Microbiome Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Have you been meaning to try oil pulling, but it just seems too messy? Whether you already enjoy oil pulling or would like to start, I’ve created a recipe for microbiome coconut oil pulling chews that is a must try!

Ayurveda is the ancient healing system of India that was developed thousands of years ago to achieve healing and total body balance through natural methods, including diet and herbal treatments. Of the most well-known Ayurvedic treatments, oil pulling is one that has increased in popularity in modern times—and for good reason.

As a key part of the Ayurvedic tradition, oil pulling was used well before the advent of toothpastes and mouthwashes to address oral and dental health. The wise men and women of ancient India knew then, what I constantly profess now: What happens in the mouth happens in the body.

Oil pulling (or the swishing around of oil in the mouth) is a great way to keep the mouth clean, improve bad breath, and whiten teeth, and with these fun, pre-portioned chews, oil pulling can also be super convenient.

I carefully selected each of these ingredients to nourish the oral microbiome, help promote remineralization of the teeth, and enhance the biofilm of the tooth, thus resulting in fewer cavities, better breath, and better gut health.

Let’s take a closer look.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a potent antimicrobial.  It has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans in vitro, a bacteria found to be a significant contributor to tooth decay.

Avocado oil

Like olive oil, avocado oil contains high amounts of the heart healthy monounsaturated fat, oleic acid. It’s high in antioxidants and the fat soluble vitamin E, which is helpful in preventing inflammation, such as the chronic inflammation that can lead to periodontal disease.

Baobab

A high fiber food from the fruit of the Baobab tree, this ingredient is a perfect prebiotic, or fuel for the beneficial microflora in your mouth. Baobab is also a rich source of vitamin C (important for gum health!) and bioflavonoids with a delicately sweet citrus flavor that makes this a superfood sweetener.

Spore based probiotic (optional)

Spore-based probiotics are derived from the soil. They were a common component of our ancestor’s diets, when eating fresh food from the earth brought with it an abundance of microorganisms that benefited their microbiome. They are hardier than other probiotics in their ability to withstand greater pH and temperature variations.

Now let’s move on to the recipe.

Microbiome Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Even if you already take a daily probiotic, I highly recommend adding the spore-based probiotics to this recipe. Swishing them in your mouth for 5-10 minutes will give them time to fight bad bacteria in the mouth and rebalance the oral microbiome—which is critically important for fighting bad breath and preventing gum disease, cavities, and a host of other issues.

• Author: Dr. Burhenne
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Makes about ¾ cups or 36 one teaspoon portions

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Cold-pressed Organic Coconut Oil (unrefined, gently warmed to a liquid if necessary)
• 1/4 cup Avocado Oil
• 3 teaspoons Baobab Powder
• 2 capsules Spore Based Probiotic (optional)
• Mini Ice Tray
• Glass Jar

Instructions

1. Mix coconut oil with avocado oil.
2. Whisk in baobab powder, until dissolved.
3. Fill ice cube trays in 1 teaspoon portions (or 2 teaspoons if you prefer).
4. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely hardened.
5. Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge. Use one each morning for oil pulling first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. Look for silicone or BPA-free ice cube trays if possible.

Notes

After brushing and flossing, gently swish, pull and suck the oil through your teeth, the chews will quickly melt in your mouth as you begin. Start slow and don’t work too hard, pulling for about 1-3 minutes at a time.

Don’t swallow the oil.

If the urge to swallow is too great, try cutting the chew into half to use less.

Discard the used oil out in the trash, discarding in the sink or toilet can clog plumbing. Rinse your mouth with warm water.