Have you ever heard of oil pulling? Probably not. Although the practice is thousands of years old, it remained largely under the radar until a few years ago, when many in the mainstream U.S. dental community rediscovered its surprising benefits.
Oil pulling is simple: You place a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (coconut and sesame oils are also good) on your tongue and swish it around your mouth for at least five minutes, pulling it between the teeth for an in-depth teeth cleaning. The oil’s penetrating and lubricating abilities enable it to reach into the nooks and crevices to remove bacteria and other toxins, leaving your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and fresh. After spitting out the oil (and the toxins it collects), you simply follow up by brushing and rinsing.
In addition to removing bacteria and toxins from the mouth, dentists say that oil pulling offers other benefits too, including:
Oil pulling is simple, and it requires no special equipment. Give it a try for a few weeks, and see whether it makes a difference in your life and your health. But don’t forget to see a general dentist every six months for more preventive care, tips, teeth cleanings and digital x-rays. Call our San Francisco dental office today at 415-831-1999 to schedule an appointment! You can also use our convenient online scheduling tool to book an appointment online.
