Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits for Oral Care and How to Guide

Here is a recent PubMed Abstract on Coconut Oil Pulling and it benefits:



Abstract

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Niger Med J. 2015 Mar-Apr;56(2):143-7. doi: 10.4103/0300-1652.153406.


Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report.

Peedikayil FC1, Sreenivasan P2, Narayanan A3.
Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Oil pulling or oil swishing therapy is a traditional procedure in which the practitioners rinse or swish oil in their mouth. It is supposed to cure oral and systemic diseases but the evidence is minimal. Oil pulling with sesame oil and sunflower oil was found to reduce plaque related gingivitis. Coconut oil is an easily available edible oil. It is unique because it contains predominantly medium chain fatty acids of which 45-50 percent is lauric acid. Lauric acid has proven anti inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. No studies have been done on the benefits of oil pulling using coconut oil to date. So a pilot study was planned to assess the effect of coconut oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of coconut oil pulling/oil swishing on plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis. A prospective interventional study was carried out. 60 age matched adolescent boys and girls in the age-group of 16-18 years with plaque induced gingivitis were included in the study and oil pulling was included in their oral hygiene routine. The study period was 30 days. Plaque and gingival indices of the subjects were assessed at baseline days 1,7,15 and 30. The data was analyzed using paired t test.


RESULTS:

A statistically significant decrease in the plaque and gingival indices was noticed from day 7 and the scores continued to decrease during the period of study.

CONCLUSION:

Oil pulling using coconut oil could be an effective adjuvant procedure in decreasing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis.

KEYWORDS:

Coconut oil; oil pulling; plaque induced gingivitis

PMID:
25838632


[PubMed]
PMCID:
PMC4382606

Free PMC Article

[link to www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

From Dr. Axe:

Essential oils carry some of the most potent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties on the planet, and they can easy, and safely enhance the oil pulling experience. Additionally, as essential oils absorb into your oral mucosa, your body will enjoy the antioxidant and medicinal powers inherent in these potent compounds.

Here are two of my favorite ways to use essential oils during my morning oil pulling routine:

For everyday use: add 3 drops of wild orange, lemon and peppermint with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
When battling an infection or sickness: Change it up a bit and mix clove oil, cinnamon oil, or tea tree oil as a homeopathic remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

1. What age is good for oil pulling?

Sure! Since the oil swished around in the mouth and spit out, then there should be no harm in oil pulling even at a young age. Try a smaller amount of oil though, say about 1/2-1 teaspoon. You would want to make sure they are able to comfortably and it should be an enjoyable experience, not a dreaded one. If they don’t like it, and they need healing for their teeth, then I would focus on adjusting their diet to heal cavities naturally.

2. Can I pull oil if I have fillings?

According to the Coconut Research Center (6),

“Oil pulling will not and cannot loosen properly placed crowns or fillings. The only time oil pulling will affect crowns or fillings is if the teeth underneath have decayed and are full of infection. In this case, the foundation on which the crowns or fillings are secured to is badly decayed and unable to hold the dental material. Oil pulling removes bacteria, pus, and mucus. It cannot pull out porcelain, amalgam, or composite dental materials from the teeth.”

The only reason that a filling will become loose is if you have a rot or infection in the tooth. Then you will want to address this issue to keep the infection from spreading to your body.

3. Why do I have to oil pull in the morning?

You don’t. The best time to oil pull is in the morning on an empty stomach, but you can certainly try other times during the day or before eating.

4. Why do I have to oil pull for so long?

When you oil pull, you are actually using up the oil in the process of swishing the oil. It will become watery and sometimes milky after about 15 minutes. If you pull with less oil you may notice it change texture sooner, but you want to make sure you have enough oil to really clean your mouth and teeth.

5. How long does it take to see a difference with my teeth and mouth?

Within one week, most people notice a cleaner mouth and change in their breath. Within a month, some people have experienced dental repair or healthier gums.
6. Are there oil pulling side effects or symptoms?

– Every person is different. For some people they may have a release of mucous in their throat or nose as the swishing can release your sinuses and cause drainage. This is harmless, but if it is uncomfortable to you, then you may want to blow your nose before oil pulling.

– Also some people experience jaw soreness. If this happens, try swishing more gently and don’t pull between your teeth as hard, or maybe cut back a few minutes down to 8-10 minutes, and then build back up once you get adjusted to this exercise.

– Occasionally, oil pulling can trigger the gag reflex in some people. If this happens, then try leaning your head forward just slightly and using a little bit less oil. Also warming the oil a little can make it thinner and less likely to cause any gagging.

[link to draxe.com]