Oil Pulling Vs. Mouthwash

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing regularly is the key to dental and oral health. But what about mouthwash? Or, as recent trends suggest, what about oil pulling? While mouthwash and oil pulling both offer oral health benefits, they aren't created equal. Learn more about both to decide what's best for you and your smile.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil around in the mouth for about twenty minutes, then spitting it out once it's milky and thin. Derived from Indian Ayurvedic natural healing, this technique is thought to clean the teeth and gums, remove bacteria, and offer a range of other health benefits.

Why Use Mouthwash?

Mouthwash is a liquid intended to help rinse the mouth, teeth, and gums with a bacteria-killing antiseptic solution.

It does help give the mouth a fresh, clean feeling and can help kill harmful, plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth. Experts also believe that mouthwash can help prevent periodontal disease and, if the mouthwash has fluoride, it can also help reduce cavities.

The Many Benefits of Oil Pulling

While mouthwash can help the mouth feel fresher, oil pulling can help clean the mouth. Plus, the ancient oral care technique offers many other benefits, including:

• Fresh Breath – Bacteria is one of the leading causes of bad breath. In fact, the human mouth is full of around 600 different bacteria species, most of which are coated in a fat-based membrane. The oil in the solution binds with the fats in the membrane. This helps to remove the bacteria from the mouth just as well as the average mouthwash.
• Overall Oral Health – Mouth bacteria can also cause tooth and gum decay. Since oil pulling helps remove bacteria, it also helps prevent tooth and gum disease.
• Total Detoxification – The bacteria in the mouth can affect the rest of the body. By ridding the mouth of bacteria and toxins, oil pulling works to prevent health conditions like endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and even pregnancy complications.
• Teeth Whitening – Coconut oil, one of the most common oils used in pulling, is adept at removing surface stains from teeth.

Oil Pulling Side Effects Vs. Mouthwash Side Effects

While both mouthwash and oil pulling tote oral health benefits, only mouthwash comes with some pretty nasty side effects:

• Canker Sore Irritation - The high alcohol content in the rinse can irritate mouth sores.
• Oral Cancer – Experts have debated the link between oral cancer and mouthwash since the 1970s, and there still isn't a clear answer.
• Short-Lived Fresh Breath – Mouthwash doesn't remove bad-breath-causing bacteria, so any freshness it provides often doesn't last very long.

There currently aren't any known side effects from oil pulling, aside from the standard risk of allergic reaction that comes with any product. Also, swallowing the oil can cause an upset stomach.

A Naturally Clean Mouth with Terra & Co.

Ready for a fresh, clean, and healthy mouth? Try Terra & Co. Brilliant Black Oil pulling, a natural oil pulling solution made from activated charcoal, coconut oil, vitamin E, and peppermint.