Coconut oil is the most popular and researched oil for oil pulling (swishing oil in your mouth) due to its lauric acid content, which helps fight plaque and gingivitis, but sesame oil is another common alternative, while tea tree oil and peppermint oil are used in diluted forms for their antibacterial properties, though always remember oils don't replace brushing and flossing.
Some of the most common oils used for oral care include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, and oregano oil.
Dentists do not recommend oil pulling since there is no scientific evidence or research proving its benefits. There are no valid studies that show it is practical or effective. There are plenty of proven and tested products on the market that are practical to use and effective in making your mouth healthier.
Timing is Everything
We recommend beginners swish for 3 minutes to start seeing the health benefits of oil pulling and gradually build up to a maximum of 20 minutes. After 20 minutes there is little to no increase in health benefits so you're better off spitting it out and coming back to it later in the day.
Clove oil has been used in dentistry for many years and has proven to be of great use as an antibacterial and antifungal. While a study performed to test the antimicrobial efficacy of different oils demonstrated that peppermint, tea tree, and thyme oils can act as intracanal antiseptic solutions against oral pathogens.
Essential oils, like coconut, clove, tea tree, and peppermint, can help improve oral health and may support whiter teeth over time by reducing plaque and bacteria. While not a replacement for professional treatments, essential oils offer a natural and gentler option.
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
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.
Tooth pain after oil pulling might be due to: Overly vigorous swishing. Pre-existing dental issues (sensitivity, cavities) Using cold or unrefined oil.
Olive Oil. 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. All you need to do is just put some olive oil on a washcloth and rub it on the stained teeth.
Another reason why dentists refuse to extract your tooth and convince you of the more expensive option is that when they pull your tooth out, the other teeth will shift. It would eventually harm your everyday functions, such as eating and smiling.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
Yes, olive oil may help improve sleep quality for some people. Its healthy fats can promote a sense of fullness, potentially preventing late-night snacking. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil may help relax the body, which could aid in falling asleep more easily.
Though some oil pulling advocates say it can be used instead of tooth brushing, many say it should be used together with regular dental hygiene practices. There is no evidence to support it as a substitute to tooth brushing.
Our teeth's natural color can be shaped by our genes. Some people naturally have thinner tooth enamel or a thicker dentin layer. This can make their teeth look yellow or discolored, even with good oral care. That's why some folks' teeth seem yellow, even with great brushing and flossing.
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
Not caring for your teeth well or thoroughly enough can cause symptoms that include: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) Tooth sensitivity. Gums that bleed after brushing.
One study, in 2015, found oil pulling caused lipoid pneumonia—the accumulation of oil in the lungs—in two patients. Admittedly, such cases are rare. Some dentists also worry that oil pulling may lead to accidental ingestion of harmful bacteria pulled from the mouth.
Here's how to clean the plaque from teeth:
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.
Still Water. Last but certainly not least water is the best drink for your teeth as well as for hydrating your body. Over the course of the day bacteria can build up in your mouth and drinking water can help your saliva replenish and do its job of bringing your mouth to a normal PH level.
Top 7 Foods That Strengthen Your Child's Teeth (And 5 to Avoid)
The 7 Most Damaging Foods for Our Teeth