Want some crazy white teeth? One of my most favorite parts of my morning routine is this simple, frugal way of cleaning and whitening my teeth. Swish. Swish. Spit. … Maybe not so glamorous but it works!
Oil pulling has been around for a loooong time. It is an ancient, Ayurvedic folk remedy that involves the swishing of oil around in your mouth. It was reintroduced to the modern world in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach and he used it in his medical practice with super success. He claimed it could heal a variety of issues ranging from heart disease, digestive troubles, hormonal disorders, skin conditions, arthritis, etc. It has been known to improve overall oral health, whiten those pearlies, heal gums, prevent bad breath, stop inflammation, and heal oral infections. It is also effective in treating many systemic conditions throughout the body. Although it hasn’t been scientifically tested, many folks have seen amazing results.
Oil pulling is known as a powerful method of detoxifying the body. Coconut oil expert Dr. Bruce Fife and author of Oil Pulling Therapy says, "Oil pulling is one of the most remarkable methods of detoxification and healing I have ever experienced in my career as a naturopathic physician."
Here is a list of some of the possible benefits associated with oil pulling:
– Whiter, straighter teeth
– Healthy, pink gums
– Increased energy
– Decreased migraine headaches
– Clear sinuses
– Less severe asthma
– Decreased allergies
– Improved PMS symptoms
– Regulated menstrual cycles
– Better sleep
– Clear skin
So since I’m sure you are dying to know already… Here is what I do:
1. First thing in the morning (before I eat or drink anything), I take 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil and swish it around in my mouth for 20 minutes. You can use cold pressed sunflower or sesame oil but I prefer the taste of coconut oil.* I usually add in 2-3 drops of Peppermint or Oregano Oil for its extra punch of antibacterial/anti-fungal properties (use only organic, high quality oils). The oil works as a cleanser. When I put it in my mouth and work it around my teeth and gums it "pulls" out bacteria and other debris.
*For those of you in colder climates, be sure to melt the coconut oil first–this helps me not to gag as much. I usually take my tablespoon of oil and put it in a small glass and warm it in pot of water on the stove. It just takes a minute or two. On that lovely note, I had a hard time the first couple of times swishing for the full 15-20 minutes without having a gag & choke fest. However, over time it’s gotten easier and I busy myself doing other things to keep my gag reflexes distracted.
2. After the 20 minutes, I spit it out. Do not swallow the oil because it is loaded up with bacteria, toxins, mucous and other fun stuff. Be sure to spit in the potty because you don’t want to clog up your sink drain.
3. Then I rinse out my mouth (without swallowing). I take a toothbrush (different from the one I ordinarily brush with) and put a little 3% hydrogen peroxide on it and do a quick brush of my teeth. The teeth whitening effect does not come from this; it just adds to the killing off any leftover toxins. The whitening actually comes from the oil. Then, I soak my brush for a couple minutes in the peroxide.
Voila! That is it folks! I seriously noticed a difference in how white my teeth were after the 2nd or 3rd time. It’s worked great for me. My gums are much healthier too. I also have a tooth that often bothers me, and it’s been much better since starting the oil fun. So give it a try and let me know what you think. For real…give it a go and then comment below!
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No Muck Motto:
I have a great smile that the world needs to see more!
*This post is not Gerson Therapy friendly.
