Fluoride toothpaste may also be the single largest source of fluoride ingestion in young children, a major risk factor for disfiguring dental fluorosis. According to research, it's not uncommon for young children to swallow more fluoride from toothpaste than is recommended for the entire day from all sources.10
Science has clearly demonstrated that swallowing fluoride is detrimental to your and your children's health. It is a toxic chemical that accumulates in your tissues over time, changing your enzymes and producing serious neurological and endocrine dysfunction.11,12,13,14
Children are particularly sensitive to the adverse effects of overexposure to fluoride. Therefore, if you have young children it's recommended you use a non-fluoride toothpaste, or teach them to brush their teeth with coconut oil too.
Fluoride builds up in your body as well as your child's, so it's a good idea that you use non-fluoride toothpaste as well.
Better Still
Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid found to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, the chief bacteria responsible for cavities.4,5
Coconut oil also protects against yeast infections in the mouth, generally referred to as thrush.6,7 This condition is more common if your immune system is compromised, or may be experienced by infants and nursing mothers.
Simply measure out about a tablespoon of coconut oil to pull. You may find this is too much or not enough, but it's a good place to start. Coconut oil is solid below 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4 degrees Celsius) but will quickly liquefy once you put it into your mouth and start moving it around.
Swish the oil around your mouth, using your tongue and cheeks to pull the oil through your teeth. Try to relax your jaw muscles to avoid muscle fatigue. The action is natural and usually won't cause discomfort.
Although you'll want to use it as if it were mouthwash, you don't want to gargle it or swallow the oil you've been pulling. If you feel the urge to swallow, it's important you spit it out and start again.
As you swish the oil around your mouth it breaks down bacteria. Both saliva and bacteria become incorporated into the oil, which is why you don't want to swallow the oil as you swish. After approximately 20 minutes the oil begins to get thick and milky white.
Spit the oil into your garbage can or outdoors. I spit it out in the yard, making sure I don't get it on my plants. Although your saliva is combined with the oil, the liquid may still be oily enough to coat your plumbing and cause a blockage or cause water to drain more slowly. In time, oil pulling can become as natural as brushing your teeth.
By increasing the pH in your mouth after pulling you may reduce bacterial growth even further. To do that, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 6 ounces of water and gargle. This will alkalize the pH of your mouth, and since bacteria thrive in an acidic environment, the increased pH will discourage growth.
Caring for your teeth and gums is an essential part of your overall health and wellness. It's important to address nutrition, oral care and the products you use. Here are some general guidelines that can help you improve your oral health:
•Reduce your net carbohydrate intake to meet your insulin level requirements. I suggest you reduce your overall net carbs — i.e. your total grams of carbohydrates minus your grams of fiber intake — if your fasting insulin level is over 5.
Avoid carbs like beans, legumes, and grains such as rice, quinoa and oats, as well as highly-processed grain products like bread, pasta, cereal, chips, bagels and fries. These begin digestion in the mouth and impact the health of your teeth. Limit fructose intake to 25 grams or less. Even fructose found in fresh fruit should be limited.
•Use toothpaste containing natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, baking soda and essential oils. There is no real reason to expose yourself to dangerous chemicals, such as fluoride, when other natural alternatives are easily available, highly effective and cost efficient.
•Eat a diet rich in fresh, whole foods, grass-fed meats and fermented vegetables. This helps ensure you get plenty of minerals for strong bones and teeth.
•Floss and brush daily. Brush your teeth gently as over brushing along the gum line can cause the gum tissue to recede and develop pockets along the teeth. These are prime areas for bacterial growth.
•Pull with coconut oil once a day for at least 20 minutes to reduce bacterial growth, strengthen your teeth, reduce bad breath and lower your risk of gum disease.
Sources and References
