The Benefits of Brushing with Coconut Oil

How to Brush with Coconut Oil

Brushing with coconut oil is a new way to care for your teeth without the traditional toothpaste. Coconut oil pulling or brushing involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth, which helps extract bacteria and strengthens gums. The practice of using coconut oil for dental health has been existing for centuries. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to brush with coconut oil.

Step 1: Get Your Supplies Ready

The first step is to get the right equipment. You will need a tablespoon of organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed coconut oil, a small dish or container to hold the coconut oil, and your toothbrush. You can also add a drop of essential oil to give it a pleasant flavor (optional). Peppermint, tea tree oil, and cinnamon are some of the popular essential oils for this purpose.

Step 2: Scoop and Melt the Coconut Oil

Using a clean spoon, scoop a tablespoon of coconut oil and put it in a small container or a cup. Place the container in warm water to melt the oil. It will take 10-15 seconds to melt. It is important to use warm, not hot, water as using hot water can reduce the potency of the oil and can also affect the consistency of the oil.

Once the oil has melted, take it out of the water and let it cool for a minute or two so that it is comfortable to swish in your mouth.

Step 3: Brush with Coconut Oil

Dip your toothbrush in the melted oil and start brushing your teeth gently. It is important to use gentle strokes and avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth and gums. Start by brushing the front teeth, then the molars, and finally, the upper and lower part of your mouth. Brushing with coconut oil should take about 10-15 minutes.

The oil will become frothy, which is normal as it shows the oil is extracting harmful bacteria and toxins from your mouth.

Step 4: Spit and Rinse

Spit the oil in the sink and rinse your mouth with warm water. Make sure to spit the oil in the trash and not the sink as the oil can clog the pipes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any remaining oil and bacteria.

You can also use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue of any remaining bacteria that may cause bad breath.

Step 5: Brush with Regular Toothpaste (optional)

You can brush again with your regular toothpaste to remove any oil residue. It is recommended to wait for 30 minutes after brushing with coconut oil before brushing with regular toothpaste. This will allow the minerals and nutrients from the oil to be absorbed by your gums, leading to stronger teeth and gums.

Brushing with coconut oil is a natural, affordable, and effective method of dental care that offers a range of benefits such as improving gum health and reducing bad breath. With this guide, you can easily start your journey to better oral health by brushing with coconut oil.

The Science Behind Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is not a new practice as it has been in existence for centuries. It originates from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, and it involves swishing or pulling oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes before spitting it out. Different oils can be used, including coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. However, this article will focus on the benefits and the science behind oil pulling with coconut oil.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is derived from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. The oil has high levels of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fatty acids known to have numerous health benefits. MCTs are easily absorbed by the body and transported to the liver, where they are converted into ketones that can be used as an alternative source of fuel to glucose.

How Does Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil Work?

Oil pulling involves swishing one to two tablespoons of coconut oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes before spitting it out. As the oil mixes with the saliva and is swished around the mouth, it is believed to attract and trap harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses that reside in the mouth. These harmful entities are then expelled from the body when the oil is spat out, leaving the mouth feeling clean and fresh.

During the swishing process, the lauric acid present in coconut oil is converted into monolaurin, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties that can help to kill harmful microorganisms in the mouth. Monolaurin has also been shown to help boost the immune system and fight off disease-causing pathogens.

Additionally, oil pulling with coconut oil has been shown to improve dental hygiene by reducing plaque buildup, improving gum health, and reducing the chances of tooth decay and bad breath. The MCTs present in coconut oil have also been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth.

Benefits of Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

Oil pulling with coconut oil has numerous health benefits, some of which include:

• Helps to improve dental hygiene by reducing plaque buildup and improving gum health
• Can help to reduce the chances of tooth decay and bad breath
• May help to prevent and treat gingivitis and other oral infections
• Helps to boost the immune system and fight off disease-causing pathogens
• Can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth
• May help to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of acne
• Helps to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut

While oil pulling with coconut oil has been shown to have numerous health benefits, it is important to note that it should not be used as a substitute for regular dental hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular dental checkups are still important for maintaining good dental health.

Conclusion

Oil pulling with coconut oil is an ancient practice that has numerous health benefits. The science behind oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes before spitting it out. During the swishing process, harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses are attracted and trapped in the oil, which is then spat out, leaving the mouth feeling clean and fresh. Coconut oil has high levels of MCTs, including lauric acid, which is converted into monolaurin during the swishing process and has strong antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off disease-causing pathogens.

Oil pulling with coconut oil can help to improve dental hygiene, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, and improve skin health and digestion. However, it should not be used as a substitute for regular dental hygiene practices.

Using Coconut Oil for Fresher Breath

Bad breath or halitosis is a common oral problem that affects a lot of people across the globe. Poor oral hygiene, certain foods, and underlying medical conditions are some of the causes of halitosis. One way to help combat bad breath is to use coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth that contribute to bad breath. Here are some ways to use coconut oil for fresher breath:

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing and holding a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for a few minutes to eliminate toxins and bacteria. Coconut oil is an effective oil for oil pulling because it is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. To use coconut oil for oil pulling, put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 15-20 minutes. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water. Do this every day before brushing your teeth to help reduce bad breath.

Coconut Oil Toothpaste

Another way to use coconut oil for fresher breath is to make your own toothpaste. Coconut oil toothpaste is effective in eliminating odor-causing bacteria and promoting good oral hygiene. To make coconut oil toothpaste, mix 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil with baking soda and a few drops of peppermint oil. Stir until you form a paste consistency, and then brush your teeth as usual. This method is especially useful for people who are allergic to fluoride or have sensitive teeth. Coconut oil toothpaste is gentle and safe to use.

Coconut Oil Mouthwash

Coconut oil mouthwash is another effective way to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth and reduce bad breath. To make coconut oil mouthwash, mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with warm water and a few drops of essential oil. Swish the mixture around your mouth for 20-30 seconds and spit it out. You can use this method after brushing your teeth or as a midday refresh. This method is gentle on your gums and does not contain harsh chemicals like alcohol that can cause dry mouth and lead to bad breath.

Coconut Oil and Salt

Coconut oil and salt mixture help fight bad breath, soothe sore gums, and promote healthy oral hygiene. Salt has antibacterial properties that kill odor-causing bacteria, and coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that attack harmful bacteria in your mouth. To use coconut oil and salt mixture, mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a pinch of salt, and swish the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes. Spit it out, rinse your mouth with warm water, and brush your teeth as usual.

Coconut oil is a natural and affordable way to help fight bad breath. It is safe for everyday use and does not contain harsh chemicals like conventional mouthwashes. Incorporate these methods into your oral hygiene routine and say goodbye to bad breath.

Other Oral Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Brushing with coconut oil is not the only way to improve your oral health. Thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil, it can be used in other ways to boost your oral hygiene regimen.

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice of swishing about a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 15–20 minutes to improve oral health. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling because it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed through the gums and into the bloodstream. The fatty acids have antimicrobial properties that help to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Oil pulling with coconut oil regularly can also whiten teeth and improve overall oral health.

2. Mouthwash

Coconut oil can be used as a natural and healthy alternative to commercial mouthwashes. Simply melt a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in the mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Coconut oil mouthwash can help to freshen breath, reduce plaque buildup and kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, without the use of alcohol or other harsh chemicals that can be found in traditional mouthwashes.

3. Toothpaste

Coconut oil can also be used as a base for natural homemade toothpaste. Mixing coconut oil with baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils can create a natural and effective toothpaste that is free of harmful chemicals and suitable for vegans. This homemade toothpaste can improve oral health by reducing plaque buildup, freshening breath, and removing stains.

4. Gum Health

In addition to reducing plaque buildup and killing harmful bacteria in the mouth, coconut oil can also help to improve gum health. Gum disease is a common oral problem that can lead to swollen, painful gums, bleeding, and even tooth loss. Coconut oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in gums, thus promoting healing and gum health.

5. Cavity Prevention

Coconut oil can also help to prevent cavities. As we consume sugary or starchy foods and drinks, bacteria in the mouth use the sugar for energy and produce acid in the process. The acid can erode the tooth enamel and create small holes or cavities in the tooth. However, coconut oil can help to neutralize the acid and reduce the risk of cavities. Moreover, coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can nourish and strengthen teeth.

In conclusion, coconut oil is a versatile and natural remedy that can improve your oral health in many ways. From brushing and oil pulling to using coconut oil mouthwash and toothpaste, you can incorporate this simple ingredient into your daily oral hygiene routine to boost your oral health and prevent dental woes. So, why not give it a try and see how it works for you?