Here’s what a dentist has to say.
Antiseptic mouthwash is designed to kill germs in your mouth.
However, it may killallof the bacteria in your mouthgood and badat least in the short term.
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(you’ve got the option to also find him on TikTok@askthedentist.)
Now duplicate that day after day, and your oral microbiome will increasingly become out of balance.
So, What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is actually just swishing oil in your mouth.
Doing so pulls and forces the oil in between all of your teeth.
If done correctly, the oil thins and turns milky white.
When you’re done, you spit the oil into a trash can or paper towel.
Then, some experts recommend rinsing your mouth with warm saline water or tap water.
Oil pulling dates back thousands of years, having originated in India as an ayurvedic practice.
Oil pulling may help coat the teeth and gums to inhibit bacterial growth and plaque formation.
What’s more, specific oils have certain health-promoting qualities.
For instance, coconut oil contains lauric acid that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
First, choose your oil (more on that below.)
Next, swish about 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth for up to20 minutes.
That’s a long time.
So, some experts, including Burhenne, say as little as three to four minutes is sufficient.
It’srecommendedto oil pull each morning on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth.
Instead, spit it into a trash can or paper towel.
After spitting out the oil, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm saline water or tap water.
One study found a potential negative side effect to oil pulling:pneumonia.
If you have a condition that makes aspiration more likely, check in with your doctor before oil pulling.
Burhenne prefers another oil: Coconut oil.
Specifically, he recommends using cold-pressed coconut oil.
Not only does it pack those antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, but it’s tasty, too.
