This post may contain affiliate links. I want to deliver value to you. If you choose to make a purchase through one of the links I’ve provided, I will receive a very small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Have you heard of it?

Previously, I had read about oil pulling and always thought it sounded strange.  It never interested me much until recently. My dentist pointed out to me on my last visit that my gums are beginning to recede in certain areas around my back teeth.

Because of this, I have been trying to find better ways to care for my oral health.  Gum recession is mainly caused by brushing too hard or gum disease. As your gums become inflamed they begin to pull away from your teeth.  

If it gets bad enough, this can cause a need for surgery, which I have heard is quite painful.  So…of course, I want to avoid that if I can!

Did you know that your mouth is a good indicator of your overall health?  Interesting, isn’t it! Even more interesting is the fact that your mouth is the beginning of your digestive system leading to your gut.  And we now know how important gut health is!

This was a larger motivating factor for me to get a jump on better protecting my oral health.  I recently began making my own toothpaste to remove the harmful chemicals from commercial toothpastes.

I have been working way too hard at healing myself from Hashimoto’s to continue to use chemicals and unknown ingredients in my daily routines.

This is what led me to oil pulling!

WHAT IS OIL PULLING?

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of using oil to detoxify your mouth and body.  You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or even sesame seed oil. It is so easy to do!

I prefer to use organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil since it is known for its antimicrobial properties.  And I prefer the taste of it!

• All you need to do is take 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes when you wake up in the morning.  

• Then spit it out in your trash can (not the sink!).  And continue on to brushing your teeth.

You want to be sure not to swallow the oil because it will contain all the toxins pulled from your teeth, mouth, and body.  This coconut oil comes infused with peppermint oils to give you the clean mouth feeling after you oil pull. Pretty awesome!

Do you see that I said detoxify your mouth and body?  That’s right!  

Oil pulling is believed to pull the toxins from your body.  How cool is that? The belief is held that oil pulling can cure several diseases such as arthritis, allergies, asthma, migraine headaches, nerve paralysis, kidney and heart disorders although it is not scientifically proven.  

However, it certainly has positive benefits on oral health which is what I am looking for most.  I will take the rest if it proves true.

Easy Tips for Oil Pulling

Most people like to oil pull while they are in the shower in the morning.  When you are first starting to oil pull it can seem like a major workout for your mouth.  

If your mouth seems to tire easily in the beginning, then start with a smaller amount and work your way up.  You can also start for a shorter period of time and work your way up to the recommended 20 minutes.

Always spit your coconut oil in the trash can because otherwise it can harden and cause issues in your plumbing.  No fun!

Oil pulling is an easy thing to add to your daily routine that can really benefit your oral health.  I highly recommend it from my experience.

Come to find out- it’s not as weird as I originally thought. Have you ever tried oil pulling?