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Which Wounds Can You Treat at Home?

You can take care of most minor cuts and scrapes yourself. How can you tell you don’t need medical help? Home treatment is OK if the wound isn’t very deep and it’s not in a spot where scarring is a problem, like your face. You can also treat it on your own if you can stop the bleeding in 10 minutes with gentle pressure. And make sure there isn’t any dirt in the wound and you’ve had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years.

STAGE 1: THE BLEEDING STOPS

In the first of four healing stages, your body swings into action to stop the flow of blood. Your blood vessel walls narrow to let less of the red stuff through. In minutes, blood cells called platelets rush to the site. Proteins in your blood act like glue to make the platelets clump together and stick to the opening in the blood vessel. This forms a clot, which plugs the bleeding.

STAGE 2: THE INFLAMATION BEGINS

Your blood platelets release special chemicals that cause inflammation. You might see some swelling and redness around the wound. White blood cells head to the scene. They clear the injured area of bacteria and other germs to keep it from getting infected. Your white blood cells also make chemicals called growth factors that help repair the injured area.

STAGE 3: SKIN REBUILDS

Now your body’s healing process kicks into gear. Blood cells arrive to start building new skin. They give your wound the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal and grow new blood vessels. Chemical messengers direct cells to make collagen, a protein that acts like scaffolding to rebuild the damaged area. You might see a scar, which starts out red but should fade with time.

STAGE 4: THE HOME STRETCH

All the things you need to rebuild your skin are now in place. The last stage of healing is about making the new skin stronger. You might see some stretching or puckering around the wound as the replacement tissue takes hold. Total healing can take days, months, or even years. Once the damage has been fully repaired, your skin should be about as strong as it was before the injury.

Wound Care Step 1: Apply Pressure

Before you do anything, wash your hands with soap and water. Then the first step is to stop the bleeding. Put gentle pressure on your skin with a gauze pad or clean cloth. If blood soaks through the gauze, add another piece on top. Raise the injured area if you can to slow the flow of blood. Keep up the pressure for a few minutes.

Wound Care Step 2: Rinse Well

Next, clean out any dirt and debris in your wound to prevent infection. Rinse the cut under running water, or pour a cup of clear water over it. You can also use an alcohol-free wipe or sterile gauze pad moistened with water. Don’t use an antiseptic to wash the injury, because it could irritate your skin.

Wound Care Step 3: Wash Around It

Put a little bit of soap on a washcloth and wash around the injured spot. Try not to get soap on the wound. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, because it could irritate skin that’s already damaged. Afterward, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or tissues. Don’t use a cotton ball, because pieces of it could get stuck in the wound.

Wound Care Step 4: Remove Debris

If you still see dirt in the cut after you’ve washed it, use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to gently pick it out. You can also use tweezers to remove any glass, gravel, or other things left inside the wound. If you can’t get everything out, see your doctor.

Wound Care Step 5: Use Exquis Wound Healing Cream

EXQUIS® Wound Healing Cream is an advanced silicone treatment for minimizing the appearance of scars. The cream dries rapidly to form an invisible protective liquid bandage over the affected area. This protective barrier is flexible, waterproof, and breathable. The patent pending liposome dermal delivery technology has lipid composition similar to the skin. This helps the wound to heal faster. The silicones in the formulation have been shown to flatten, soften, and smooth scars, relieve the itching and discomfort of scars, as well as reduce the discoloration associated with scars.

The product is intended for the management of old and new hypertrophic or keloid scarring resulting from burns, general surgical procedures or trauma wounds

Wound Care Step 6: Bandage

You don’t have to cover small cuts and scrapes. But if your wound is in a spot that rubs against your clothes or may get dirty — like on your knee or hand — put on a gauze pad or a sterile bandage. A bandage keeps the area moist, which helps prevent scabs and scars. The dressing will also keep bacteria out and prevent infection. For deeper cuts, use a “butterfly” bandage to hold the skin closed.

Wound Care Step 7: Change Bandages

Put on a new one at least once a day to keep the wound clean. And replace it if the old bandage gets wet or dirty.

Wash your hands before you change the dressing. Try not to touch the wound. You can apply another layer of antibiotic ointment before you put on the new bandage.

Watch Out For Infection

Any opening in the skin can get infected. As your wound heals, look out for these signs, and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Redness and swelling
  • A lot of pain near the wound
  • Thick, grayish fluid draining from it
  • A fever higher than 100.4 F
  • Red streaks near the cut

For more information

Visit https://www.ExquisSkincare.com/X/

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DRY SKIN

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Dry skin can be uncomfortable and unappealing, feeling rough, itchy or tight and appearing gray or ashy in color. Unusual redness or cracks in the skin can occur and may cause inflammation and bleeding. Proper care for dry skin is determined by the factors that cause it.

Possible Causes for Dry Skin
• Reduction in size and production of oil glands related to aging and chronic illness
• Any rash especially on the inside surface of elbows, behind knees and on the face, hands and feet may also be present, often triggered by an allergic reaction to a contaminant (detergent, perfume, sand, chemicals). Symptoms can be managed by moisturizing the skin and avoiding the trigger.
• Extreme temperatures or low humidity
• Long, hot baths or showers as well as chlorinated water of swimming pools and hot tubs
• Poor lifestyle choices (inadequate nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive washing

Author: Allison Dooley. Skincare Expert


Prevention is key: the symptoms of dry skin can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, morning and before bed
• Use a humidifier when the air is dry
• Reduce exposure to harsh elements and temperature extremes
• Use products that are free of dyes or perfumes
• Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet


When to See a Doctor
The symptoms of dry skin can usually be managed with lifestyle changes, using mild cleansing agents and moisturizers. See your doctor if dryness and itching interrupt sleep or if open wounds or large areas of peeling skin appear.

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BENEFITS OF ALMONDS

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BENEFITS OF ALMONDS

Nutrients and Healthy Fat

One ounce of almonds packs around 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 3.5 grams fiber. Plus, its 14 grams of fat is 80% monounsaturated fat — a healthy fat that helps lower your risk of heart disease while filling you up. 

“Bad” Cholesterol Buster

Almonds come packed with plant sterols, which are compounds that prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. One-third cup of almonds a day, especially when you swap them for a less healthy snack choice, lowers your levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. 

Serve Up Calcium of all the nuts, almonds have the most calcium, at about 75 milligrams per ounce. Calcium is key for bone building, blood clotting, healthy muscles, and a strong heart. 

Dairy Substitute

Whether you have allergies or avoid dairy for other reasons, almond milk is a great stand-in for cow’s milk. It’s lactose free and cholesterol free and is often fortified with nutrients and vitamins.

Full of Fiber

Fiber is a healthy diet must: It helps keep you regular, keeps your blood sugar level, holds cholesterol in check, and lowers your risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. Almonds deliver 3.5 grams of fiber per ounce (about 23 almonds).

Help with Weight Loss

Noshing on almonds helps you feel fuller, which can curb your cravings. Even with their high calorie count, almonds don’t pack on pounds. In fact, some studies show almonds can help boost your metabolism and bring on weight loss. 

Better Sleep

The unsaturated fat in almonds boosts your serotonin levels during the day. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that helps control your sleep/wake cycles. Higher levels during the day mean better sleep at night.

Boost Your Sex Life

A recent study of men showed that a half cup of nuts a day enhanced their sex life, improving the quality of their orgasms and increasing their sexual desire

Build Immunity

Almonds come stocked with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps build up your cells to better withstand damage. Studies show getting more vitamin E can help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

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ROSACEA

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Rosacea is a common skin condition that often begins with facial redness or flushing.  Flushing can occur when emotional triggers activate the sympathetic nervous system to release chemicals causing dilation of blood vessels and inflammation. Early rosacea flushing of the face is transient, lasting for minutes to hours.  In the progression of rosacea, flushing becomes permanent and redness does not resolve.   Rosacea is an inflammatory disorder associated with an immune response to gastrointestinal bacteria (Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori) or mites on the skin. The etiology of rosacea is unknown and it is not contagious or infectious.  Research indicates that hereditary and environmental factors contribute to the onset.  Rosacea  usually affects the cheeks, forehead and nose, but can also appear on the chin, ears and neck. It is chronic and individuals often report stinging or burning pain and pruritic sensations.  Rosacea can cause a great deal of discomfort and the effects on the face can be distressing.

There is no diagnostic test for rosacea. Diagnosis is usually determined by visual appearance of the skin and severity of symptoms. Rosacea cannot be cured and tends to worsen over time if untreated. Medications, laser therapy and alternative therapies may help control symptoms and reduce redness.  Managing trigger factors by investigating food allergies, avoiding extreme temperatures, using UV sunscreen protection, scrupulous cleansing, increasing antioxidants through a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes essential fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy skin and reducing inflammation.  Limit or avoid rich, greasy, highly-seasoned, processed foods, excessive meat and sugar.  Keeping a balance between activity, relaxation and eight hours of good quality sleep is essential to overall health.

Signs and symptoms of rosacea are:                                                       

  • Facial erythema, visible broken blood vessels
  • Flushing
  • Oily Skin
  • Swollen, bumpy skin texture
  • Eye issues that can include blurry vision, burning, dry and swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis
  • Skin thickening on the nose

Risk factors of rosacea are:

  • Female, over age 30
  • Family history
  • Fair, sun-damaged skin
  • Smoking
  • Skin mites
  • Digestive insufficiency (H. pylori carrier)
  • Poor liver function

Factors that can trigger or worsen rosacea are:

  • Physical exercise
  • Emotional stress
  • Wind and/or sun exposure
  • Alcohol
  • Spicy foods, hot beverages
  • Food allergies
  • Adrenal exhaustion
  • Medications
  • Cosmetics

Exquis Skincare has developed affordable, premium quality, Rosacea Relief Moisturizer, an easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing Ayurvedic skincare treatment to reduce redness, inflammation and the prickly/burning sensation of rosacea and to prevent the occurrence of future rosacea breakouts. Free of parabens, Exquis Rosacea Relief Moisturizer is rich in Ayurvedic natural actives that are delivered through a proprietary liposome technology and perfected for all skin types, ethnicities and genders. Made in the USA.

Allison Dooley

Skincare Products Evaluator

I absolutely love Exquis Skincare anti-aging moisturizer.  It leaves my skin soft, fresh and blemish free.

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THE NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR

Skin is the largest organ of the body, consisting of three layers (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous) that regenerate about every four weeks. It functions in the regulation of body temperature, as protection from harmful elements and as sensation to pleasure, pressure and pain.

The epidermis (stratum corneum) is the outermost layer of skin and contains no blood vessels. It is a protective barrier, undergoing rapid cell division (mitosis) that forms a tough, waterproof, outer layer that is dependent upon the underlying dermis (middle layer) to provide nutrients and to dispose of waste. It contains melanin, a pigment that produces vitamin D and protects the body from UV radiation of the sun. The stratum corneum is in a constant state of change, shedding flattened, scaly epithelial cells.  As new cells are produced, older cells are pushed to the skin surface, producing keratin, a waxy, protein substance that aids in cell repair, skin, hair, and nail growth.  Its primary function is to prevent moisture evaporation necessary for proper skin hydration. 

Water evaporating through the epidermis is known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The measurement of transepidermal water loss is a reliable indicator of the integrity of skin barrier function.  A decrease in hydration contributes to skin disease and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging.   

The natural moisturizing factor (NMF) of the stratum corneum, necessary for healthy, smooth and hydrated skin, is comprised of lactic acid, amino acids, sodium PCA, minerals and peptides, a mix of powerful, water soluble humectants that are byproducts of a structural protein known as filaggrin.  Skin uses these byproducts by recycling them to make NMF.

The importance of NMF to skin health is

  • To protect from mechanical damage and maintain skin elasticity.
  • To activate hydrolytic enzymes necessary for dead skin cell shedding.
  • To support the barrier function by protecting the cells from infection, dehydration and chemical damage.

The knowledge of NMF function aids in understanding and treating skin disorders. Antioxidants are the first line of defense against damage caused by the use of harsh skin care products and excessive rubbing that strip skin of natural lipids. These protective antioxidants minimize free radical damage due to aging, hormone fluctuation, poor diet, inadequate hydration, emotional stress, air pollution and UV damage from the sun.  Optimal hydration promotes cell renewal and protects the skin barrier. 

Exqus Skincare products have a host of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.  Natural humectants provide skin protection through moisturizing (skin’s ability to retain water molecules) and hydration (enhancing water content).  To achieve this, Exquis Skincare product ingredients draw moisture to the stratum corneum by increasing NMF to retain moisture and protect against pollutants, bacteria and irritants.  It inhibits enzyme production to even skin tone, repair sun-damaged skin and soften skin texture, repairing and healing the skin barrier for a healthy and supple appearance.  Advanced proprietary liposome delivery technology allows https://www.exquisskincare.com/x/ products to penetrate the outer skin layer, reaching the inner layer to produce significant results of healthier skin.  Exquis Skincare is committed to offering a natural, holistic skincare regimen that addresses specific skin conditions and lifestyle.

Allison Dooley
Skin care products evaluator
It’s a great time of the year to pick apples and enjoy long walks.
Enjoy your weekends.

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Ayurvedic Skincare: A wholesome approach to maintain healthy, younger looking skin

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Ayurveda is the oldest, continually practiced form of natural medicine in the world. Originating over 5, 000 years ago, this concept focuses on body-mind wholeness and wellness of the individual, created through balancing three biological energies (doshas).  Lifestyle choices that include proper diet, nutrition and hydration, physical activity and self-care, optimize digestion to maintain balance. The goal of products containing Ayurvedic ingredients is to maintain overall wellness through prevention and healing and  to develop an attractive external appearance.  Ayurveda establishes the highest standards in the theory of a natural, plant-based skincare routine that can restore a clear and beautiful complexion.

The Three Doshas of Ayurveda:

  1. Vata dosha is expressed in all motion and communication.  Vata rules the flow of the breath and communication throughout the mind and nervous system. Characteristics of vata imbalance include frequent hunger, irregular sleep patterns, fast-paced gait, and emotional outburst
  2. Pitta dosha is expressed in understanding, metabolism, heat production, digestion and energy production. Characteristics of pitta imbalance include dominating and self-determined, punctuality and fitful sleep.
  3. Kapha dosha provides stability and structure and balances fluid by hydrating cells and systems, lubricating joints, moisturizing skin, and protecting tissues. Characteristics of kapha imbalance include empathy, emotional eating, sleep inertia and passivity.

Imbalances of the doshas may be caused by inadequate diet, acid reflux, anxiety, headaches, stress and/or trauma, as well as lifestyle choices that can affect skin appearance, overall health and cause disease.

How do imbalanced doshas affect skin health and how can they be corrected with Exquis Ayurvedic skincare products?

Exquis moisturizers effectively hydrate dry or rough skin associated with Vata imbalance, restoring softness.

Exquis moisturizers calm, cool and neutralize inflamed skin and rashes attributed to Pitta imbalance.

Exquis moisturizers restore oily skin, seen in Kapha imbalance, to its normal state.

Exquis Skincare products combine traditional Ayurvedic actives including turmeric, neem, aloe vera, basil, and sandalwood.  These ingredients are well known and traditionally used for their extensive soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial healing properties.  The potent, plant-based actives calm breakouts soothe painful skin irritations and hydrate dry skin to achieve balanced, brighter-looking and healthier skin.The wide-ranged effects of Exquis Skincare products are derived from a specific, formulated blend of antioxidants, moisturizers and vitamins that are beneficial to even the most sensitive skin.  In Ayurveda, skin is considered a manifestation of inner health.  Exquis Skincare products balance and support skin health to prevent signs of premature aging and achieve the appearance of vibrant, healthy, and supple skin.  

Author:  Allison Dooley, Skincare evaluator

A daily skincare routine and a clean diet are two of the most important tips for achieving beautiful skin.

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PLANT-BASED CONNECTION AND SKIN

Plants are natural sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and essential oils that promote skin regeneration and healing. Plant-based skincare products are made from ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds, whole grains, legumes and nuts.    Antioxidants are a class of compounds that protect cells from free radical damage, which lead to illness and aging.  They include Vitamins A, C, E and thousands of plant-based compounds that provide natural protection and skin regeneration at a cellular level. The nutrition in plant based skincare products restores and strengthens the body’s cells  by reducing free radical damage.  Plant based skincare products are free of harmful chemicals that include parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Ayurveda focuses on strengthening natural defense against illness through the balance of body, mind and spirit.  Investing in healthy skin does improve overall health.  Plant-based products are important for maintaining skin function and health by calming inflammation and redness of acne, allergies and eczema and by reducing hyperpigmentation through exfoliation and hydration.  

The botanical world is rich in natural nutrition that boosts antioxidants, the essential building blocks for effective products that produce noticeable results in skin health.Exquis Skincare products offer plant-based nutrition and are created to repair, rejuvenate and refine skin appearance for all ages, genders and skin types.  These products are available online at https://www.exquisskincare.com/x/

Allison’s favorite thing to do is anything with nature, especially water.  She enjoys swimming, boating and fishing.

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FACE MASK & SKINCARE

Wearing a face mask every day can be harmful to your skin barrier, a thick wall that protects from irritants and microbes. The skin barrier consists of the outer layer of skin cells called the stratum corneum and the lipid matrix that holds the cells together.  

Skin irritation is a major detriment from wearing a face mask. The skin becomes sensitive, resulting in dry, itchy, acne-prone, and inflamed skin. Applying moisturizer is the best and easiest way to decrease friction between the skin and mask by creating a strong, protective barrier for your skin.

I recommend Exquis moisturizer, which I use daily. It reduces damage from harsh pollutants, providing the optimal hydration and nourishment that your skin needs.  The phospholipid liposomes rebuild the skin’s barrier level and act as a reservoir of moisture to the inner layer of the skin. Exquis moisturizer contains Ayurvedic natural actives including turmeric, basil, sandalwood, and Aloe vera, best known and proven for their extensive calming and healing anti-inflammatory properties.  This product is great for all skin types.  Wishing you great health and happiness!

Exquis Ayurvedic skincare products are available online at https://www.exquisskincare.com/x/

About Author,

To Allison Dooley, taking care of her health means feeling good and strong every day.  Healthy living is all about balance.  Daily juicing is one way to incorporate vitamins and nutrition into her diet.  She also enjoys walking, reading,clinical dentistry and going to all sporting events.

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SUN & SKIN

With summer arriving shortly, the sun becomes stronger and the UV radiation is dangerous to our skin health.  One in five people in the United States will develop skin cancer.  As a child, I loved the outdoors playing sports and swimming.  I always sunburned and developed skin cancer twenty-three years ago and would like to share a few tips for prevention. 

  • Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB moisturizer with sunscreen SPF of 15 or higher everyday
  • Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors
  • Wear protection clothing such as hats and sunglasses
  • Avoid sun from 10-2
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Self-check your skin

To keep my skin healthy and prevent signs of aging, I use Exquis moisturizer.  The Exquis products bring together traditional ayurvedic actives including turmeric, avocado, aloe vera, basil, and sandalwood. The ayurvedic herbal extracts, antioxidants, emollients, shea butter, and vitamins provide optimum moisture and protection for my skin.  Wishing you all a great summer full of enjoyable activities, but please always keep skin cancer prevention and your healthy skin in check. Exquis Skincare products are available online at https://www.exquisskincare.com/x/

About the Author

Allison Dooley, RDH, ADT, MSH, has been in Dentistry for 27 years with a strong passion to educate her patients. She feels that the most important component of patient education is the link between oral health and systemic disease, as well as how nutrition plays an integral part in both.

 
  

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The Beauty Benefits of Natural Oils

Exquis Natural Ayurvedic Skincare: ExquisSkincare.com

Why Try Natural Oils?

They are touted as alternatives to condition hair, moisturize skin, fight acne, and strengthen nails. Take a stroll down the beauty aisle of your drugstore and you’ll find them in many products. Do they work? You might need to experiment. Everyone’s skin is different, and it comes down to trial and error.

Marula

Made from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to South Africa, this oil is rich and hydrating. It’s full of fatty acids, which dermatologists say soothe dry skin. It absorbs quickly and won’t leave you shiny or greasy.

Tea Tree

Red, inflamed breakouts happen when bacteria gets trapped inside your pores. Research shows that tea tree oil helps zap that bacteria. In one trial, it beat a placebo gel (which has no active ingredients) at treating acne and calming inflammation. Another study found that it was as effective as benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in over-the-counter zit remedies.

Argan

Sometimes called “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which can fight the effects of aging. Dermatologists also say its omega-3 fatty acids boost collagen growth and plump up your skin. It doesn’t matter if you have a dry, oily, or normal skin type.

It also conditions hair, but doesn’t weight it down or make it feel greasy. You can still use your other hair care products, too.

Chamomile and Peppermint

You probably think of chamomile as a relaxing tea, but the oil from this daisy-like plant can also calm your skin. Skin specialists call it an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic, which cuts down on redness, irritation, and the chance of infection. Peppermint oil has the same soothing properties.

Coconut

Dry, cracked skin is more likely to get infected, irritated, and have allergic reactions. Coconut oil protects and moisturizes it, and soothes the scaly, rough patches that go along with common conditions like eczema, too.

Rosehip and Carrot

You’ll find vitamin A in lots of skin care products. It’s a “retinoid,” a chemical that helps replace old skin cells with new ones and make collagen, which can ease color changes from scarring and stretch marks. Two oils that are particularly rich in vitamin A: rosehip seed and carrot. Some dermatologists say they’re also good as acne and anti-aging treatments. You would use only a tiny dab at nighttime.

Rosemary and Castor

Want to plump up your ponytail? Does your scalp show more than it used to? Rosemary oil may help you get a thicker, shinier mane. In one study, 6 months of treatment worked as well as 2% minoxidil against androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in men and women. And it was less likely to cause an itchy scalp.

Castor oil is another home remedy said to thicken brows and lashes. Before you try it, ask your doctor if it’s safe, since it would go near your eyes. The jury’s still out as to whether it really works.

Olive and Avocado

Got thin or brittle nails? For a simple, all-natural solution, dab a little olive or avocado oil on them before bed. The oils will soak in overnight and nourish with good-for-you fatty acids. You can use other types of oil for this, too.

Sesame

Could you replace your mouthwash with oil? It’s trendy, but oil pulling, or rinsing out your mouth with oil, is a generations-old remedy for healthy teeth and gums. Research shows it might help. Recent international studies found that swishing with sesame oil (coconut and sunflower work, too) can cut plaque and gingivitis. It may also wash away the microorganisms that cause bad breath.