Can I do oil pulling when I have braces?

Oil-pulling question?

• I've been oil-pulling for about 2 week now (sunflower oil, once a day). It's been very effective and I have had quite a few positive results! My only concern: every since I started, I've had a cough. No other cold symptoms and it doesn't even come from the chest, but more from the back of the throat (like if you have a dry throat and cough). I drink PLENTY of water and usually after a few sips, it will go away for a few minutes. It doesn't bother me so much as it's annoying (my job includes a lot of talking on the phone) and my co-workers are looking at me like I have the plague! The coughing sounds a lot worse than it is. Any ideas why this might be happening? It started the day after my first pulling and has continued since. If it's just a side effect, it's one I will gladly live with! The other results are so positive!!!

• Answer:

  Hi, there. I'm so glad you've discovered the benefits of oil pulling!! One possible reason for the cough is that small amounts of the oil containing all the toxins are getting into your throat. The toxins in the oil may be causing a slight irritation. One way to help remedy that is to rinse with a salt water solution after you do the pull. The salt water will help eliminate and cleanse any toxins left over from the oil pull. Try this and see if it help. If it does not, you can also try rinsing with a glass of 8 oz. of water with 2 tblsp. hydrogen peroxide added. This will also help cleanse and purify the tissues in the mouth and throat. Other things you can add to a glass of water that may help include a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of lemon juice, or a few drops of tea trea oil and/or lavender oil. Rinse with these combinations and do not swallow them. Any of the above solutions will help soothe and cleanse the tissues in your mouth and throat. Please let me know which one works the best for you. Good luck!