It May Not Be as Beneficial as You Might Think
Everyone loves nice-looking teeth and no one wants gum disease that knows anything about it. Shortcuts are always being sought, and people will quickly flock to products or methods that sound like it will work to obtain these goals. Of course, new methods such as oil pulling are sought because you can do it at home and – let’s face it – dentists are not cheap!
The Coconut Oil Pulling Procedure
Coconut oil for teeth has been on the scene for a while now and using it for oil pulling is a continuing craze. People have been using this technique for centuries. It comes from an old Indian (Ayurvedic) folk remedy and it is claimed that it will pull out some of the toxins in your body, as well as destroy some of the bacteria in your mouth.
Oil pulling is a technique that involves putting a tablespoon of coconut oil (or sesame oil) in your mouth and then swishing it around for about 20 minutes. Because 20 minutes is usually too long to start with, go for just five minutes and then add a couple of minutes each time after that. After swishing it around, spit it out in the trash can because it will solidify in your pipes and can clog them. It has a melting point of 75 degrees F, which is about room temperature. Afterwards, you will want to rinse your mouth out two or three times with water, then brush your teeth.
The Claims of Oil Pulling
As you read over the claimed coconut oil pulling benefits, you will discover that there are many. They will vary from site to site, but you may find the following claims:
- It helps with teeth whitening
- It will reduce inflammation
- It is good for treating gum disease
- It helps prevent tooth decay
- It strengthens your gums and jaw.
The Reality of Oil Pulling
In spite of the many claims of oil pulling, often given by famous people, there really is not any proof that it works. The primary reason is that very little research has actually been done on it. This means that there is no proof that it will actually help prevent cavities, whiten your teeth, or detoxify your mouth or body.
Because there is no official proof of its ability to improve your oral health, the American Dental Association does not recommend it for this purpose. Of course, if you wish to try it for yourself, you are free to do so, but it is advised that you do not try and use it as a substitute for brushing and flossing.
The bacterium that is in your mouth is there to stay. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria, and there are some that are considered harmful. In most people – except for those who have a weak immune system, or those who smoke or drink a lot – the bacteria is normally kept in balance in a healthy mouth. It is also unlikely that you will exterminate the potentially harmful bacteria without also destroying some of the good ones.
The Best Way to Improve Oral Health
When you want to improve your dental health, you do not want to leave out the traditional methods of brushing and flossing. Since plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, you want to be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. The best practice is to spend a full two minutes each time you brush to ensure a good job. You also want to floss each day, too.
Brushing and flossing are necessary because it enables you to remove the food particles, bacteria, and the acid they produce from the surfaces of your teeth. Without flossing, these three ingredients are left between your teeth, and together they make a good recipe for sensitive teeth and cavities.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
There really is no substitute for going to a dentist on a regular basis. The main reason is to ensure that your teeth and smile continue to look as good as possible. When a dental problem gets started, that is the best time to let the dentist fix it. If you wait, it is only going to cost more.
Dentists spot problems early, and this is important particularly in the areas of gum disease and oral cancer. Both can be treated from the start, and this also enables the potential damage to be minimized.
While you may want to try oil pulling for your own purposes to see if it will help you in any way, remember to take care of your teeth the traditional way to ensure that they last a long time. Your dentist can also provide you with many tips to help your oral health that are proven.
If you want proven methods for better oral health, Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch , Texas can provide it. We provide a wide range of dental care services for all ages and accepts most dental health plans. For a consultation or dental checkup, you can contact our office today at 214-747-0763
