Yes, you should rinse your mouth with water after swishing with coconut oil, a practice known as oil pulling [1].
Post-Pull Care: After spitting out the oil, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. You can even use salt water for its additional antimicrobial properties. Follow up with your regular brushing and flossing routine to remove any remaining oil and bacteria.
Oil pulling is meant to remove bacteria and stimulate saliva production, among other benefits. As described in an article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, oil pulling generally involves swishing a tablespoon full of oil around your mouth first thing in the morning.
You swish a spoonful of coconut oil around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes, and in the process, the oil pulls"out bacteria, toxins, and debris. There are good and bad bacteria in your mouth. Bad bacteria produce plaque, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
The downside of using coconut oil in the hair is that, well, it's oily—so strands might be getting much-needed moisture, but they could feel weighed down in the process. The trick is to not use it too often and to thoroughly rinse it out after you've applied and let it work its magic.
To maximize results, try to oil pull at least a few times per week or up to three times per day. When you first start, you can swish for about five minutes and gradually increase the duration until you are at 20 minutes. Keep in mind that oil pulling doesn't replace traditional oral care.
The problem with coconut oil is that up to 90% of its fat content is saturated fat. That's the type of fat that raises LDL or “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol collects in your blood vessels and raises your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
"There are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being,” according to the American Dental Association.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids that have antimicrobial properties. Swishing the oil around your mouth helps kill harmful bacteria that cause plaque, tooth decay, and gum inflammation. Studies show that pulling coconut oil reduces plaque and gingivitis.
Many patients prefer coconut oil over other oil options, as it does have proven natural antimicrobial properties. Before brushing your teeth, simply put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15 to 20 minutes a day. However, it's important to note that you cannot swallow the oil!
No immediate dangers of pulling coconut oil or similar oils are currently known. “Some patients complain about ongoing tingling,” says Dr. Wolff, “or they don't like the taste, and brush immediately after to clean their mouths.” While some people may be allergic to components of the oils used, not many are.
Coconut oil has become a popular trend in oral care, particularly for its potential use in whitening teeth. However, research shows that it isn't effective as a whitening agent. Whitening products with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are more reliable options for brightening your smile.
How long does it take to see results? You may notice fresher breath within 1–3 days of oil pulling, but it may take 1–3 weeks to see improved dental plaque and other oral health indicators.
Some people who try oil pulling also make the mistake of using an oil they are allergic to. Be careful, while you can use sunflower, sesame, or coconut oil, check the full ingredient list and be sure you aren't allergic to any of the contents. Also, be sure you do not ingest the oil during or after swishing.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Swish it for 2-3 minutes, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with water and brush with toothpaste for 2 minutes to conclude your morning routine. Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
The Technique Unveiled
Begin by taking a tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil—preferably organic and unrefined—into your mouth. Swish it around vigorously for about 15-20 minutes, making sure to move the oil through your teeth and around your gums.
If you were to ask any periodontist if gums can grow back after receding, they would tell you no, they cannot. As nice as it would be to have these soft tissues move back into their original position after treatment, the harsh reality is that they will not.
Clove oil – Contains eugenol, which can numb tooth pain and reduce inflammation. It's great for short-term relief but not a cure. Oil pulling – Can improve oral hygiene and reduce plaque, but can't reverse a cavity.
5 Ways to Help Reverse Early Cavities
After oil pulling, spit the oil into a trash can to avoid clogging drains, rinse with warm water, and follow with your regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing to maintain excellent oral health.
Benefits of Brushing with Coconut Oil Everyday
Antimicrobial Action: Regular use of coconut oil can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Cardiologists advise avoiding coconut oil because it's extremely high in saturated fat (around 90%), which significantly raises LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, despite claims of potential HDL ("good") cholesterol benefits. While some fats in coconut oil might act differently, the overall effect is negative for heart health, making healthier unsaturated fats from oils like olive, canola, or avocado much better choices for cholesterol and cardiovascular health, say experts from institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and the Australian Heart Foundation.
The big debate on whether or not coconut oil is beneficial to our health arises from the ratio of medium-chain fatty acids to long-chain fatty acids. This is because MCFAs raise both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.