STUDY FINDS – Using Coconut Oil In Oil Pulling Is Much Healthier

Learn why using coconut oil in oil pulling is much healthier. Check out the article we found over at Health Impact News.

by Brian Shilhavy
Health Impact News Editor

A new study published in the Nigeria Medical Journal looked at the effect of “oil pulling” with coconut oil on plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis. The study was conducted in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Kannur Dental College, in Kerala, India.

Oil pulling is a technique that has become popular where one takes a spoonful of coconut oil and swishes it around in their mouth (without swallowing) for 15 minutes or so. Many health benefits are claimed from following such a practice, but so far published research has only documented the dental benefits. Even “mainstream” dentists in the United States are reporting benefits they are seeing in their patient’s dental health among those who regularly practice oil pulling.

The discussion portion of the study speculated as to how oil pulling with coconut oil reduces plaque and gingivitis:

There are various hypotheses on the mechanisms by which oil pulling may act in decreasing the plaque and gingival index. In oil pulling, as the oil is swished in the mouth the mechanical shear forces exerted on the oil leads to its emulsification and the surface area of the oil is greatly increased. The oil film thus formed on the surface of the teeth and the gingiva can reduce plaque adhesion and bacterial co aggregation.

It was also proposed that the alkalis in the saliva can react with the oil leading to saponification and formation of a soap like substance which can reduce the adhesion of plaque. Coconut oil has a high saponification value and is one of the most commonly used oil in making soaps. The soaps produced with coconut oil can lather well and have an increased cleansing action. The lauric acid in the coconut oil can easily react with sodium hydroxide in saliva during oil pulling to form sodium laureate, the main constituent of soap which might be responsible for the cleansing action and decreased plaque accumulation.

Next article: 7 Reasons To Replace Your Toothpaste With Coconut Oil (Recipe Included)

Read full article: Study: Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil Decreased Plaque and Gingivitis