Oil pulling has been a hot topic for the past few months, and has graced headlines all over the Internet and in the news. Houston Cosmetic Dentist, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF explains that oil pulling is basically swishing with coconut oil for 20 minutes and then spitting it out. Researchers date this practice to be a 2500 year-old tradition of Indian Medicine. Scientifically, bacteria have a fat membrane that is attracted to the oil so they bind together and it pulls the bacteria off the teeth, hence the term “oil pulling.” When you begin swishing, the oil binds with the bacteria in your mouth, and after swishing you spit out the bacteria and toxins that have bound to the oil it detoxifies your mouth. Properties in coconut oil also provide a slippery surface to protect the teeth. Hopefully, the benefits are healthier gums, teeth, and fresher breath as it is said to be a good antimicrobial.
This has not yet been approved by the FDA or has any scientific research behind it, however, it has been suggested to use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and swish for 10-20 minutes and spit it out. Try it once a day per week. Let us know your comments and what you think!
If you have any questions regarding Houston Cosmetic Dentistry please feel free to contact our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF. 713-668-2289
