We have mentioned many times in this blog how important it is to have a healthy foundation regarding your dental health before any cosmetic procedures will be safe and lasting. The basics of oral hygiene have remained the same for years upon years: floss, brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and possibly use an antibacterial mouthwash. Of course, you must visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and thorough cleaning. Yet there’s still people that take all of these steps and find they wish there was more they could do to ensure optimal oral health and the best looking teeth and gums possible. Highland Park cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, will tell you about a home remedy many people swear by: oil pulling.
How to Oil Pull
Oil pulling begins in the morning, before you’ve eaten. You can use any oil you wish. Many people prefer sesame or coconut oil, but olive or vegetable is fine as well. Basically, as odd as it may seem at first, you will take one tablespoon of your oil of choice and swish it around in your mouth. Think of swishing with mouthwash in slow motion. This process should last approximately 20 minutes, and you want to pull the oil through your teeth and around in your mouth. What dental benefits, you may ask, could this possibly have?
Oil Pulling Theories
Proponents of oil pulling believe that the process attracts and removes bacteria from your mouth. Furthermore, there is thought that other toxins throughout your body and in your lymph system can benefit from the practice. As far as your oral health is concerned, while there is not definitive scientific proof, believers feel that oil pulling re-mineralizes your teeth and strengthens your gums. Finally, people who oil pull on a regular basis swear that it is a great way to brighten up dull and stained teeth. However, if you want substantial results, professional teeth whitening from your Highland Park cosmetic dentist will offer you multiple shades of brightness as opposed to a more subtle do-it-yourself home remedy.
Consult with Your Highland Park Cosmetic Dentist
If you have cosmetic flaws you may be depriving yourself of the joy of smiling. Your Highland Park cosmetic dentist would be happy to consult with you on how to attain the smile of your dreams, including teeth whitening procedures. To schedule an appointment, call our 60035 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
