Coconut oil pulling has gained widespread attention in the news and on fashion blogs in recent years. I have been using this Ayurvedic oral health practice off and on for years and have seen noticeable effects. It was one of the tools I used to remineralize my teeth and reverse cavities.
Although somewhat controversial, oil extraction has been around for thousands of years. The practice not only offers benefits for the health of our mouth, but by taking care of it, we also take care of our body. Oral health goes beyond the health of our teeth and gums. (Listen to this amazing podcast with a dentist.)
Adding coconut oil extraction to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth and body. It’s a tool that should be in your dental health toolbox!
What is oil extraction?
Oil pulling is an ancient remedy of Ayurvedic practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It involves taking a small amount of high-quality organic oil and rinsing it in your mouth (like a mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Various oils can be used for oil extraction, but they must be food grade (edible oil). And it should be something you would eat (very high quality). I prefer to use coconut oil for its numerous health benefits and antibacterial properties.
It could be called “oil hissing” as the word “pull” can be confusing. The term extraction refers to the idea that the oil extracts bacteria from the gums.
Benefits of coconut oil extraction
There are many benefits of oil listening. It is a great complement to an oral care routine of brushing and flossing. And it’s much better than using conventional mouthwashes, often full of toxic chemicals and alcohol. Using coconut as your oil of choice is a great way to benefit from this amazing oil.
When you swish oil, it adheres to the biofilm or plaque buildup on your teeth. This helps reduce cavities and strengthens gum health. This helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. It also eliminates harmful bacteria that can cause periodontitis, cavities and halitosis (bad breath).
Some sources claim that pulling coconut oil can help with everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease. But I have never seen any scientific documentation of these claims. However, it is well known that good oral health practices can benefit overall health. This includes reducing the risk of diabetes and heart attacks.
I wouldn’t rely on it alone to address any internal or serious medical issues, but I find it helpful in keeping my mouth healthy and preventing bad breath.
Does oil drilling work?
Oil pulling has been shown to reduce the amount of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, especially when done with coconut oil. Streptococcus mutans is an important bacteria in the mouth. It has been linked to cavities and gum disease.
There is also scientific evidence that it is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a common antiseptic used as a mouthwash. It is also a possible neurotoxin. I’d rather use coconut oil than that!
Does coconut oil extraction whiten teeth?
Although there is no scientific evidence to show that it is good for whitening teeth, I found that it worked for me. In my experience, using coconut oil for oil pulling helped me whiten my teeth. My teeth felt smoother and looked whiter after adding this practice. A 2017 study found that oil pulling helps remove plaque that makes enamel look yellow.
However, I won’t rely solely on this practice to whiten my teeth. I also use a few other practices, including brushing with whitening toothpaste and a toothpaste that contains charcoal (that really helps whiten!).
Dangers of extracting coconut oil
It is important to use oil listening as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not to replace normal oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a great addition to twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
There are no side effects of oil listening. However, some people report negative reactions to coconut. Anyone who has any topical or internal reaction to coconut in any form (especially an allergy to it) should not use it for oil pulling. In these cases, sesame oil would be a better alternative.
Some people have expressed concerns about oil listening with amalgam or mercury-based fillings. Holistic dentist Dr. Reese explains that oil pulling with mercury fillings is not only safe, but can also help remove toxic metals from nerve endings and the CNS.
If you accidentally swallow the oil, it could cause stomach pain. Make sure you spit it out into the trash can (more on how to extract oil below). Not swallowing helps your body from reabsorbing the bacteria you are trying to eliminate.
Because you probably didn’t swish for 15 to 20 minutes before, this may tire your mouth or jaw when you start. If that’s the case, start with 5 minutes and then work your way up to 15-20.
As with any oral product, it is important to consult with a dentist about any concerns before using it, especially if other dental conditions exist.
What type of oil can I use for oil extraction?
You can use a variety of oils for oil pulling, including sesame oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Traditional cultures often use sesame seed oil. I prefer to use coconut oil for several reasons. I love that it is antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. I love using it in my healthy homemade recipes, including my natural whitening toothpaste.
As mentioned above, it is effective in attacking the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid, making it effective in killing bacteria.
In my experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective at removing plaque and whitening teeth than sesame oil, although I don’t have any scientific studies to prove the difference.
Best coconut oil for oil pulling
Choose a high-quality, organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil for oil listening. That way, you will get the most benefit. Plus, I like that it has a milder flavor than other oils. This is my favorite to use.
At the suggestion of a friend, I also experimented with using MCT oil. MCT oil is a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coconut but still want some of its benefits. It is more expensive, but I like to use it.
Fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil, and MCT oil are basically the same thing. If you opt for one of these, make sure it is organic and food-grade. Fractionated coconut oil and MCT oil have had their lauric acid removed, so they do not offer the same health benefits as unrefined coconut oil.
How to use coconut oil for oil pulling
Oil extraction is easy to do! I like to do it as part of my morning routine. It’s usually one of the first things I do. Since it takes several minutes, I usually do it in the shower.
- Put 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth. I also add a few drops of Balanced Mouth Blend to my oil. This essential oil blend helps restore balance to the oral microbiome (here’s a great podcast on that!). And it helps freshen breath and reduce plaque. This combination is a great alternative to mouthwash!
- Shake for 15-20 minutes. The amount of time matters. You want to swish long enough to remove plaque and bacteria, but not too long that the body reabsorbs the toxins and bacteria you are trying to eliminate. The oil will become thicker and milkier as it mixes with saliva.
- Spitting oil into the trash can.. Especially if you have a septic system like mine…don’t spit in the sink! You don’t want to clog your sink. And don’t swallow the oil, as it is full of bacteria and plaque that are no longer in your mouth! It should be creamy white when you’re done.
- Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean your mouth better (in my opinion). I occasionally swish with salt water, which seems more effective (but also requires more work).
- Brush well. I brush with a homemade remineralizing toothpaste or charcoal whitening to remove any remaining bacteria.
Using oil listening adds another step to your oral hygiene routine. But it has many benefits and I have seen improvements from using it, so I would definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Try Chewables with Coconut Oil
Short on time in the mornings but want to try oil pulling? I’ve discovered a way to simplify it (and save time every day)! I make mini coconut oil chews that melt in your mouth. I add Balanced Mouth Blend essential oils and freeze them.
It’s an easy way to have pre-portioned bites ready to go. It makes it easier to get my kids to do it with me (plus it helps me stay on track with my dental care!). Simply pop one in your mouth and use it the same way.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil listening? How did you like it? Share it below!
