Plus, what it can and can't do for your dental health.
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| | | | Oil pulling has been around for thousands of years. And lately, it's been making its way around the internet and people's mouths –– including my own. I'm always down to try different wellness practices, but I was not into this one. It hurt my jaw, and the texture in my mouth skeeved me out. While it's a hard no for me, others are definitely on board. | | Some of its touted health claims are pretty lofty, so I went on a mission to separate fact from fiction. Can oil pulling really detox your blood, whiten your teeth, and banish bad breath? I did the research so you don't have to. Read the dentals — I mean details — below. | | But first, here are some new health stories you won't want to miss: | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 2, 2023 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | What oil pulling can –– and can't –– do for you | 👄 First things first, what's oil pulling? This ancient Ayurvedic oral hygiene technique involves swishing oil around your mouth on a daily basis. Ayurveda suggests it can rid your body of heavy metals through your saliva because the mouth (or, more specifically, the tongue) is connected to many other organs, such as the kidneys and lungs. But are these ancient hypotheses based in science?
🦷 Proven health benefits. Two of the most popular claims are that oil pulling can whiten your teeth and remove toxins from your blood. However, no studies have confirmed these potential perks. We do have some evidence that it can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath by decreasing harmful bacteria. But keep in mind that these findings all come from rather small studies.
📚️ How to do it. Oil pulling is super simple, but it can be a jaw workout and time commitment. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning (traditionally, it's done on an empty stomach), swish it around for 15–20 minutes like mouthwash, then spit it out. Yes, 20 minutes is a *long* time –– you can do 5–10 minutes if your jaw gets tired. If you have a coconut allergy, you can use sesame, sunflower, or olive oil instead. Just keep in mind that these oils might not taste as good and could be a lot more expensive!
🪥 Heads-up. Oil pulling isn't a replacement for brushing, flossing, or going to the dentist. But if you're looking for an easy and accessible way to score better breath, oil pulling might be a low risk remedy to try. | | | | | | |
| | | | Bye, dry air! | | | | | | |  | | Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier | | When the weather gets cooler, my thermostat cranks up (and so does my utility bill). High heat also means drier air … and an unhappy nose. I keep this smart humidifier running to help keep my home moisturized and reduce the chance of waking up congested and irritated. It runs up to 60 hours, links with an app, and is easy to fill and clean. You can even throw essential oils in there for some relaxing aromatherapy. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading, friends! I'd usually say Ginger will be back in your inbox on Wednesday, but that's not true anymore. From now on, I'll be the only editor sending you Wellness Wire newsletters. (Don't worry, Ginger is still here –– just shifting behind the scenes.) I hope you won't get sick of me. 😬
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