A surprising mouthwash ingredient could combat bacteria and boost your teeth and gum health, an expert has claimed.
Speaking to Woman’s Weekly, Dr Richard Marques, a Harley Street dentist, warned against using mouthwash immediately after brushing, as it could remove the fluoride and dilute its “preventative effects”.
According to the magazine, it’s advisable to use mouthwash at various times of the day instead, but opting for a more unusual ingredient can also provide health benefits and tackle bacteria in your mouth.
Dr Alan Clarke, the clinical director at Paste Dental, said: “Swishing coconut oil around your mouth for up to 15-20 minutes can help remove bacteria, promoting healthier gums and teeth.”
To take advantage of this method, you simply need to use a single tablespoon of coconut oil and spit it out prior to brushing.
However, swilling oils around your mouth for medicinal purposes isn’t a new concept, particularly coconut oil, according to Healthline.
The practice is called “oil pulling” and has been used as an Indian folk remedy for thousands of years, with the key benefit viewed as being the removal of bacteria.
Colgate says the ancient practice is thought to help remove the body’s impurities and boost oral health, with the company highlighting two studies investigating such claims.
In one study, it was discovered that coconut oil worked as well as the prescription mouthwash chlorhexidine in tackling Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that is thought to cause tooth decay.
A second study pointed out by Colgate compared sesame oil with coconut and found that coconut is better for oil pulling because it offers antibacterial and antifungal effects.
In addition, olive oil is thought to be another substance that can be used for oil pulling, as it contains ingredients with antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
However, Colgate warned that oil pulling should never be used to replace brushing and flossing and cautioned people that there still isn’t enough information on the safety and effects of the practice.
Healthline said it has been claimed that oil pulling can help fight cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
It also said extra-virgin coconut oil is a common choice, as it tastes nice and has high levels of lauric acid, which offers antimicrobial benefits.
