Yes, you can chew coconut oil.
Coconut oil is recognized as an edible substance, meaning it is safe to consume orally. According to available information, it is absorbable and considered safe for oral use with few risks.
Why Chew or Use Coconut Oil Orally?
Beyond simply being edible, using coconut oil in your mouth can offer several potential health benefits:
- Fighting Harmful Bacteria: Coconut oil has properties that can help combat unwanted bacteria in the mouth.
- Reducing Inflammation: Oral use of coconut oil may contribute to reducing inflammation in the mouth or gums.
While "chewing" solid coconut oil will likely involve it melting quickly at body temperature, placing it in the mouth and letting it dissolve or swirling it around (often called "oil pulling") are common ways to utilize its benefits.
Practical Considerations
- Texture: Coconut oil is typically solid at room temperature but melts rapidly when warmed, such as in your mouth.
- Taste: It has a distinct coconut flavor that some find pleasant.
- Usage: Whether you simply let a small amount melt in your mouth or practice oil pulling (swishing it for a period), oral use is deemed safe.
In summary, putting coconut oil in your mouth and performing a chewing motion is safe because the oil is edible and poses few risks for oral use, while potentially offering benefits like reducing inflammation and fighting oral bacteria.
