What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic oral therapy that has been around for 1000s of years. Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around in the mouth to help eliminate bacteria. Microorganisms inside the mouth are single-celled and covered in a fatty membrane that naturally clings to other fats, such as the oil. Studies have shown that oil pulling gets rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevents against gingivitis, cavities, gum disease, bleeding gums, helps whiten teeth and freshens breath. Good oral health can prevent other disease in the body as well.
Coconut oil is the preferred oil to use for oil pulling due to its added benefit of lauric acid, which is well known for its anti-microbial agents.
Each morning swish approximately 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth for 20 minutes (start with 5 if 20 is too long), do NOT gargle, do NOT swallow the oil but spit it all out when done, swish with warm water in the mouth (can add sea salt in water for a cleaner rinse) and then finish with your morning brushing and flossing for a clean and fresh feeling.