It is one of the most popular and commonly used methods to whiten teeth at home. Olive oil has been known to have properties to reduce stains on the teeth. It is especially beneficial for people who have developed stains on their teeth because of excessive smoking and tea or coffee.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that olive oil can help prevent periodontitis and protect the gums. Some of the studies have also concluded that olive oil can help prevent dental caries and aids in overall oral health.
Extra virgin olive oil can be used to whiten teeth before or after you brush. The process of whitening your teeth with olive oil after you brush is fairly simple. You apply the olive oil to either your tooth brush or wash cloth, and it will fight chemicals and stains on your teeth that toothpaste may have missed.
Oil pulling is done every morning on an empty stomach. Place a tablespoon of edible oil (typically sesame or coconut) in your mouth and swish it vigorously through your teeth for about 3 to 20 minutes while keeping your mouth closed. After you're done, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water.
It is one of the most popular and commonly used methods to whiten teeth at home. Olive oil has been known to have properties to reduce stains on the teeth. It is especially beneficial for people who have developed stains on their teeth because of excessive smoking and tea or coffee.
A 2015 study involving 60 adolescents with gingivitis found that oil pulling with coconut oil resulted in a 50% decrease in dental plaque. The study participants also experienced a significant decrease in gingivitis symptoms. The researchers believe this was due to the reduction in dental plaque.
All you have to do is take about a tablespoon (just a teaspoon for children) of coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil and swish it around in your mouth, as if you are using mouthwash, for 20 minutes. The ideal time to oil pull is when you wake up in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Oil Pulling is an ancient Indian practice, in which oil is swished around in the mouth to kill bacteria and also improve oral health. The oil used for the purpose is either coconut oil, sesame oil or olive oil.
You can apply it directly to your toothbrush and brush as usual. It will actively neutralize the chemicals in your teeth and remove stains that the average toothpaste can't. Olive oil is highly viscous.
Extra virgin olive oil against bad breath
Another alternative use for extra virgin olive oil is to combat halitosis and bad breath.
Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries as a potent anti-inflammatory medicine, and when used in concentrated doses, has been shown to treat receding gums and even stimulate the growth of new tissue.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
The research on oil pulling
One study involved 60 participants aged 16 to 18 with gingivitis who practiced oil pulling every day alongside brushing and flossing. There was steady improvement after day seven, and a 50% decrease in plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis after four weeks.
You do not need to brush your teeth before oil pulling as the practice will remove food and bacteria from the mouth. However, it is important to brush afterwards to ensure that all of the toxins that are drawn out of the mouth are removed.
Most guides suggest brushing the teeth immediately afterward. Others say that it is better to wait a bit to promote the retention of good bacteria and the rebalancing of the oral microbiome. In any case, use a different toothbrush after oil pulling to the one used for daily teeth cleaning.
Should you do oil pulling before or after brushing? It is recommended to perform oil pulling before brushing your teeth and scraping your tongue. If you were to choose between oil pulling at night vs morning, it should always be done in the morning on an empty stomach.
Tartar may be removed at home with regular brushing and flossing or with a water flosser. Oil pulling — using coconut oil or olive oil — may also help remove tartar at home. These methods may be effective at removing tartar; however, a dentist can remove tartar in a more timely manner.