Gwyneth Paltrow and Shaliene Woodley practice oil pulling to whiten teeth

By Elise Gabriele,

Recently single Gwyneth Paltrow and Divergent star Shailene Woodley swear by current oral hygiene sensation oil pulling to whiten their teeth.

According to Guardian Liberty Voice, the ancient Indian tradition suggests swishing a spoonful of oil (coconut or sesame) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes every day. Although also considered a cultural form of meditation, the tradition is said to have several oral health benefits including cavity prevention, reduced gum inflammation, teeth whitening and can cure bad breath.

"It's amazing! It really makes your teeth whiter, because the plaque on your teeth is not water soluble, it's fat-soluble. So the lipids have to dissolve fats, which is why oil works in your mouth," Woodley told Into the Gloss.

Though oil pulling may sound like just another mythical beauty trend, science backs it up.

In an interview with Us Weekly, cosmetic dentist Dr. Marc Lowenberg stated, "The toxins in your body are fat-soluble so they join with the oil and are removed when you spit it out."

Lowenberg adds that this natural remedy for teeth whitening and hygiene is harmless and there is no downside to oil pulling. Not to mention it keeps your breath smelling fresh longer than any mouth washing because it literally removes the smell-causing bacteria from your mouth.

However, Guardian Liberty Voice noted lipoid pneumonia is an indirect health risk to be aware of.

Lipoid pneumonia can occur if the oil is accidentally inhaled into your lungs. Symptoms of this inflammation include cough, chest pain and shortness of breath, according to Mayo Clinic.



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