COCONUT OIL TO DETOX MOUTH AND WHITEN TEETH NATURALLY

Sometimes our teeth become dull, stained or discolored due to various reasons like enamel erosion revealing the dentin underneath (dentin is the naturally yellow bony tissue that lies under the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth), consumption of certain types of food, poor dental hygiene, smoking or drugs, certain diseases etc.

We’ve all come across the multiple benefits of coconut oil for our hair, our skin, for general health, for cooking and maybe even used or tried many of them. But have you tried coconut oil for whitening your teeth yet? Yes, you read that right! Check out the benefits of coconut oil for your teeth.

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is a method where edible oil is swished around in the mouth (gently) for a period of time, before being spat out. It is a similar method of how one uses mouth wash. Oil pulling is also known as ‘Gandusha’ (in Ayurvedic terms) which means holding liquid in the mouth/ oil pulling in order to prevent tooth decay, bad odour, cavities, gum inflammation, bleeding and infection etc. The oil will have to be held within the oral cavity for several minutes. It is also known to help strengthen the gums and teeth and provides relief from pain and discomfort if any. It helps to get rid of all the toxins in the oral cavity and there must strictly not be swallowed but spat out. It acts like a natural mouth cleanser. Oil pulling is ideally done on an empty stomach, before brushing your teeth in the morning. The liquid has to be retained in your mouth until it gets mixed with the saliva produced by your mouth. READ MORE – BEAUTY SEEDS – best seeds for healthy skin and hair

Benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil:

Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which is known for its beneficial properties and is commonly used for the treatment of viral infections like flu, common cold, fever, blisters, cold sores, etc. Coconut oil contains this lauric acid which can help kill the bacteria present in the mouth. Oil pulling can also help reduce plaque (a sticky deposit on the teeth in which bacteria can proliferate), which stains the teeth and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums or gingiva, which commonly occurs due to plaque or bacteria that form a film on the teeth). The lauric acid in the coconut oil can also help fight this inflammation.

How is oil pulling done?

Step 1: Pour 1 tbsp of liquid coconut oil into a glass or a spoon and then take it into your mouth.

Step 2: Swish this in your mouth for around 15 minutes. When you are swishing the oil inside your mouth, the oil will start mixing with your saliva and the liquid in your mouth will increase in quantity (as the oil becomes thinner) and therefore you can spit out a little of the liquid if you aren’t able to hold in so much liquid in your mouth or feels uncomfortable and then continue the process.

Please Note: For first timers, it may be hard to hold it within your mouth for 15 minutes, so slowly work your way up over the span for a few days. Start with just a few minutes and day by day increase the amount of time you retain the oil in your mouth.

Step 3: Spit out the oil and then wait for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water or warm salt water and then spit it out.

Step 4: Brush your teeth, like you would normally do. READ MORE – AYURVEDA BATH POWDER FOR CLEAR GLOWING SKIN

Caution:

• If you are still uncertain of how to perform this oil pulling technique, do not try it until you consult an Ayurvedic doctor for help and assistance.
• Do not swallow the oil as it can cause stomach discomfort or diarrhea as it contains toxins and bacteria from the mouth.
• Spit out the oil into a trash can or into the toilet, as coconut oil can harden in consistency and can clog the drainage pipes, if spat into the basin.