Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Gums?
If you’re interested in oil pulling and wondering if coconut oil is good for your gums, the simple answer is YES. Coconut oil has many powerful properties that can “pull” bacteria from your mouth and break down plaque build-up, which is a primary culprit for gingivitis and receding gum lines. Coconut oil can also soothe and moisturize gums that are red, inflamed, and irritated.
Overall, oil pulling for gums is a safe and effective way to improve your oral health naturally.
Other oral benefits of coconut oil
The power of coconut oil doesn’t stop at your gums either. Regular oil pulling has many benefits for your smile. Here are some of the other ways coconut oil can improve your oral health:
Whiter smiles
Many people who begin their daily practice of oil pulling with coconut oil start to notice a whiter, brighter smile. This is especially true when you pair your coconut oil with the impressive whitening power of activated carbon.
Fresher breath
Bacteria is the main cause for bad breath, or halitosis in medical terms. The smell itself comes from the chemical and gases that are produced by the bacteria. Adding oil pulling to your brushing routine helps to eliminate more bacteria from the mouth, thus, eliminating the foul-smelling byproduct of the bacteria.
Prevents cavities & tooth decay
When plaque begins to build in the mouth, it wraps itself around the teeth and forms an acid that can eat away at tooth enamel and cause the tooth to decay, leading to cavities. Removing the bacteria that leads to plaque build-up prevents this process from occurring and safeguards your mouth against tooth decay.
What coconut oil can’t do
Coconut oil is a great natural way to care for your gums, teeth, and mouth and can help to prevent things like gingivitis, receding gum lines, infections, cavities, etc. However, this powerful oil does have its limits. If you’re already experiencing serious issues with your mouth, you should pair your new oil pulling routine with a visit to your local dentist. Your dentist may be able to provide quicker, more immediate relief and additional treatments for painful infections, cavities, and other ailments.
How to oil pull using coconut oil
Perhaps one of the best parts of oil pulling is that it is an easy, inexpensive way to improve your oral health. Simply purchase a quality coconut oil or a pre-made oil pulling product that combines coconut oil with other beneficial ingredients like mint and activated carbon, then start your oil pulling routine. Most people choose to oil in the morning before eating.
How to oil pull:
- After brushing put a tablespoon of coconut oil or oil pulling mix into your mouth.
- Swish the oil around your mouth for 2-3 minutes, pushing it between teeth, around the tongue, and across the gums.
- Spit the oil into a trash bin, then rinse with warm salt water. Tip: don’t spit into the sink to avoid clogging your drain.
When first starting, 5 to 10 minutes can feel like a lot. Because of this, many people start their new oil pulling ritual at 2-3 minutes and gradually increase the time with each session. If your mouth is sore after oil pulling, try using less force the next time.
