Improving your oral health isn’t always easy. From water flossers to teeth whitening products, it seems like there’s always another way to take care of your teeth. The latest oral trend, oil pulling, may be the secret to healthy teeth.
What Is Oil Pulling?
The practice, which is now trending with over 41,000 videos on TikTok, claims that coconut oil pulling draws out impurities in the teeth and heals cavities.
“Oil pulling is an ayurvedic oral care practice where you swish a tablespoon of oil, typically coconut oil, around your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out,” said Dr. Ellie Phillips, a dentist and oral health educator. “It doesn’t heal cavities. What it does is it picks up all the bacteria that is floating in your saliva. They say some oils will actually help to pull bad bacteria out of pockets [in your mouth]. If you have gum disease, you have that bacteria, and I do believe [oil pulling] can help.”
However, oil pulling alone isn’t a one-stop-shop for healthy teeth and gums. Instead, she says it should be used in conjunction with other products.
- Best Sensitive Mouthwash: CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash
- Best Soft-Bristle Brush: Mouthwatchers Dr Plotkas Extra Soft Bristle Flossing Toothbrush
- Best Supplement for Oral Health: BioGaia Immune Active Protectis Capsules
- Best Sweetener: Sweet Nature Birch Xylitol Sweetener
- Best Gum: Zellies 100% Xylitol Sugar Free Spearmint Chewing Gum
- Best Natural Toothbrush: Zenia Sewak Natural Miswak Toothbrush
Best Sensitive Mouthwash
The CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash is a great pre-rinse for your mouth before brushing your teeth. It’s alcohol-free and dye-free, so it’s fit for those with sensitive gums. It’s a nice refresh to use in the morning to begin your oral care routine. According to Phillips, it can be used with stronger mouthwashes.
Best Soft-Bristle Brush
Phillips explained that traditional toothbrushes don’t dry long enough to kill off the bad bacteria.
“In the bristles of the toothbrush, which are low oxygen, these bacteria will become more aggressive,” she said. “When you put it back in your mouth, you’ll have more bacteria than last time.”
The Mouthwatchers toothbrush self-sterilizes buildup and bacteria within six hours. In addition, the brush’s thin polyester bristles mimic the feeling of floss for a true deep clean.
Best Supplement for Oral Health
For products that help support your oral and immune health, Phillips said you can try BioGaia. She recommends trying the brand’s Immune Active Protectis Capsules.
“If I was between an electric toothbrush and BioGaia probiotics, I would choose BioGaia,” she said. “You take it, and it helps you to absorb more nutrients from your food. Funnily enough, that helps heal your gums.”
Best Sweetener
Xylitol was the most recommended ingredient by Phillips. Use the Sweet Nature Birch Xylitol Sweetener as a toothpaste to help clean your teeth. According to Sweet Nature, Xylitol sweetener has no effect on your blood sugar levels, so it’s good for diabetics.
Best Gum
Chewing gum excessively causes damage to the temporomandibular joints in your jaw. In some cases, the sugar in traditional gum can cause tooth decay. With flavors, including peppermint and fresh fruit, this gum helps prevent dental plaque, dry mouth and acidity.
Best Natural Toothbrush
For the people that take the alternative route to oral health, Phillips raves about Zenia Sewak Natural Miswak Toothbrush.
“It’s a stick that’s cut from a bush called the toothbrush tree,” she said. “In this stick are all the things I believe you need for mouth health: essential oils, silica (which is what your teeth are actually made of), and a tiny bit of naturally occurring fluoride.”
This stick contains natural fibers that will gently clean your teeth and remove stains, replacing your toothbrush. In addition, it’s hygienic, since you just have to cut off the used piece to reveal a new one.
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