Yes! Do it!

Here is something that may come as bit of a shock – flossing isn’t all that great. In fact, a recent investigation by the Associated press took a look at the dental claims that flossing was essential to your oral health. They reviewed 25 individual studies finding only “weak, very unreliable, of very low quality” evidence that flossing has any benefit. While you can imagine the ADA (American dental association) and the AAP (American academy of Periodontology) will do everything in their power to combat this report – lets take a deep dive into this to see if we can uncover some myths and better, more natural solutions to your oral health.

I know what you are thinking: “Doctor, are you saying I should stop flossing? Well… I’ll let you decide what you want to do after reading this article (spoiler alert – I’ll show you something 100 times more powerful than flossing, which not only cleans in-between your teeth, but also helps to revitalize and rejuvenate your oral environment).

American History of Flossing

Flossing wasn’t introduced in America until 1815, when American dentist Levi Parmly mixed wax and silk threads together to form the first floss. This wasn’t mass produced until the idea was picked up by Johnson & Johnson in 1898 – when it was only used in dental offices. It wasn’t until the late-1940s that flossing became a household activity. Even today, it’s estimated that only 12% of Americans floss with the recommended schedule of daily, between meals.

Most of the flossing advice you were given was via your parents or your dentist/hygienist, and while some do show certain benefits of flossing (like helping to reduce bacteria), studies ultimately haven’t been shown to actually help prevent plaque or gum diseases like gingivitis as claimed.

Another issue, any study that does show flossing to be beneficial has been funded by the manufacturers of floss – which leaves lots of room for bias interpretations.

Is there something easier, quicker and more effective, preventative and corrective against bacteria, bad breath, cavities and gum disease – ABSOLUTELY!

An alternative to flossing

Coconut Oil Pulling: Faster (and better) Than Flossing

I recommend you try oil pulling with coconut oil. Using oils to pull toxins and bacteria from your gums & teeth is an ancient practice that helps promote healthy teeth and gums due to coconut oil’s natural antibacterial properties. Believe it or not, most people didn’t even regularly brush (or floss) their teeth until around the 1940s — they relied on eating a healthy diet and using natural compounds found in plants to cleanse the inside of their mouths.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling

How might coconut oil pulling help protect you from dental problems just like (or better than) brushing or flossing — and what’s the best way to do it?

• Coconut pulling is performed by swishing about one tablespoon of pure/virgin coconut oil (you can also use virgin sesame oil) in your mouth for roughly 10 to 20 minutes. The oil is then spit out in the trash or compost, carrying bacteria and other pathogens with it.
• Studies continue to develop regarding oil pulling’s effects: In 2011, the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reported that oil pulling is one of the most effective natural health solutions there is for preventing tooth decay and loss.
• Coconut oil contains three unique fatty acids that are responsible for its various health benefits (lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid). These contain antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In addition, coconut oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenolic acid, myristic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K and iron.
• Benefits of coconut pulling include: helping to prevent tooth decay by lowering the presence of bacteria (such as Streptococcus), reducing bad breath, gum inflammation, stained teeth, dry mouth, sore throats, swelling, cavities, cracked lips and even jaw pains. It’s also a way to get rid of cold sores naturally.I recommend you oil pull first thing in the morning, right after you get out of bed and before you brush your teeth or drink anything. Swish the oil around like you would mouthwash, but be careful not to swallow. Spit out the oil in the trash, rinse your mouth out with warm water and brush as normal. Oil pulling is most effective when done 3-4x per week.You can even make a homemade toothpaste using coconut oil combined with ingredients like probiotics, baking soda and minty essential oils. Try experimenting with adding protective essential oils to your mixture (like peppermint, cinnamon or spearmint).

No need to NOT floss, then feel bad about it. Problem solved!