Just like the pineapple juice for wisdom teeth trend on TikTok, oil pulling teeth are making rounds on social media.

People who follow lifestyle influencers may have heard about using coconut oil for oil pulling.

Although this technique has existed for thousands of years, many people are unsure if it is worth practicing.

So, today, we'll talk about oil pulling teeth, its benefits, coconut oil pulling dangers, and much more!

What is Oil Pulling?

Swishing oil in your mouth instead of mouthwash is known as oil pulling teeth.

Oil-pulling teeth helps lessen oral harmful germs, such as those that cause gum disease and cavities. Among its numerous advantages, scientific research indicates it also lessens gum irritation.

The ancient oil-pulling teeth entail swishing for a lengthy time, usually 5 to 20 minutes, particularly on an empty stomach.

But oil pulling for one to three minutes is sufficient to maintain a healthy mouth.

Even though oil-pulling teeth have existed for roughly 3,000 years,

Oil pulling was advised by traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

A review claims that oil pulling can treat thirty various ailments, many of which have nothing to do with the mouth, according to Ayurvedic practitioners.

What Contributes to the Popularity of Oil-Pulling Teeth?

Oil pulling is based on the theory that moving oil around in your mouth lessens the quantity of germs that are bad for your teeth, gums, and tongue.

It's crucial to note that there isn't any scientific evidence to support the idea that oil pulling improves dental health.

The reputation of this ancient technique is based more on personal experiences than on scientific or medical professionals' testing.

What is the Process of Oil Pulling Teeth?

Since the mouth is the primary point of entry for everything into the body, it is regarded as the window to overall health.

As everyone knows, your mouth is home to millions of bacteria that belong to various species. And, when you gulp water, a large number of these pass on to your stomach.

With oil pulling teeth, people intend to reduce the number of bacteria potentially making their way into our bodies.

Toxins and microorganisms are thereby removed from our mouths through oil pulling, reducing their potential to enter the body.

There are some basic guidelines for performing oil pulling teeth.

Since oil pulling serves to boost taste perception and drive appetite, it is best used in the morning, right after rising, and on an empty stomach.

If you brush after you pull, you'll actually get rid of the good bacteria you just worked to support. It may be correct to brush first, then swish.

4 Steps For Oil Pulling Teeth

One tablespoon of coconut oil should be poured into a cup to utilize coconut oil pulling.
For fifteen to twenty minutes, swish it around in your mouth.
You can spit it back out; do not consume it.
Before you eat or drink, rinse your mouth out with water.

Types of Oils Used in the Method

It is paramount to remember that the oil you use for oil pulling contains all of the bacteria and toxins you do not want in your body.

Therefore, don't mistakenly swallow the oil that you use for oil pulling teeth. Otherwise, you will be reintroducing it into your system.

The types you can use for oil pulling teeth are as follows:

Coconut oil
Sunflower seed oil
Olive oil
Sesame oil

Moreover, it is better to use the oils in cold pressed virgin form.

That said, let's move on to the coconut oil pulling dangers.

Use of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the most widely used oil for oil pulling teeth.

That may be because it is extremely easy to get your hands on it.

Other oils can also be utilized, but they can be harder to locate.

One example of an uncommon oil is sunflower oil. Actually, you can use extra virgin olive oil for the oil pulling, as well as almost any other type of oil.

Coconut Oil Pulling Dangers

Let's jump straight into the coconut oil pulling dangers list.

Choking: The first one from our list of coconut oil pulling dangers arises when you swallow the oil.

If you choke on the oil, it may enter your lungs and increase the chance of lipid pneumonia. Due to the dangers of coconut oil pulling, it is better to keep children away from using this technique.

Allergic Reactions: Another one from the coconut oil pulling dangers list is that it may trigger an allergic reaction.

Drinking the oil: As mentioned in the coconut oil pulling dangers above, swallowing can transfer the bacteria from your mouth to your gut, upsetting your stomach.

Many people may take oil pulling as a replacement to brushing and flossing. If someone starts to skip the regular dental cleaning routine, then it is definitely counted as one of the coconut oil pulling dangers.

Additional Coconut Oil Pulling Dangers

Oil pulling usually has no common harmful consequences on your health; here are a few additional coconut oil-pulling dangers.

For example, initially, you may experience some nausea if you put oil in your mouth.

The individual may also experience tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and headaches.

The more a person practices oil-pulling teeth, the less severe these coconut oil-pulling dangers usually are.

For instance, the strenuous motion of swishing the oil, which you are new to, may be the source of your painful jaw and headache.

Recent Suggestions on Oil Pulling Teeth by Professionals

Oil pulling is not recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) for dental health.

The American Dental Association stated in a policy statement that there isn't any reliable scientific proof that oil pulling will lessen plaque or your risk of cavities.

There has been some evidence that oil pulling may help prevent plaque buildup, but additional research is required as the evidence is weak.

Additionally, dental professionals advise against oil pulling because it may weaken your teeth's enamel, especially if you brush immediately after.

Although it may not harm them immediately, it increases their susceptibility to harm.

7 Benefits of Oil Pulling Teeth

After looking at the coconut oil pulling dangers, let's check out some of the benefits:

1.Lessen Bad Breath

Infections, oral hygiene neglect, and microorganisms that coat the tongue are common causes of bad breath.

Oil pulling may help prevent and lessen bad breath because germs left behind in the mouth can produce halitosis or bad breath.

Individuals with foul breath frequently try to eliminate the odor by brushing more thoroughly or using an antiseptic mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine.

Furthermore, a 2014 study involving 60 hostel students discovered that washing with chlorhexidine or oil pulling with sesame oil helped lessen the microorganisms that cause bad breath.

Want more ways to fix bad taste in your mouth? Read this blog on simple treatments to fix bad taste.

2.Diminish Gum Inflammation

Bacteria that reside in plaque can also cause gingivitis, a condition that causes your gums to swell and bleed.

By reducing the microorganisms that might cause gum disease, oil pulling teeth may help lessen the inflammation linked to gum disease.

In particular, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that may help reduce gum inflammation.

An earlier study using 20 male children with gingivitis discovered that frequent mouthwash or oil pulling with sesame oil reduced symptoms. Additionally, oil pulling assisted in lowering dental plaque and dangerous microorganisms.

3.Enhance Digestion

The process of digestion starts from the mouth, and good oral health can have a positive effect on it.

Oil-pulling teeth help promote healthy salivation and robust gums.

It also helps decrease bad bacteria and enhance healthy bacteria.

Research validates the link between digestive and dental health, but specialists are still figuring out how one system influences the other.

A 2022 study indicates the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and oral microbiota.

By maintaining oral health, the spread of the disease can be controlled.

4.Substitute for Mouthwash

Oil pulling is just as efficient as mouthwash in eliminating oral bacteria, making it a good substitute.

Additionally, some oils for oil-pulling teeth are widely accessible and cost-effective.

The difference is that a mouthwash takes a few seconds to work, whereas, for oil pulling, you need to keep squishing for a couple of minutes.

5.May Prevent Cavities

Too much sugar consumed, poor dental hygiene, and bacterial accumulation can all contribute to tooth decay, which results in cavities.

These holes in teeth can also be caused by plaque. Saliva, food particles, and bacteria combine to form plaque, a coating on teeth.

As the bacteria break down the food particles, an acid erodes tooth enamel and leads to tooth decay.

According to several studies, oil pulling can help lower oral bacterial counts and ward off tooth decay.

According to some research, oil pulling may be just as effective as mouthwash at reducing the amount of dangerous germs present in plaque and saliva.

By reducing these bacterial strains, oil pulling may be able to stop tooth decay and lower the chance of cavities developing.

6.May Help with Sinusitis

With the coconut oil pulling dangers, you have some great benefits as well.

Keeping good bacteria in the mouth makes sense, given the connection to the oral cavity and how it affects the surrounding tissues.

Some studies also claim that oil pulling with coconut oil improves oral tissue circulation, which may also transfer nutrients and lymph to the sinus tissue.

7.May Aid in Detoxification

To make you less scared of the coconut oil pulling dangers, here is one last benefit of it.

Furthermore, the bacteria in our mouths may be responsible for a number of grave health issues, including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and even difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth.

There are two simple and effective strategies to support the body's detoxification process: oil pulling and tongue scraping.

FAQs

Can I skip a dental visit if I frequently perform oil pulling?

Frequent oil-pulling sessions shouldn't replace routine dental checkups or conventional at-home dental care.

Which oil works best for oil pulling?

Virgin coconut oil fights fungi, viruses, and bacteria with its antibacterial qualities. Therefore, it is common for oil pulling teeth. Before using it, read the dangers of coconut oil pulling.

What is the right order of incorporating oil-pulling teeth in your routine?

After oil pulling, brushing your teeth helps remove any leftover oil or toxins. To preserve the enamel on your teeth, some dentists advise delaying brushing for at least thirty minutes.

Summary

Now you know the coconut oil pulling dangers, as well as the benefits.

Most studies on oil-pulling teeth are anecdotal and unsupported by scientific findings.

Plus, there is barely sufficient evidence that oil-pulling aids in the treatment or prevention of other non-oral health issues.

Hence, stick to brushing twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste and flossing as the best methods to keep your mouth healthy.

Also, go for regular dental visits to ensure that your oral health is good.

To examine your dental health today, contact us!

Is Oil Pulling Safe? Exploring Coconut Oil Pulling Dangers