Dental hygiene is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Because your mouth is the gateway to your respiratory and digestive systems, keeping it clean is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Of course, everyone knows about the importance of brushing their teeth. But what other things can you do to keep your smile healthy? Some may suggest oil pulling as a way to improve the health of your smile. For centuries, people have used oil pulling to improve oral health and freshen breath. But is there a risk underneath this seemingly harmless habit? Is oil pulling really safe for everyday use?
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we aim to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that inspires patients like you to take good care of your smile. Trust us to answer your questions and keep you informed about the best ways to care for your teeth.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil (usually sesame, sunflower, or coconut) around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Typically, people will oil pull while getting dressed or packing a lunch, all the while “cleaning” their mouth with the oil. After the time is up, spit the oil out into a trash can and thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water.
However, it’s important to note that oil pulling is an addition to your oral health routine, not a substitution. After oil pulling, you will still need to brush your teeth as usual and continue your regular dental hygiene practices.
Oil pulling alone is not enough to clean your teeth effectively, and skipping your dental routine to focus only on oil pulling will lead to poor dental health.
Is Oil Pulling Safe?
Now that you know what oil pulling is, one question remains. Is oil pulling safe?
People typically oil pull due to its perceived oral health benefits. After all, a cleaner smile and fresher breath are appealing to everyone. However, there really isn’t enough research to definitively say whether or not oil pulling is safe.
Coconut oil, in particular, has antimicrobial properties that may help keep your smile clean. Some studies have shown that oil pulling reduces the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth and saliva. This effect can help patients like you actively fight against problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and foul breath.
When done correctly, oil pulling does appear to be safe. However, there aren’t enough studies to recommend oil pulling to anyone, and it is never a good replacement for brushing your teeth and attending your routine dental visits!
If you do choose to oil pull, do so carefully, and as an addition to your regular dental care. Remember never to swallow the oil (as it can cause stomach issues), and to spit it out into a trash can rather than a sink (as it can clog your drains).
How To Care for Your Smile Safely
To keep your smile healthy, East Longmeadow Family Dental Center recommends following a strict oral hygiene routine.
- Brush your teeth: Using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, we recommend gently brushing twice a day. Ensure that you clean all areas of your smile, and brush for at least 2 minutes if possible.
- Floss regularly: While many believe flossing is optional, it simply isn’t the case. Flossing allows you to get in between teeth and clean the areas of your smile that a brush can’t reach. For an even better clean, we recommend using a water flosser, which makes flossing simple and easy.
- Attend Dental CheckUps: Visiting East Longmeadow Family Dental Center twice a year is an incredibly important part of your dental hygiene routine. During these checkups, we assess your smile, spot early signs of disease or decay, and provide a professional-grade cleaning to keep your smile healthy and bright.
While adding oil pulling to your routine may be harmless, don’t skip these important steps of your oral hygiene care.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Smile
Taking care of your smile is a great way to take care of the rest of your body. Oil pulling may be a safe addition to your dental hygiene routine, but it cannot replace brushing your teeth. If you decide to oil pull, do so responsibly.
Book a free initial consultation to start your journey towards a healthier smile with East Longmeadow Family Dental Center!
Connect with us on social media to learn more about the dental services we provide.
