Oil Pulling- 20 minutes a day to whiter teeth and a healthier body!

When I was in my twenties, I made it my business to bleach/whiten my teeth every six months. I had my braces taken off, and I wanted to have that pearly white smile! The Crest Whitening strips were my fave! But after a couple of years of consistently using the strips, my teeth would be super sensitive! And after doing some research, I found that whitening your teeth eventually wears down the enamel. I was trying to find a healthier, more natural way to whiten my teeth, and I stumbled upon oil pulling. Oil pulling? Yep! And I've been hooked ever since!

Oil Pulling?? What's That?
Oil pulling is when you take a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil) and swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes. You heard right--20 whole minutes!  This method has been used primarily in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine, and has been around for thousands of years. It is said to greatly improve your oral health--amongst other things! I personally can attest to the health benefits! Check out some of the health benefits of oil pulling when doing it on a consistent basis:

Oil Pulling Benefits

1. Oil Pulling reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth.  There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria build-up creates a film on your teeth that we know as "plaque." Plaque causes bad breath, inflammation of the gums, gingivitis, and cavities. Basically, the "yuck mouth!" 😂 When you oil pull consistently on a day-to-day basis, that can "dead" all of that and even reverse the effects of gingivitis!
2. Oil Pulling Naturally Whitens Your Teeth Over Time. Now, I can attest to this! When I oil pulled consistently for 2-3 weeks straight, I noticed a huge difference in how white my teeth were! And it doesn't affect the enamel on your teeth like bleaching agents do in dentist offices or with whitening strips.
3. Oil Pulling Detoxifies the Body. Research has shown that the antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil and sesame oil effectively removes toxins from the mouth that can cause inflammation, infection and disease. I don't know about y'all, but I have several mercury fillings in my mouth from eating too much candy as a kid. Studies have shown that the fillings (including root canals and other dental work) often leave behind toxic agents in the mouth that get into the bloodstream. Oil pulling minimizes the amount of toxins that get into your bloodstream!
4. Oil Pulling Boosts Your Immune System. Because oil pulling removes toxins from your mouth, they are not able to make their way down to your gut, which is where 80% of your immune system is located. When you're swishing the oil around in your mouth, you're also cleansing your tongue and gums. When you spit out the oil, you're also spitting out the bacteria too! That's some nasty shit, ain't it?? 😂😂 But it works!
5. Oil Pulling Promotes a Healthy Heart.  I know right? How do you even connect the two? Well, studies have shown that good oral hygiene has a direct link to a healthier heart! Research has also shown that bacteria and inflammation in the mouth are linked to heart attack and dementia. It might sound far-fetched, but what do you have to lose trying it?

A Few Things To Mention When Oil Pulling....

• You should oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach!  That means when you first wake up....no food or drink. That's how you maximize the benefits!
• DON'T swallow the damn oil!!! Honey, can you imagine, trying to swallow some thick ass oil that you've been holding in your mouth for 20 minutes?😂😂😂 Child, you wouldn't want to....just don't do it, ok??
• It's THICK and you will probably gag the first few times!  If you're new to this, you will probably gag trying to hold it in your  mouth for that long....and  honestly you might even swallow a little bit of it until you get the hang of it. 😲😲 But don't worry, it ain't gonna kill you. 😂
• Do it while you're doing something else to keep your mind occupied! I literally pop it in my mouth when I jump in the shower. By the time I get out, dry off, and lotion down, it's pretty much 20 minutes later!
• DON'T spit it in the toilet or in the sink!! You know the saying "pressure bust pipes??" Well, if you spit that stuff in your sink or toilet, you are dying to fuck up your pipes, my G!! 😂😂  I'm trying to tell you! The oil thickens and clogs up your pipes over time, which can definitely cause a hefty plumbing bill that you can avoid if you do what I tell you to do! Just spit it in the trash can!

Welp, that's it for me, y'all! My brain is fried, but I think I've covered everything. I've been oil pulling for years now, and I've gotten used to the technique.  If you decide to try oil pulling (or you're already doing it), please leave me a comment and tell me what you think about it! Treena V., signing off. Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real!

-The Vegan World Traveler