This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Published on November 11, 2019, coconut oil has been touted as a miracle worker in the beauty and health world. But did you know that gargling coconut oil can have a number of healing benefits?
Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts and has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare and haircare products. But when used as a mouthwash, it can do so much more.
Oil pulling, a technique that involves swishing coconut oil around your mouth for several minutes, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and improve oral health. The coconut oil 'pulls' bacteria from your mouth, reducing the risk of oral diseases and bad breath.
But that's not all. Oil pulling has also been shown to prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of tooth cavities. This is because brushing alone does not kill all the harmful bacteria in your mouth, and oil pulling helps to remove these bacteria before they can cause damage.
Additionally, oil pulling improves gum health by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that can cause gum disease. And by removing surface stains from your teeth, oil pulling can even make your teeth look whiter.
So how do you get started with oil pulling? Simply take a teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for 10-20 minutes, making sure not to swallow any of it. Then, spit it out and rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth as usual.
Remember, the best time to oil pull is first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything. This allows the coconut oil to effectively remove bacteria from your mouth before they can cause any harm.
- Start with a teaspoon of coconut oil and increase the quantity as you get more comfortable with oil pulling.
- Wait for the coconut oil to melt in your mouth, then swish it around your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
- Afterwards, spit it out in a dustbin and rinse your mouth with water.
- Brush your teeth as usual.
