Dr. Ganesh at Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry

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Is This Crazy Ancient Mouthwash Better Than Listerine?

The Ancient Secret

 

In ancient times there was an oral therapy which helped clean and detoxify the teeth and gums using natural substances. This oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic Indian medicine that dates back 3,000 years, unknown to the western world until recently within these two decades. This some what magical therapy can not only whiten teeth, strengthen gums, and eliminate plaque but is also claimed to have other medical benefits such as pain relief, prevention & lessening of ailments such as cancer and heart disease, and can even purge toxins from the body. It involves swishing approximately 1 tablespoon of oil - typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil --in your mouth for about 20 minutes before disposing it. In today's society this is commonly known as oil pulling.


Oil Pulling

Just as with oil cleansing for the skin, the oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums. Essentially, oil pulling is just a high quality organic oil mouthwash. It receives its name “pulling” because it refers to the idea that oil is pulling bacteria out of the gums. The oils that can be used are food grade, and can be eaten.

Although though the idea of oil pulling has been a huge source of controversy in the media, certain oils have been shown to bind to biofilm & plaque on teeth and significantly reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus Mutans is the most prominent bacteria present in the mouth and is a consistent contributor with tooth decay and gum disease. Oil pulling reduces the number of Streptococcus Mutans in the mouth, especially when done with coconut oil.

Here's how you can do it!

5 Steps for Coconut Oil Pulling – Step By Step

  1. Put 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil into the mouth. - One can do this with a few drops of Oregano Essential Oil(antibacterial) within the mix

  2. Swish 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil for about 10 - 20 minutes. Timing is key. The remedy needs to be in place long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not too long for the body to re-absorb the toxins and bacteria.

  3. Spit oil into the trash can. Do not swallow the oil as it will be full of bacteria and plaque.

  4. Rinse with warm or salt water. Salt water is more effective because it's composition is more like saliva and is less disturbing for the gums.

  5. Brush your teeth as normal – and brush it well!