Wheatgrass pulling is easy to fit into a regular oral health routine. It helps prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease) by eliminating bacteria in your mouth and on your gums (1). Wheatgrass pulling repairs receding gums by providing nutrients to the tissues and spaces between teeth.
Wheatgrass pulling is an oral health routine that involves swishing wheatgrass around in the mouth in a similar way to mouthwash, but for a much more extended period. The natural antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits of wheatgrass pulling have been shown to prevent tooth decay and cavities, plus it can help whiten and strengthen your teeth (2).
Wheatgrass is a highly absorbable oil with several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria. It is also edible, so it has few risks for oral use. The recommended usage is swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 15–20 minutes to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth.
Wheatgrass is often referred to as “green blood” because it includes high levels of chlorophyll that provide wheatgrass products an unusual green hue. The benefits of gargling with wheatgrass provide a balanced array of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, live enzymes, and phytonutrients to give your body what it needs.
Chlorophyll is a powerful antibacterial substance and gargling with wheatgrass can relieve strep throat and even help get rid of bad bacteria. Wheatgrass unquestionably is a source of many nutrients, including vitamins E and B12, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Wheatgrass Pulling Benefits
1. Killing harmful bacteria in the mouth
The mouth contains hundreds of bacteria, some of which are harmful and may lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Wheatgrass pulling can reduce the number of bacteria found in the saliva and can help support proper oral hygiene. It is a safe alternative to chlorhexidine, which is an ingredient in some mouthwashes.
2. Preventing cavities
Cavities stem from tooth decay as a result of bacteria buildup, poor oral hygiene, and consuming too much sugar (3).
Plaque can also cause cavities by forming a coating of bacteria, saliva, and food particles on the teeth that can damage the enamel.
Wheatgrass pulling may decrease the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, possibly helping to prevent cavities. In addition to brushing and flossing, this can be another way to achieve optimal oral health.
3. Reducing inflammation and improving gum health
The bacteria in plaque may lead to gingivitis, which is a common gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and inflamed gums that bleed easily.
Chlorophyll neutralizes the toxins that inflame gums and loosen teeth. Research suggests that wheatgrass can reduce inflammation. This may benefit oral health and inflammation in the mouth.
Wheatgrass prevents gum disease or treats existing gum disease by destroying oral bacteria, but it treats your entire body, not just your mouth.
4. Whitening teeth
When it comes to teeth whitening, you may see many different methods featured online and in magazines. Although there is no scientific evidence to confirm that wheatgrass pulling can whiten teeth, evidence suggests it may clear stains from the surface of the teeth. There is little risk in trying to whiten teeth in this way.
5. Reducing bad breath
Bad breath is generally due to poor oral hygiene, tongue coating, infection, or gum disease as a result of bacteria buildup. Wheatgrass pulling may be an effective natural alternative for bad breath and may work as well as traditional treatment with chlorhexidine.
Chlorophyll, the green substance that gives plants their color, has natural odor-curbing properties to eliminate bad breath and even fight it at its root in your body.
How to Do Wheatgrass Pulling
Wheatgrass pulling is easy to do and involves just a few simple steps.
Here are the 4 simple steps to do wheatgrass pulling:
- Measure one tablespoon of wheatgrass juice, if using powder, prepare according to package instructions.
- Swish it around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes.
- Spit the juice out in the sink or trash once you’re done.
- Rinse your mouth well using water before eating or drinking anything.
Repeat these steps a few times per week or up to three times daily. You may also want to work your way up, starting with swishing for just 5 minutes and increasing the duration until you’re able to do it for a full 15–20 minutes.
For best results, most recommend doing this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, although you can adapt based on your personal preferences
One bag of wheatgrass powder can last for months on end with daily use making it a very cost-effective option. Consistent use keeps gums from harboring bacteria, eliminates bad breath and offers your body dozens of other health benefits. Alternative health enthusiasts have discovered how wheatgrass prevents gum disease, and this knowledge can help you avoid tooth loss, bad breath, cavities and keep your smile bright.