Have you ever heard of oil pulling? A few years ago, after reading all kinds of articles about how this traditional oral hygiene technique would prevent cavities and improve health, I tried doing it every morning. I would wake up and swish coconut oil in my mouth for several minutes as my tea brewed. Not the hardest thing to do, but I never really noticed any effect, so I eventually let it go. I asked my dentist about it, and he knew really nothing about it either way. So I was pretty uninspired to continue, until recent developments.
A few months ago, I suddenly found myself plagued with sensitive gums. They felt a little puffy, and would bleed a tiny bit every time I brushed. This continued for a few weeks. It was minor, but it was persistant. I was worried the dentist would tell me I had gingivitis, or some type of mouth plague. So I resolved I'd do what I could on my own for a few weeks, and then get to a professional if I couldn't clear it up.
I came up with this recipe because I know a lot of natural oral care products contain tea tree oil, which has very effective antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil is extremely strong, and best used at a very low concentration, so I just needed something to mix it with. I knew from all my reading about oil pulling that coconut oil, which is antiviral, antibacterial, and even antifungal, would be the best base for a mouthwash.
So, simply, I made a mouthwash by mixing coconut oil with several drops of tea tree oil. I swished this combination around in my mouth every day for a few minutes, and my gums were completely better within a day or two. I did finally go to the dentist for my annual cleaning and checkup, and the dental assistant who cleaned my teeth and checked my gums said she couldn't believe I was recently having problems, since my gums looked extremely healthy.
Inspired to try it yourself?
Mix together in a little jar about 1 cup of virgin coconut oil and ten drops of tea tree oil. Stir it very well, and swish a small spoonful around in your mouth once a day.
Bonus! It freshens your breath while it kills all the junk in your mouth.
Tea tree oil is safe for oral use, however it should not be swallowed.
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Oil Pulling: How to Save Your Teeth and Gums with this Simple Trick
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11 comments
Write commentsthieves oil from young living would be incredibly beneficial!
ReplyThis is a super helpful post! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyCome over to my link party and share this with everyone:
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-link-up-013/
Hope to see you there!
Interesting idea Stephanie!
ReplyThanks Asheligh, I'll check it out :)
ReplyI've been trying to get my husband on the oil pulling wagon, but he refuses. I am going to make him read your post and see if it will convince him. Pinned and thank you!
ReplyThis is great information!!! I'll have to try some coconut oil mixed with tea tree oil. I also shared and pinned this article.
ReplySaving to my Handy Tips board, definitely need to try it!
ReplyIf he is having any dental problems, trying this for a couple weeks should convince him! But it's great as a preventative too :)
ReplyThanks for sharing my article, Rebekah! :)
ReplyI definitely want to try this! I have a bunch of other oils at the moment, but not tea tree. Do you think I could use another one that also have antibacterial properties like say peppermint oil?
ReplyI think a couple drops of peppermint oil would be a DELIGHTFUL addition to the coconut oil. Great idea :D You can also do oil pulling with just coconut oil, but adding tea tree (or peppermint) will give it that extra kick!
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