In another post I have shared with you how much I love Coconut Oil. I have been swishing with coconut oil, another term is called Oil Pulling with coconut oil, for a while. This oral swishing therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine (Indian folk remedy) and involves swishing oil in the mouth that has been used for thousands of years.

A friend told me about it, so I did a little investigating, as I do before I jump into using something that I am not familiar with. I found tons of testimonials online of people who had used this remedy with different types of oil and had success in better oral health. What I personally found out was that using coconut oil seemed to be better and taste better than olive oil. I definitely choose using coconut oil versus olive oil and coconut oil has the added benefit of lauric acid, which is well-known for its anti-microbial agents!

Some of the benefits I have found online are that it helps with gingivitis, plaque, microorganisms that cause bad breath and may help with tooth decay. I even read and seem whiter teeth from oil pulling with coconut oil!

How to Do Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

It is best to find an organic coconut oil. This is a very simple technique. It is simply swishing for 5 to 20 minutes with 1 to 2 tsps of coconut oil. There are some important facts you need to know though (see detailed instructions below). I have found it easiest to do first thing in the morning as I am showering and getting ready, this just works out as by the time I have showered and dressed, the time is almost up!

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of organic, pure, unrefined cold pressed coconut oil – If you are just starting you may want to start with 1 teaspoonful. When you scoop the coconut oil out, it will most likely be a solid, unless it has heated up to above melting (normally around 76 degrees). Put it in your mouth and it will become a liquid.

• Start swishing it, pulling it gently through the teeth and swirling around the entire mouth. It is suggested to swish for 20 minutes, however if you are just starting out, you will still benefit by swishing for 5 to 10 minutes (this will still offer some benefit) until you can build up to 20 minutes. Yes I know 20 minutes sounds like a long time, that’s why I do it while I am showering. The longer you swish the more bacteria is pulled.

• IMPORTANT: DO NOT SWALLOW (the oil now contains bacteria) and Spit it in the Trash Can – NOT the sink, as it can stop up your pipes and ruin a septic tank.

• Once you have spit the oil out rinse your mouth with warm water and follow with brushing and flossing your teeth. Oil pulling should never be substituted for brushing and flossing or normal routine visits to the dentist.

I have not had any reverse effects from oil pulling although I have read that some people have. This is a detox, just like doing a whole body detox and everyone’s body chemistry is different.

Here’s my disclaimer: As always, as a precaution, if you are concerned, ask your doctor or dentist.

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Also, if you have had success with oil pulling or would like to share something about it, please leave a comment below. We love to hear your stories!