Coconut Oil Pulling

As part of your dental health check we are interested in what you use to clean your mouth.

We have noticed that coconut oil pulling is gaining popularity. Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine oil pulling is an oral detoxification procedure that is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Most bacteria inhabiting the mouth are single cell microorganisms. Cells are covered with a lipid (fatty) membrane which is the cells skin. When these cells come into contact with oil ‘a fat’ they naturally adhere to each other.

It is still important to remove plaque very thoroughly twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste preferably with an oscillating electric toothbrush.

When you visit our hygienist she will demonstrate your own bespoke programme of interdental cleaning using brushes, floss, tape etc. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the teeth more resistant to acid attacks form plaque bacteria and sugars the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

Coconut oil pulling lessens the bacteria load in the mouth however it does not have the remineralisation benefits of fluoride. We support coconut oil pulling as an adjunct to the oral hygiene routine as recommended by your dental team at Integrated Dental care.