Yes, it is generally considered safe to put coconut oil in your mouth, particularly for traditional oral hygiene practices like oil pulling.
Understanding Oral Use of Coconut Oil
Putting coconut oil in your mouth is a common practice in some health and wellness routines. Coconut oil is frequently chosen for this purpose over other oils for a couple of key reasons highlighted in health literature:
- Pleasant Taste: Coconut oil tends to have a smoother, more pleasant taste compared to some other oils, making the practice more palatable.
- Anti-Microbial Qualities: Research has indicated that coconut oil possesses anti-microbial qualities. These properties are thought to contribute to its potential benefits for oral health by helping to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Practicing Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
The most popular method of using coconut oil in the mouth is called oil pulling. This technique involves swishing the oil around your mouth and through your teeth for a period of time.
Here is a basic breakdown of how oil pulling with coconut oil is often done, incorporating insights from typical practice:
- Amount: Swish about two tablespoons of coconut oil around in your mouth.
- Technique: Move the oil around, pulling it through your teeth and swirling it over your gums, much like you would with a liquid mouthwash.
- Duration: The duration can vary, but some regular users of this oral health technique swish the oil for as long as 20 minutes.
- Disposal: After swishing, it is crucial to spit the oil out. Do not swallow the oil, as it contains the toxins and bacteria you swished. Spit it into a trash can rather than a sink to avoid clogging pipes as the oil solidifies.
Many people incorporate oil pulling with coconut oil into their morning routine before brushing their teeth.
Important Considerations
While generally safe, it's always wise to consult with your dentist before incorporating new practices like oil pulling into your oral hygiene routine, especially if you have existing dental or health conditions.
