Oil pulling dates back more than 3,000 years ago, where it first started in India as an Ayurvedic technique used to clean the mouth and teeth. Fill a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth like mouthwash for up to 20 minutes at a time. Oil pulling has been said to relieve toothaches, whiten teeth, freshen breath, absorb harmful bacteria, and possibly even cure the common cold. Many people also mention how good their mouth feels after washing with coconut oil in the mornings, and it lasts all day.
The reason for this: tooth decay is caused by bacteria and previous studies suggest that coconut oil mixed with enzymes in your saliva will help inhibit growth of certain bacteria. Though oil pulling isn’t meant to be a substitute for going to regular dental visits or brushing and flossing your teeth, it can work wonders in lessening bacterial load in the mouth, and therefore the body, helping you sustain a strong immune system. When bad bacteria enters the body through the bloodstream, it can potentially get stuck in the wrong place, such as scar tissue on the heart, and can make people very sick. Here is some advice to help you learn how coconut oil pulling can help you to sustain a high level of oral and overall health.