So we told you about oil pulling a while back, but it looks like this oral care ritual has made yet another Internet comeback.
Even though it's an ancient health remedy, Oil pulling has returned, transforming into a beauty and wellness topic that has gone viral today.
What is it? How does it affect your smile? Will it whiten teeth? This time we taped leading cosmetic dentist Dr. Jessica Emery, owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft Chicago to give us her professional take on why oil pulling is now all the rage.
"Oil pulling is a technique used to clean your teeth and mouth," Emery explained. "You place a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish with it for up to 20 minutes. When finished make sure you spit into a trash can and not the sink, as it can clog the pipes."
There is nothing more splendid and virtuous then unrefined coconut oil. It is a hot topic now coming back from the ancient days of tradition due to its many hair, skin, and of course dental benefits.
Coconut oil is now the go-to for many. "People swear by it, that it can fill cavities, relieve toothaches, whiten teeth, freshen breath, absorb harmful bacteria and even say it cures the common cold," Emery told us. "From a dentist's perspective, tooth decay is caused by bacteria and studies suggest that coconut oil treated with enzymes, is like the process that occurs when you have oil in your mouth. The enzymes in your saliva break down. It seems to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. So a good thing."
With many of her clients are big fans of oil pulling, Dr. Emery said that it's OK to believe the hype, as the reviews on the process have all been positive.
"Patients that have oil pulled have said that they 'love how their mouth feels after swishing and that it lasts all day," she said. "They also say that tooth pain is not gone but better. Makes sense to me as we use Vitamin E oil to sooth the gums and clove oil to sooth toothaches. They work."
"I have not tried oil pulling personally but think I may jump on the bandwagon to see for myself," Dr. Emery shared. "No solid proof that it works, but it certainly makes people feel better. Your cheeks may get tired but I say swish away!"
Have you tried oil pulling? Let us know with a note below!