I am a huge fan of oil pulling. I’ve previously shared how I got started with this age-old practice and why I started oil pulling with coconut oil instead. I decided to upgrade my oral routine with coconut oil pulling chews infused with essential oils!
Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits
Not familiar with oil pulling? All you have to do is hold some oil (usually sesame oil or coconut oil) in your mouth and spit it out into the trash can. There is research and a lot of anecdotal evidence that it can reduce plaque. Coconut oil is also a naturally mild antibacterial agent and may help inhibit oral bacteria.
Extracting teeth with coconut oil is an old practice, but more people are taking it up again. How long you use coconut oil will depend on your patience, but 5 to 20 minutes is a good goal. So how often do you do coconut oil pulling? I’m aiming for once a day, at least several times a week.
The type of coconut oil you use also plays an important role. I recommend using organic virgin (or unrefined) coconut oil. MCT oil also works.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil for Teeth
The idea is that the oil can help reach and remove harmful substances in the mouth, such as bacteria and plaque. Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes or toothpastes, oils can be difficult to reach the gum area. The natural antibacterial properties of oils such as coconut can help break down bacteria.
Many people report that their teeth and gums become much cleaner when they use oil pulling regularly. Other people notice that their bad breath goes away. Personally, I noticed less gum swelling and dental plaque. My dentist even commented on how clean and plaque-free my teeth were after adding oil pulling to my oral health routine.
Oil pulling is not a miracle cure, but it will likely make your teeth and gums healthier. This is especially true when used in conjunction with other good oral health care practices. If you’d like to learn more, I’ve written more about coconut oil pulling here.
Coconut Oil Pulling with Essential Oils
These coconut oil pulling chews were inspired one day when I was making homemade chocolate in a small mold. I realized I could make my routine simpler by making bite-sized oil pulling chews.
Adding essential oils such as peppermint, clove, and tea tree improves flavor and provides health benefits. My favorites so far are mint and clove. Make sure the oil you choose is safe for oral use and will not interact with medications or health conditions.
Essential oils that are effective for oil pulling include:
I store these chews in the refrigerator to keep them in shape. Keeping it cool also helps with the initial texture. For children who struggle with the texture of coconut oil, it can be very helpful to keep it in the refrigerator so they can “chew” it first.
Coconut Oil Pulling Chews
Pre-made chewables make oil pulling easy. Customize the flavor with your favorite essential oils and add health benefits!
produce: 12 chew
Melt the coconut oil until it is almost liquid.
Turn off the heat and add the essential oil.
Pour it into a silicone candy mold and place it in the refrigerator or freezer to harden.
When it hardens, take it out of the mold and store it in a bottle.
Chew once daily as needed for oil pulling.
- Want a pre-made essential oil blend? I love Wellnesse’s Balanced Mouth Blend.
- The molds I used held about 2 teaspoons each. If your molds are slightly smaller or larger than mine, you may get different yields.
Other Healthy Mouth Recipes
I have always been fascinated by oral health. It was even possible to reverse cavities using a combination of diet, supplements, and oral health products. Since then, I have made this a priority for our entire family. Here are a few other recipes and methods we use:
Have you ever tried coconut oil pulling? How did it work for you? Let us know by leaving a comment!
