I don’t know if you’ve heard of this thing called “oil pulling” or not, but I thought it was pretty weird when I first heard about it. And you all know what that means: if it’s weird, I’ll give it a try. Oil pulling with coconut oil to reduce plaque, gingivitis, bad breathe, cavities, and even to whiten teeth naturally has apparently been used for thousands of years as an old folk remedy.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is kind of an odd phrase. It basically just means that you’re swishing oil around in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. You know…kinda like a mouthwash. Who the heck decided to make us all confused by calling it “oil pulling”?
Anyway… The idea is that it pulls germs and toxins from your mouth into the oil, and then you spit it all out when you’re done.
How does oil pulling with coconut oil whiten teeth naturally?
It has something to do with how it removes the bacteria and biofilm that is left on the teeth by germs. Coconut oil is also antimicrobial and actually kills bacteria in the process. That’s pretty cool. Coconut oil is pretty much my favorite of all the oils because it is so versatile in its uses. And for it to be antimicrobial to boot, that just means it’s always at the top of my shopping list.
How to whiten teeth naturally with coconut oil:
- Put about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish it around for 15-20 minutes.
- Do your best to push and pull the oil through your teeth.
- Spit it out and then brush your teeth like you normally do.
Doing this consistently has definitely given me results. My teeth are smoother and shinier. Plus the coconut oil is pretty cool at eliminating bacteria from the mouth = no more bad breath. SWEET!
Benefits of using coconut oil:
- Reduces plaque and biofilm
- Eliminates bad breathe
- Kills harmful bacteria
- Reduces gingivitis
- Smoother, shinier teeth
Best deals on coconut oil:
I buy my coconut oil from either Amazon, Costco, or Trader Joe’s. They all seem to have the best deals on organic coconut oil.
So what do you think? Do you use coconut oil and do “oil pulling,” aka using it as a mouthwash (for all us normal people that like easy words)?
I have heard that the best time to do this is first thing in the morning. However, my schedule is such that I don’t have 20 extra minutes in the morning without waking up crazy early. Would I still reap similar benefits if I did this in the evening before brushing my teeth?
I definitely think you will still benefit 🙂
Should this be done every day or every other day or weekly?
Hello!
How long before you noticed results? I’m preggo and getting married at the end of the month so I need a natural remedy that works relatively quickly!
Thanks!
It supposedly starts working within days.
I started doing the oil pulling with coconut oil and I notice a difference in my gum health, the amount of plaque on my teeth as well as stains within a week. In fact a friend asked me if I had been whitening my teeth. This is a ritual I plan to continue for the rest of my life. If you haven’t tried it, give it a week. In the mornings while I am getting ready for work, I do the oil pulling and then I brush my teeth and eat my breakfast. If you are pressed for time in the mornings, that is the easiest way to do it. My teeth feel so smooth, my gums feel great and the stains are lifting. I cannot recommend this enough.
Awesome feedback Rebecca! Thanks!
How much do you use?? Thanks.
I use about a teaspoon Juli! 🙂
Thank you, Crystal
I see a spoonful of coconut oil. Do you melt it before you put it in your mouth?
Sorry, I’m a little confused. Thanks.
How do u “swish” for 15-20 minutes? Did u mean 15-20 seconds? That I could do.
Yep, totally meant 15-20 minutes. 🙂
I see a solid spoonful of coconut oil. Do you melt it before you put it in your mouth? I’m a little confused.
Do you melt the oil
I want to note that you want to spit it out in a bag and not in your sink. It can clog up your pipes pretty badly.
Oooh, good tip! Thanks 🙂
do you melt the oil? or do u use it in its firm form?
I have the same question as Calla … should the oil be in liquid form or does the warmth of your breath melt the oil?
The warmth melts it. 🙂
I should have read further down before I ask my question 🙂
eue. euue, how do you deal with the greasy taste. yukkie?
Eh, coconut oil isn’t really greasy. I mean, it’s not like you’re swishing around bacon grease. Have you ever tasted coconut oil? It’s really not bad.
I will definitely try this! Thank you 😀
can kids also do this I have 4 kids ages 7 ,8,14,18 they also want to this.
I believe so. 🙂
Today was my very first time going this… im not going to lie i thought i was going to throw up a few time at first.. after about 3-5 minutes i thought i was going to throw up. I didn’t, thankfully.. Im still just swishing away.. I found the most difficult part to CONSTANTLY keep squishing for 20 minutes. my ADD (i swear i have it) and i start doing something else and forget to swish ahha. but after a minute or so i pick right back up
I Heard for a friend Of mine that You can use coconut oil for loosing weight too .
2 tea spoon with hot no fat milk during the morning and the same thing at night .
She has loose like 3 kilograms .
It’s working in lost 3 kg in 2 weeks and it’s during wonders for my skin as well tray it best regards Flemming
i have almost cavity in most of my teeths.and also some holes in many teeths.how can i get rid of its.can oil pulling help me?please reply
Should i use on brushed or non brushed teeth?
I tried the oil pulling but I have gag reflex and I was not able to do it.
Will this work on dental implants? I have 2 on the front and they are embarrassingly different colors than my natural teeth