Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Oil Pulling: How to Save Your Teeth and Gums with this Simple Trick

oil pulling coconut oil tea tree oil

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.

coconut and tea tree oil

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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11 comments

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October 27, 2015 at 6:51 PM

thieves oil from young living would be incredibly beneficial!

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June 27, 2016 at 7:40 PM

This is a super helpful post! Thanks for sharing!

Come over to my link party and share this with everyone:
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-link-up-013/
Hope to see you there!

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June 28, 2016 at 8:29 AM

Interesting idea Stephanie!

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June 28, 2016 at 8:34 AM

Thanks Asheligh, I'll check it out :)

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June 29, 2016 at 6:32 AM

I'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!

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June 29, 2016 at 11:01 AM

This is great information!!! I'll have to try some coconut oil mixed with tea tree oil. I also shared and pinned this article.

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June 29, 2016 at 12:35 PM

Saving to my Handy Tips board, definitely need to try it!

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June 29, 2016 at 2:58 PM

If he is having any dental problems, trying this for a couple weeks should convince him! But it's great as a preventative too :)

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June 29, 2016 at 2:59 PM

Thanks for sharing my article, Rebekah! :)

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June 30, 2016 at 5:20 PM

I 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?

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July 1, 2016 at 8:18 AM

I 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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