OIL PULLING

Recently I have been searching for ways to make my teeth whiter. Being a student, it needs to be a relatively cheap treatment. After quite a bit of research ranging from many expensive products, I discovered coconut oil which I already use for several things, such as applying it to the ends of my hair. I will write a post on all the different ways I use coconut oil.

Based on my research, coconut oil can be used for 'Oil Pulling.' It is claimed to make teeth whiter, freshen breath, remove harmful bacteria as well as improve overall oral health by using the oil as a mouthwash. 

When oil pulling, saliva production increases. The bacteria and plaque become trapped in the saliva as well as those found on gums and teeth as they become 'stuck' in the oil and get dissolved. Oils traditionally used were sesame oil or sunflower oil but coconut oil also has antibacterial products (contains lauric oil which is proven to be antimicrobial) in addition and it probably tastes nicer than the traditional oils. It can also prevent inflammation of the gums which is when the immune system begins to attack the bacteria and plaque - little bacteria or plaque (as there will always be some) means no/very little inflammation! It can freshen breath as there will be little bacteria producing the gases and chemicals which cause bad breath.

You might be thinking "How do you use coconut oil as a mouthwash when it is in solid form at room temperature?" First you scoop up around a teaspoon of the oil (some people suggest a tablespoon but I think that is far too much!) and place it in your mouth. I found this concept weird at first, I was literally staring at this scoop of oil for 5 minutes before I dared use it. It was a strange sensation at first when I finally braved putting it in my mouth, to actually get the oil to melt from a solid to a liquid, I had to do some chewing which was a unique experience to say the least. After about a minute, it had fully melted into a liquid. I then swished the oil around my mouth for around 20 minutes, being super careful not to swallow it - I can't imagine it being too good for you! It gets slightly thicker as time goes on as it collects all the bacteria and plaque. It did take a while for me to get used to the texture but it wasn't so bad after a while, it's worth it if it actually works! You then spit it out either into a bin or toilet (I use the toilet as it is more hygienic) but not the sink as it may clog up the pipes. As soon as you've spat it out, brush your teeth. It'a a good idea to do this just before going to bed in my opinion.

You may be wondering what it tastes like. It does taste like coconut at first but it's not a strong taste and I think the taste gradually fades as time goes on so even if you're not a huge coconut lover, I would suggest you still give it a try if you want a cleaner, fresher mouth and the potential for whiter teeth on a budget.

Even after one use, I felt as though my teeth were much cleaner and my mouth felt fresher. Although my teeth didn't necessarily look whiter, I wasn't expecting them to be after one use. I'm going to continue to use this everyday and see if I do notice a change in whiteness which I will post about.

A mouthwash and teeth whitener all in one? If it works for me then fab!

I use Boots Coconut Body Oil which retails at £2.54. There must be at least 3-4 weeks worth of teaspoons in the tub if you use this everyday so it is well worth the money if it works!

Have you tried oil pulling before? Did it work for you? Would you recommend it? Would you try oil pulling rather than expensive teeth whitening products/procedures?