Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. In fact, it’s been proven to be even more effective than flossing, and it’s one of the best ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
It has taken quite some time, but oil pulling has finally gained some popularity in the United States.
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling — known as gandusha in Ayurveda — specifically coconut oil pulling, is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10–20 minutes.
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease.
This unbelievably effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:
Treat tooth decay
Kill bad breath
Heal bleeding gums
Prevent heart disease
Reduce inflammation
Whiten teeth
Soothe throat dryness
Prevent cavities
Heal cracked lips
Boost the immune system
Improve acne
Strengthen gums and jaws
It’s even been reported to help with TMJ symptoms. (1) So if you’re looking for whiter teeth, there is no better, safer whitening practice than coconut oil pulling, which has a host of benefits beyond making those teeth look great.