Is Coconut Oil Pulling Safe for Your Teeth?
While it may seem like the latest trend, oil pulling has been around for 3,000 years.
It was used in ancient Indian medicine for essentially everything. It was believed that oil pulling could treat numerous diseases and illnesses, freshen your mouth, and much more.
But that doesn’t necessarily determine if oil pulling is safe, especially for your teeth.
Luckily, you’ll learn all the facts and uncover myths about oil pulling in this blog.
What is coconut oil pulling?
Oil pulling involves swishing around oil in your mouth, similar to mouthwash. The primary objective is to remove harmful bacteria from your teeth that cause plaque.
For oil choice, many people choose coconut oil due to its favorable taste and additional benefits.
Unlike other oils, coconut oil is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It also contains lauric acid, which is effective at killing bacteria related to tooth decay.
How to coconut oil pull:
- Put one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
- Sit upright and swish coconut oil around for 15-20 minutes.
- Spit out coconut oil in the trash – not down the sink, or it may harden and clog.
So far, so good! But the danger of coconut oil pulling happens when you’re not educated on the myths vs. the facts.
Tooth be told…
Myths about coconut oil pulling
First off:
You should note that everything you’ve read about oil pulling is either a myth or based on short-term studies… This text opens a new tab to the Ask the Dentist website….
There have not been any long-term studies on the benefits of oil pulling. With that said, we advise you always consult your preferred dental provider on your best oral health routine.
Now, the bad news first…
1. Coconut oil pulling does NOT whiten your teeth.
As much as we love a shiny, white smile, no studies prove this claim.
This myth is likely based on people believing their teeth are whiter after oil pulling removed stains from bacteria. If you want to whiten your teeth, consult your dentist on your best teeth whitening options.
2. It’s not medicine.
In ancient times it was believed oil pulling could cure 30 conditions. And now, some oil pulling fans claim it can improve diabetes, migraines, arthritis, and more.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to prove this.
3. It’s rated PG-13.
What we mean by that is, coconut oil pulling is NOT safe for babies and children. If choked on or swallowed, the oil fat can make its way into your lungs and, in rare cases, cause lipoid pneumonia… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website….
4. You still have to floss and brush!
There’s simply no alternative for brushing and flossing your teeth.
But coconut oil pulling does offer some benefits (more to come).
So instead, think of coconut oil pulling as an added piece to your oral health routine, NOT a replacement.
Facts about coconut oil pulling
Now, the good news…
Coconut oil pulling hasn’t been around 3,000 years for no reason. Here are the beneficial facts about coconut oil pulling:
1. Coconut oil pulling can remove harmful bacteria.
When coconut oil is swished around your mouth, it adheres to harmful bacteria and removes it from your tooth. These harmful bacteria can often lead to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and worse.
Coconut oil pulling also leaves behind good bacteria, ensuring optimal oral health.
One study… This text opens a new tab to the National Institute of Health website… found that coconut oil pulling could be used as a safe and effective alternative to Chlorhexidine, the main ingredient in mouthwash.
2. Coconut oil pulling can help prevent gum disease.
Likewise, gingivitis-causing bacteria can be removed with coconut oil pulling. This bacteria can turn into plaque, which can lead to gingivitis and other diseases.
Coconut oil also serves as an anti-inflammatory, which is one of the main symptoms of gingivitis.
However:
Coconut oil pulling, flossing, and brushing won’t protect you alone.
You still need to visit your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup.
Gingivitis is very serious, and it can turn into periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. If you notice symptoms of gingivitis, notify your dentist right away.
3. Coconut oil pulling can eliminate bad breath.
Properly known as halitosis… This text opens a new tab to the WebMD website…, bad breath is caused by the smell of chemicals and gases produced by bacteria in your mouth. As mentioned above, coconut oil pulling can remove bacteria from your mouth, which can reduce your chance of bad breath.
If you’ve been trying to mask your bad breath with mouthwash, think again.
Mouthwash tends to kill all bacteria – good and bad – and dry out your mouth, whereas coconut oil removes bad bacteria and keeps good bacteria, and supports your saliva in keeping your mouth fresh.
So, is coconut oil pulling safe for your teeth?
Now, you can separate the myths from the facts.
Here’s our answer if coconut oil pulling is safe for your teeth or not:
Based on the research today… This text opens a new tab to the Ask the Dentist website…… This text opens a new tab to the Ask the Dentist website…, coconut oil pulling can be used as a safe addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Just like how flossing and brushing are not the same thing but work toward the same goal, coconut oil pulling has its unique benefits that can help you achieve optimal oral health in conjunction with flossing, brushing, and regular professional cleanings and checkups with your dentist.
To find out if coconut oil pulling will benefit you, visit your preferred dental provider today.
Dr. Greg Pyle has the experience and skills to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. His one-on-one patient-focused approach allows him to recommend the best treatment for you.
Or:
- Call us at 765-288-6121
- Learn more about our dental services
Our dental office, University Avenue Dental, is located in Muncie, IN… This text opens a new tab to the Google Maps website…, and serves the surrounding communities of Anderson, Yorktown, Selma, Middletown Park, and New Castle.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on April 1, 2019, and has been completely revamped for comprehensiveness and timeliness. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Re-posted with permission: source.
