What is oil pulling? This hot new trend in the natural health world is not actually new at all! Oil pulling is a type of Ayurvedic oral therapy in which you take one tablespoon of oil and swish it around in your mouth for about 20 minutes then spit it out. This is then preceded by tooth brushing (and never meant to actually replace your current dental hygiene regimen). Coconut oil is typically favored due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, but sesame oil and sunflower oil are also used in this practice.

There are many claims on the benefits of oil pulling. Here are just a few:

• Whitens teeth
• Improves the health of the gums
• Removes harmful bacteria
• Cleans and detoxifies teeth and gums
• Reduces cavities
• Improves breath
• Improves immune system
• Promotes clearer skin

There have been a number of studies that support some of these claims. Take a look here. Some claims go as far as suggesting that oil pulling can help with certain health issues, such as headaches, migraines, diabetes, and acne because it can limit the number of toxins that go into your bloodstream.

Whatever your philosophy is, there is no doubt that you can attain some benefit from general mouth rinsing. Even swishing water around the mouth will remove some food stuck in your teeth and minimize bacteria. And with all we know about coconut oil, there’s definitely nothing to lose in the age-old practice. Many people claim to witness a difference within 10 days of consistent oil pulling. Give it a try and let us know what you discover!