Twin Tested: What is Oil Pulling?

The nature lovers in our lives introduced us to coconut oil. So we started cooking with it, using it as moisturizer, etc. Then they told us to put in our mouths and use it as a mouthwash…. for 15 minutes at a time. It’s a new way to clean your teeth called oil pulling. I have to admit, the first time I did it I gagged. There is just something incredibly unappetizing about having oil swashing around your mouth for that long. Our friends (and the internet) claimed that it would not only whiten teeth, but also clean out our mouths. We decided to put it to the test against our tried and true favorite teeth whitener, Crest Whitestrips.

Then, we asked an expert to judge the process. We went to see Dr. Tom Broadbent at Pioneer Valley Dental.

Pros of Oil Pulling: 

– it truly removes bacteria from your mouth

– it works on sensitive teeth

– it is an all natural option

Cons of Oil Pulling:

– it is pretty gross swirling oil in your mouth, definitely something that takes some getting used to

– it takes 15 minutes a day. the dentist said if you spend 15 minutes/day brushing and flossing your teeth will be better off

– it only whitens teeth very slighty, bleach works much better

Would you try it? Have you tried it? We want to know what you think!

Big thanks to Dr. Broadbent at Pioneer Valley Dental for helping us with this Twin Test!