note that oil pulling should not replace regular flossing, brushing or dental visits, and should only be practiced as a supplemental therapy.
“We sense oil pulling won’t do any harm, we’re not convinced there are any particular benefits to it.”
– Dr. Euan Swan, manager of dental programs at the Canadian Dental Association
If you want real results, you can count on the methods that have been tried and tested by the professionals. Oil pulling is no comparison for the cutting-edge technology and advanced dental equipment we use here at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, so contact us today to schedule an appointment!
