Fashion

What Kind Of Coconut Oil Should You Use For Teeth?

by Lindsey Rose Black

If you've been brushing you teeth your entire life, but have recently considered adding oil pulling to your routine, you likely have a lot of questions about how to get started. To ensure you get the best results, I sorted through tons of blogs (and called up my frequent oil-pulling sister!) to get the details on what kind of coconut oil you should use for teeth. I know, I know, another article about coconut oil, but what can I say? The stuff is amazing.

If you don't know what oil pulling is or are on the fence about doing it, allow me to break down the details for you. According to DentistryIQ, oil-pulling "has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine dating back 3,000 years." Not a bad track record, huh? As for why you should consider it, Wellness Mama shared, "Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it is beneficial in improving gums and removing harmful bacteria!"

If you're ready to try it, both Wellness Mama, Trina Holden, and my sister suggest cold-pressed, unrefined virgin coconut oil. Though more expensive than refined versions, Wellness Mama made a point that the unrefined versions are "effective in attacking Streptococcus Mutans bacteria which causes cavities." Seems like a worthy splurge to me!

Below is the brand the brand Holden and my sister prefer:

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $8.50, Nutiva

100 percent organic, cold-pressed, and clean.

Holistic Habits put together an amazing and easy-to-follow video for exactly how to oil pull for the best results.

In summary, reach for about a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish for ideally up to twenty minutes. Spit the oil when the time is up (never swallow) and rinse your mouth with water if you like. That's it!

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