Cavities, bad breath and gum disorders are on the rise these days thanks to all the processed food we eat. Add to it the tedium of our hectic schedules. Nobody has the time to make their brushing session last for as long as the “happy birthday” song. And don’t even get started about brushing teeth at night. It’s no surprise why your dentist has been taking so many expensive vacations lately. Dental problems are often irreversible and cost a lot of money. But some tweaks in your oral hygiene routine can definitely help you salvage what is left of your teeth. Apart from regular brushing, flossing and rinsing, you can also try oil pulling. All you need is coconut oil.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is a naturopathic remedy that helps restore oral health according to practitioners. It involves swishing your mouth with coconut oil for a full twenty minutes before you brush your teeth. It’s an ancient practice often said to be a part of the Ayurvedic tradition. But there are studies that validate the efficacy of the method. Here’s what you should know about oil pulling. Is Coconut Oil Really ‘Pure Poison’? Expert Reveals The Truth About The Controversial Superfood.

The method sanitises your mouth by trapping harmful, cavity-causing bacteria in the oil. Coconut oil has certain antimicrobial qualities that have been proven to reduce decay, bad breath and gum inflammation. 5 Oral Health Symptoms You Should NEVER Ignore.

How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally (Watch Video):

Many of the problem-causing bacteria love to hide out in the space between the teeth. Swishing oil through the mouth forces the germs out of the gaps and soothes the gums. It can also break down the plaque that forms on the sides of the teeth.  Good Habits of People Who Have Great Teeth.

How to Perform Oil Pulling

It's easy to perform oil pulling in the comforts of your own home. All you need is a good quality coconut oil. Here are the steps:

  • To start, take two-three teaspoons of pure coconut oil.

  • Swish it around your mouth.

  • Pass it through the gaps of your teeth.

  • Swish it around from side-to-side.

  • If you live in cold countries where coconut oil is in a solid state at room temperature, microwave it till it turns liquid-y.

  • You can also add a drop of antimicrobial essential oil like clove oil for improved effects.

  • Spit it out after 15-20 minutes of continuous swishing.

  • But avoid spitting it in the drain since it can clog the drains once coconut oil solidifies.

  • Brush your teeth to remove traces of the oil.

Many websites that peddle pseudoscience claim that oil pulling can reverse your cavities. But don’t fall for that. Dental enamel cannot be regrown. Once cavities set in, all you can do is slow down the progress of decay or stall it. Oil pulling at best can do just that.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).