Why Use Coconut Oil For Teeth?

Why Use Coconut Oil For Teeth?

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What Type Of Oil To Use For Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is a traditional dental practice from Ayurveda that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil) in the mouth on an empty stomach for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method is known to have a plethora of benefits for your oral and overall health. However, with so many types of oils available, it can be challenging to decide what type of oil to use for oil pulling.  This blog will explore the top 8 oil options that are most effective for oil pulling.

What Type Of Oil To Use For Oil Pulling?

When choosing an oil for oil pulling, it's crucial to opt for one without any added additives or synthetic flavors to achieve the best results. The preference for a specific oil often comes down to personal choice and the distinct characteristics of the oil. Sesame oil is a traditional favorite, revered for its long-standing use in Ayurvedic practices, while coconut oil has surged in popularity in more recent years.

The ideal oil for oil pulling is one that you can use comfortably on a regular basis, without triggering any allergic reactions or discomfort. Consistently practicing oil pulling, regardless of the chosen oil, is essential for unlocking its potential benefits. 

Coconut Oil For Oil Pulling

Coconut oil is highly regarded for oil pulling due to its antibacterial properties, which are effective in cleansing the mouth and reducing bacteria. A study highlights its ability to significantly decrease the levels of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in saliva, showcasing its benefits for oral health. Its thicker consistency, pleasant aroma, and the fact that it solidifies at room temperature but melts in the mouth make it a user-friendly option. For those looking to enhance their oil-pulling experience, fractionated coconut oil offers a liquid consistency at room temperature due to the removal of long-chain fatty acids and retention of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), making it easy to use and providing a longer shelf life. Moreover, it's possible to find coconut oil pulling products with the added benefits of 100% pure & natural essential oils like peppermint to improve taste, making the ritual more enjoyable. This versatility and range of benefits position coconut oil as a top choice for anyone interested in improving their oral hygiene through oil pulling. [1][2]

Sesame Oil For Oil Pulling

Sesame oil, valued in Ayurvedic medicine, is a top pick for oil pulling due to its antibacterial properties and ability to reduce harmful oral bacteria. Rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid, and essential fatty acids, it nourishes gums and maintains oral health. Studies confirm its effectiveness alongside chlorhexidine mouthwash. The Advance Oil Pulling Formula from GuruNanda may offer these benefits of sesame oil with several other essential oils, offering an enhanced approach to this practice. [3][4]

Sunflower Oil For Oil Pulling

Sunflower oil, rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, offers unique benefits for oil pulling, including gum health and reduced infection risk. Its anti-inflammatory properties help ease plaque-induced gingivitis, while its gentle flavor and light consistency make it an appealing choice for those preferring a milder oil-pulling experience. The Original Oil Pulling Formula from GuruNanda can potentially offer these benefits because it consists of sunflower oil with several other essential oils, offering an enhanced approach to traditional oil pulling practices. [5][6]

Olive Oil For Oil Pulling

Olive oil, rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and 70% monounsaturated fatty acids, offers oral health benefits such as reducing gum inflammation. Its constituents, including oleic acid, and vitamins A, E, and K, have antimicrobial and antioxidative effects, making it a beneficial but not very popular choice for oil pulling and preventing oral malodor. [5]

Almond Oil For Oil Pulling

Almond oil, valued for its mildness and high vitamin content, can potentially be used for oil pulling. It offers a softer alternative to other oils, enriched with nutritional benefits. However, it's important to note that while mouth rinses containing almond oil are associated with lower gingival scores, almond oil is not a widely popular choice for oil pulling. Traditional oils like coconut and sesame are more frequently recommended due to their well-documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [7][8]

Added Natural Essential Oils to Enhance the Oil Pulling Experience

While oil pulling traditionally utilizes coconut, sesame, and sunflower oils for their extensive history and documented oral health benefits, other oils can also be explored to potentially enhance this practice:

Avocado Oil For Oil Pulling

Avocado oil, celebrated for its nutritional value and overall health benefits, is not a standard choice for oil pulling. While it theoretically could be used due to its healthy fat content and anti-inflammatory properties, several factors make it less suitable for this practice. Its thicker consistency might feel uncomfortable compared to the lighter texture of more traditionally used oils like coconut or sesame. Additionally, there is no specific research supporting its efficacy for oil pulling. The fatty acid structure of avocado oil is different, and its active ingredients are not the same as those found in oils typically used for oil pulling, such as coconut or sesame oil. Therefore, avocado oil might not provide the same oral health effects as these more established options.

Oregano Oil For Oil Pulling

Oregano oil is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, but must be used with caution. It is extremely potent and should only be used in oil pulling if heavily diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil to avoid mucosal irritation.

Tea Tree Oil For Oil Pulling

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial properties. It could potentially be used in very small amounts, heavily diluted in a carrier oil, for oil pulling. This is due to its strong potency and potential for irritation if used improperly.

It's important to note that while some of these oils may potentially be used for oil pulling, the practice traditionally relies on coconut, sesame, and sunflower oils due to their extensive history of use and documented benefits in oral health. We always strongly recommend considering potential allergies and consulting with a healthcare professional before trying new practices, especially involving essential oils like tea tree and oregano. For a safer and enhanced oil pulling experience, consider using GuruNanda’s Oil Pulling Products. These are specially formulated to combine the benefits of traditional oils with additional 100% natural essential oils like tea tree and oregano, ensuring an effective and comfortable oil pulling routine.

Conclusion

Oil pulling is an age-old practice that utilizes a variety of oils, with coconut, sesame, and sunflower oils being the most popular choices. Alternatives such as almond and olive oil, or even a few drops of essential oils like oregano or tea tree highly diluted in carrier oils, are also effective. When selecting an oil for pulling, it's advisable to opt for products backed by clinical research, which may offer benefits like teeth whitening or preventing bad breath. One such notable product is GuruNanda Coconut Mint Pulling Oil which is clinically proven to fight bad breath & whiten teeth while having the goodness of 7 essential oils along with Vitamin D3, E & K2.

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Written by Anish Nanda M.D.

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