Improving your dental health to stop Gum Disease can be as easy as swishing coconut oil around your mouth every morning. Studies have shown that oil pulling or swishing can make your teeth whiter, reduce cavities and help your entire body be healthier.

Why you should 'swish'

• Reduces Cavities
• Whitens teeth
• Helps gingivitis
• Improves bad breath
• Helps sinus issues
• Helps detoxify the body

What exactly is oil pulling?

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy used to improve oral health by reducing harmful bacteria and preventing mouth infections that compromise total body health. Oil is placed in the mouth, swished around and spat out. Traditionally sesame oil was used, but coconut oil has gained popularity due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities.

Oil pulling helps improve mouth health in the following ways.

1. Removing Plaque Many types of bacteria live in the mouth. They create a thin film that adheres to teeth and gums known as plaque. When plaque builds up cavities form and infections can occur. The swishing action and the actual oil in oil break down and reduce the plaque.
2. Eliminating bacteria Coconut oil and sesame oil have anti-bacterial qualities. Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, which is effective at killing viruses, bacteria and fungus. A study showed that sesame oil reduced the amount of plaque creating Streptococcus Mutans bacteria as effectively as commercial mouthwash, but without the chemicals
3. Reduces Gingivitis Gum disease happens when plaque builds up and causes infections in the gums. Oil pulling reduces plague and destroys bacteria as effectively as medicated mouthwashes
4. Fights bad breath. Many things such as sinus infections can cause halitosis (bad breath), but compromised mouth health is a key factor. Reducing bacteria creates better breath and eliminates infections in the mouth that can lead to sinus problems and poor dental health.

How to try oil pulling

Place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth; let it melt (if solid) then swish thoroughly around your mouth and between your teeth for 20 minutes. Do not swallow, but spit the oil out. Practice oil pulling once per day, preferably on rising and before anything else including having a drink, for at least 5 days per week. Look for organic coconut or sesame oil for the best results. Oil pulling is a simple and effective way to create a healthy mouth. 'Ask a naturopath' for more ways to improve your dental health.      

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Available in our stores and online here: Dr Tung's Oil Pulling Concentrate