Have you ever heard of the practice known as “oil pulling”? It refers to swishing a natural oils around in your mouth to potentially reduce bacteria. While more scientific research is needed to truly understand the effectiveness of this practice, patients often wonder if there are any dangers to oil pulling. At St. Apollonia Dental, we aim to provide answers to your questions that keep you informed and your smile healthy. Discover the potential coconut oil pulling dangers and decide for yourself what steps you should take in your oral hygiene routine.
Understanding How Coconut Oil Pulling Works
The oil pulling process is simple and may provide healthy benefits when incorporated into your regular oral care routine. Many patients prefer coconut oil over other oil options, as it does have proven natural antimicrobial properties.
Before brushing your teeth, simply put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15 to 20 minutes a day. However, it’s important to note that you cannot swallow the oil! Think of it more like a mouthwash, meant to be spit out after you’re done.
After 15 to 20 minutes, spit the oil out into a trash can and rinse your mouth with warm water. This process potentially reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth and improves the cleanliness of your teeth and gums.
Additionally, coconut oil pulling may potentially aid in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease by removing harmful bacterial buildup! Many oil pulling advocates believe this makes for a great extra step in your oral health routine, citing fresher breath and a cleaner smile.
Potential Oil Pulling Dangers
Although oil pulling may be potentially effective, many patients also wonder about its potential dangers.
While the actual practice of swishing oil around in your mouth appears to be safe—though more research is necessary before that claim can be conclusive—there are potential dangers if done incorrectly.
First and foremost, never swallow coconut oil. The act of swishing oil around in your mouth collects bacteria and other toxins or debris from your mouth. Swallowing oil often causes severe stomach issues, like pain or nausea.
However, be sure to spit the oil out into a trash can when you’re done, rather than a drain. In room temperatures, oil coagulates, solidifying in your drains and causing plumbing issues. This creates a serious clog, backing up your drain and likely requiring assistance from a plumbing professional.
Lastly, coconut oil pulling should never be a substitute for actual oral hygiene. After swishing the oil around in your mouth, be sure to continue your regular brushing and flossing! These steps, along with routine dental visits, are crucial for maintaining oral health. If you add oil pulling to your routine as an extra step, be sure to continue taking care of your smile.
Is Coconut Oil Pulling Right for Your Smile?
The decision to incorporate coconut oil pulling into your oral health routine is one you must make for yourself. While we cannot definitively say that oil pulling is effective in reducing bacteria, many believe it is an excellent boost to oral health when done correctly! As for potential coconut oil pulling dangers, there are no current signs of risk other than improper use.
At St. Apollonia Dental, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing or using a water flosser, and attending routine dental visits. These steps are the key components to proper oral care. We advise exercising caution in any additional practices, such as coconut oil pulling. Conduct your own research and decide whether oil pulling is the right choice for your smile.
Protect the Health of Your Smile at St. Apollonia Dental
While coconut oil pulling is a popular trend right now, there is still a lot we don’t know. This practice may be effective in reducing bacteria, but more research is necessary before we recommend it to anyone. If you do try oil pulling, be sure to take care of your smile with regular oral hygiene practices and routine dental visits at St. Apollonia Dental.
Book a free consultation today to keep your smile happy and healthy.
