Oil Pulling Benefits For a Healthier Mouth

Oil pulling is an age-old regimen rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It’s now a home remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify the mouth and teeth. But is there any evidence behind this practice and how do you do it?

Oil pulling, along with other elements of dental hygiene and regular dental visits, may help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. It can also help whiten teeth naturally.

What is Oil Pulling?

The short answer is that it’s a process of swishing oil (usually sesame, sunflower oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) in the mouth for up to 20 minutes. The oil is then spat into the trash. The purpose is to improve oral health, and the best time to do it is on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

The basic idea is that swishing oil in the mouth for a short time each day helps pull out the bad stuff and improve oral health. It’s similar to oil cleansing for the skin in that the principle of “like dissolves like” applies. The oil cuts through plaque buildup and removes toxins without damaging the teeth or gums.

The ancient practice of oil pulling (originally called gandusha) started in India thousands of years ago. But it wasn’t really used in the United States until recently.

It was first given the name “oil pulling” in the United States in the early 1990s. A medical doctor, Dr. F. Karach, used it successfully in his medical practice. He claimed it could potentially cure several diseases, including oral ones. The word spread quickly!

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an oral care practice with lots of anecdotal support but a lack of extensive scientific studies. Although there are some… (See the references below). Most sources agree that oil pulling is safe but debate its effectiveness.

Here are some of the reported benefits:

Whiter teeth
Improvement of dry mouth (“xerostomia”)
Fewer cavities and cases of gingivitis
Reduced plaque
Stronger teeth and gums
Improved periodontal disease
Better breath (less “morning breath”)
Improvement in jaw pain (less TMJ pain)
Relief from sinus issues
Fewer headaches
Better skin (less acne, eczema, and psoriasis)
Improved hormone balance
Less arthritis pain
And more…

A 2022 meta-analysis found oil pulling could help lower overall bacteria count in the mouth, improving oral health.

That confirms what was highlighted the year before in 2021: When oil pulling, surface cells on the inside of the mouth are covered with oil droplets. There’s also more saliva production. The result is that the oil-saliva mix captures the bacteria during oil pulling, making it easy to remove by spitting it out.

A 2021 study showed coconut and sesame oil both reduced plaque and discoloration.

My Experience With Oil Pulling

Though I’ve done this for a few years, my only personal experience is with increased oral health (no plaque) and less sensitive (and whiter!) teeth. Although I haven’t had personal experience with this, I’ve heard experts explain how bacteria and infections can enter the blood through the mouth. It does make sense that addressing these infections could impact other parts of the body.

At the very least, oil pulling can be beneficial. It should have no downside if it’s done correctly with a high-quality oil. The oil should be good enough quality to eat. Oil pulling is a very inexpensive therapy that could potentially benefit oral health. For those reasons, I see no downside to trying it and I’ve used it myself for several years.

Although more scientific research is needed, I’ve noticed the benefits personally. Dozens of Wellness Mama readers also swear by its effectiveness.

How to Oil Pull

The concept is simple: a person swishes a couple of teaspoons of fruit or seed-based oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) in the mouth for 20 minutes. They then spit it out and rinse well. It’s best to oil pull in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. However, it can be done before each meal, if needed, for more severe infections or dental problems.

Virgin coconut oil is an excellent option because its lauric acid makes it naturally antibacterial. It has a milder taste than other oils. Anyone with an allergy to coconut oil or coconut products should avoid using coconut oil in this way. Ayurvedic Medicine traditionally used sesame oil, just make sure it’s organic.

You can also add some mouth healthy essential oils to the coconut or sesame oil for extra benefits. The company I co-founded, Wellnesse, has a Balanced Mouth Blend that’s great for this. It features anti-microbial essential oils that help improve the oral microbiome.

Oil Pulling Instructions

Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into your mouth. The oil traditionally used in Ayurveda is organic sesame oil. Sesame is also the oil that’s been the most studied for use in oil pulling. Another option is organic coconut oil pulling. Whichever oil you choose, place 1-2 teaspoons in the mouth. I also pour a few drops of Brushing Blend (naturally antibacterial) into the mix. You can also plan ahead and make these easy coconut oil chews.
Swish for 20 minutes. Timing is key. Dr. Bruce Fife is the author of a book on oil pulling called Oil Pulling Therapy. He says 20 minutes is long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not so long that the body starts re-absorbing the toxins and bacteria. The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixes with saliva during this time. It should be creamy-white by the time it’s spat out. It will also double in volume during this time due to saliva. At first, it can be challenging to complete the full 20 minutes. I didn’t stress over it if I could only swish for 5-10 minutes when I first started.
Spit oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system as I do. Don’t spit into the sink, as the oil may eventually clog the pipes. Don’t swallow the oil, either! Hopefully, it’s now full of bacteria, toxins, and pus that are being removed from the mouth!
Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). I swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of my mouth. Some sources recommend gargling with warm salt water.
Brush well. I prefer to brush with Wellnesse whitening toothpaste to ensure no bacteria remain.

Is Oil Pulling Safe?

Thankfully, this is one point all sources seem to agree on! Some sources claim that oil pulling doesn’t have the benefits often attributed to it or doesn’t actually detoxify the mouth. Still, all of them agree it shouldn’t cause side effects.

The oils typically used for oil pulling are edible oils that are considered healthy when eaten. So, they aren’t problematic when swished in the mouth. The only potential danger is swallowing the oil after it’s absorbed bacteria or toxins from the mouth. Ick. You don’t want to do that!

I asked my dentist for his thoughts on oil pulling. He shared that while we need more research to know for certain, it could be an effective and safe alternative to mouthwash.

Prescription mouthwashes contain a chemical called chlorhexidine, which may be harmful. Studies show that some of these oils used in oil pulling were just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Another option is to make this herbal homemade mouthwash.

Which Oil is Best For Oil Pulling?

The oil you use for oil pulling depends on your goals. If the goal is teeth whitening, I’ve found coconut oil to be the most effective (especially when combined with this unusual remedy). According to the British Dental Journal (BDJ), coconut oil is also slightly more effective at removing certain bacteria from the mouth. These include Streptococcus mutans bacteria known for causing dental caries.

Sesame oil is the oil recommended by most sources (mostly because it was one of the more widely available oils when the practice began). It’s also the most well-studied and considered safe for those not allergic to sesame seeds. Sometimes olive oil is used, but it’s not as well studied.

The main thing is to avoid using high Omega-6 or chemically created oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, etc.

Who Can Do Oil Pulling?

Not every natural remedy is safe for everyone. Here’s the evidence on who can (and can’t) safely use oil pulling.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

I’ve done oil pulling during pregnancy, but I was also already doing it regularly before I got pregnant. I asked a midwife, and she said it’s generally considered safe for pregnant women, especially after the first trimester.

Oral hygiene is especially critical during pregnancy due to the risks of infection. So, I’ve always been glad to have an extra way to keep my teeth and gums healthy while pregnant. I consider it the same as tooth brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash. (This is purely anecdotal, but I haven’t had a cavity, even while pregnant since I started oil pulling and following my oral health routine).

A 2016 randomized controlled trial looked at oil pulling in pregnant women. The researchers found it was just as effective as chlorhexidine at fighting bad breath. This study didn’t raise any concerns about oil pulling during pregnancy.

Oil pulling is generally considered safe while nursing, but check with a dentist or doctor to be safe. As with anything, check with a doctor or midwife before starting oil pulling, especially if pregnant.

Children

Several practitioners I’ve asked about this assured me that oil pulling is safe for kids once they’re old enough not to swallow the oil.

Those With Dental Issues

I got the okay to do this from my dentist and doctor with several (non-amalgam) fillings in my mouth. But I’d recommend checking with a doctor or dentist to be sure, especially if you have any metal fillings, crowns, or dental problems.

Note: Some people may notice a detox reaction for the first few days of using oil pulling. This can include issues like mild congestion, headache, mucous drainage, or other effects. I personally didn’t notice these effects, but I’ve read cases of others who did.

FAQs About Oil Pulling

There are several questions that repeatedly come up about oil pulling, so I’ve compiled them here along with the most common answers. I also included any research I could find:

Does Oil Pulling Help Remineralize Teeth?

It may, but more research is needed. I talked about my personal experience remineralizing my teeth here. I used oil pulling as part of this protocol, but I suspect the benefit may have come from certain oils combatting the bacteria that cause tooth decay rather than actual mineral support for the tooth.

Coconut and sesame oils aren’t excellent sources of the minerals that teeth need. So using them in the mouth may not be a very effective way to provide minerals for restoring teeth. Since we’re constantly replenishing the minerals in our teeth and enamel through saliva, it seems more important to ensure we’re getting enough minerals internally. Then they’re available in saliva.

Can People With Fillings Try Oil Pulling?

Dentist Lisa Matriste warns against oil pulling with amalgam (mercury) fillings. Mercury is lipophilic, meaning it’s attracted to fats.

“Oil pulling will pull mercury out of the fillings which will then be absorbed into your tissues, inadvertently poisoning your body with mercury at a faster rate.”

She goes on to recommend having any mercury fillings removed before oil pulling.

That said, I couldn’t find any scientific research on the safety of oil pulling with fillings. There’s some anecdotal evidence it could loosen them. Check with your dentist to see if oil pulling would be appropriate for your particular dental situation.

Does Oil Pulling Help Bad Breath?

There’s one benefit of oil pulling all sources seem to agree on: better breath. Likely because of its ability to help wipe out harmful bacteria in the mouth. Evidence shows oil pulling can help improve breathing and reduce plaque, which combats bad breath.

Can I Swallow the Oil? Or Where Should I Spit?

Again, please don’t swallow the oil after oil pulling. It may contain bacteria, dead skin, or other residues from the mouth and the whole purpose is to remove these toxins from the body. It’s also important not to spit this in the sink, shower, or toilet, as it may solidify and clog the drain. This especially pertains to coconut oil, which hardens as it cools.

I keep an old supplement container at my sink and spit the oil in it each morning. Then I throw it away when filled.

Do I Have to Swish for 20 Minutes?

I found it difficult to swish for 20 minutes when I first started. Though 20 minutes is the recommended timeframe, it isn’t a hard and fast rule. Neither is the recommendation to use a full tablespoon of oil. If you can only use a teaspoon and swish for 5 minutes, start with that and don’t stress about it.

Adding a drop of essential oil may also help with the taste and make oil pulling easier. Just make sure any oil you use is safe to use internally.

I also find the best time to oil pull is in the shower since this is the only time I’m not talking to my kids or doing something else. I don’t usually shower for 20 minutes, but this at least gets me part of the way through the time.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

My only personal experience is the oral health benefits, and I continue doing it for this reason. But there’s evidence that it might help with other conditions as well. The most comprehensive resource I’ve seen on the topic is the book “Oil Pulling Therapy” by Dr. Bruce Fife.

The American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t, at this point, recommend oil pulling. Their recommended therapy against cavities is still fluoride. Learn how terrible fluoride is for your body by reading this article.

Although the research is limited, there are some scientific studies supporting the benefits of oil pulling. This includes its benefits for specific types of oral bacteria, dental caries, plaque/gingivitis, and oral micro-organisms. Because dental hygiene has a far-reaching impact throughout the body, oil pulling may improve overall health.

Have you ever tried oil pulling? What was your experience? Share below!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Steven Lin, who is a Board accredited dentist trained at the University of Sydney. With a background in biomedical science, he is a passionate whole-health advocate, focusing on the link between nutrition and dental health. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or dentist.

Peedikayil, F. C., Sreenivasan, P., & Narayanan, A. (2015). Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis — A preliminary report. Nigerian medical journal: journal of the Nigeria Medical Association, 56(2), 143–147.
Kapoor, U., Sharma, G., Juneja, M., & Nagpal, A. (2016). Halitosis: Current concepts on etiology, diagnosis and management. European journal of dentistry, 10(2), 292–300. https://doi.org/10.4103/1305-7456.178294
Asokan, S., Rathan, J., Muthu, M. S., et al. (2008). Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 26(1), 12–17.
Durai Anand, T. Pothiraj, C., Gopinath, R. M., et al. (2008). Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria (PDF). African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2(3), 63-66.
HV Amith, Anil V Ankola, L Nagesh. Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis. Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry: 2007; 1(1):Pages 12-18.
Asokan, S., Emmadi, P., & Chamundeswari, R. (2009). Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 20, 47-51.
Thaweboon, S., Nakaparksin, J., & Thaweboon, B. (2011). Effect of oil-pulling on oral microorganisms in biofilm models. Asia Journal of Public Health, 2(2), 62-66.
Peedikayil, F. C., Sreenivasan, P., & Narayanan, A. (2015). Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis – A preliminary report. Nigerian medical journal: journal of the Nigeria Medical Association, 56(2), 143–147.
Ludwar, L., Mannel, H., Hamacher, S., Noack, M. J., & Barbe, A. G. (2022). Oil pulling to relieve medication-induced xerostomia: A randomized, single-blind, crossover trial. Oral diseases, 28(2), 373–383.
Peng, T. R., Cheng, H. Y., Wu, T. W., & Ng, B. K. (2022). Effectiveness of Oil Pulling for Improving Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis – PMC. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 10(10), 1991.
Sezgin, Y., Memis Ozgul, B., Mara?, M. E., & Alptekin, N. O. (2021). Comparison of the plaque regrowth inhibition effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model: A randomized crossover clinical trial. International journal of dental hygiene, 10.1111/idh.12532. Advance online publication.
Griessl, T., Zechel-Gran, S., Olejniczak, S., Weigel, M., Hain, T., & Domann, E. (2021). High-resolution taxonomic examination of the oral microbiome after oil pulling with standardized sunflower seed oil and healthy participants: a pilot study. Clinical oral investigations, 25(5), 2689–2703.
Sheikh, F. S., & Iyer, R. R. (2016). The effect of oil pulling with rice bran oil, sesame oil, and chlorhexidine mouth rinsing on halitosis among pregnant women: A comparative interventional study. Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research, 27(5), 508–512. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-9290.195638
Sezgin, Y., Memis Ozgul, B., Mara?, M. E., & Alptekin, N. O. (2021). Comparison of the plaque regrowth inhibition effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model: A randomized crossover clinical trial. International journal of dental hygiene, 10.1111/idh.12532. Advance online publication.
Matriste, L. (2017, October 29). The truth about oil pulling: A dental perspective. Laser + Holistic Dental.

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

735 responses to “Oil Pulling Benefits For a Healthier Mouth”

Christy L

January 13, 2016

Katie- Wellness Mama
Are you still oil pulling? And if so have you seen added benefits to continued use?
Thanks

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 13, 2016
  
  I wrote about my oral health routine here: https://wellnessmama.com/57729/oral-health-routine/
  
  Reply
  1. Melissa
    
    February 15, 2016
    
    Do you know if it is ok to do oil pulling if you have fillings in your mouth? I didn’t know if it somehow affected them or pulled heavy metals out?
    
    Thanks!
    
    Reply
    1. Wellness Mama
      
      February 15, 2016
      
      Check with your dentist if you’re worried about it, but I have without issue…
      
      Reply
      1. Clemente
        
        February 16, 2016
        
        I wouldn’t check with any dentist unless they are from India and/or they’re into natural healing. Dentists in Murica buy right into the fluoride propaganda and other practices, without doing any of their own investigative work. Kudos to those dentists who do expose the danger of the chemicals they use and the masses do through commercial toothpaste, polishes, etc.
Brooke

December 29, 2015

Wow! There are a lot of comments here, and I’m sorry that I haven’t taken the time to read through them all. I just this morning tried oil pulling for the first time! I used about 2 tsp of coconut oil and swished for the full 20 minutes. Wow! I have to say, I was feeling a bit nauseous after about 10 minutes, but stuck it out and am glad I did. I don’t think I’m going to practice this daily, but probably weekly with natural toothpaste and regular brushing and flossing. I’m hoping to eliminate as many dentist appointments as possible!! 🙂

Thank you for posting and for being so honest about taking the time to pray in the morning while oil pulling. I love connecting with Christian women interested in whole living and a natural healthstyle! Very best to you and God bless!

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Erik

December 25, 2015

I have a concern about oil pulling that has not been talked about anywhere else. I notice that when I’m oil pulling, there is a crease that appears below the lower lip and above my chin. It’s known as a chin crease or mental crease. My concern is that oil pulling will make this horizontal line more pronounced in a similar way one gets crows feet from squinting. What are your thoughts about this?

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Likhith

December 11, 2015

Thanks a lot for all ur cmmnts.. I hav a severe pain with my teeth.. N also hav marks on my teeth.. Does this oil pulling helps me in reducng d pain n marks..

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Sandylee

December 4, 2015

Well that didn’t work. How do you swish for twenty mins !! and not swallow. Swallowed mine right off . It’s a natural reflex to swallow. Nothing left to swish. Didn’t make it to the count of ten and down the hatch. LOL

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  December 4, 2015
  
  It takes a little practice, I guess. I didn’t have to think about it much when I started, since I have been gargling liquids since I was a small child, but if you are not used to the feeling, then you will have to practice being deliberate about not swallowing it at first.
  
  Reply
2. Tanya McConnell
  
  December 6, 2015
  
  What helps me is I tip my head forward and use my tounge to touch the roof of my mouth to block the back of my throat a little bit. Over the years of doing this I have learned to control it. Every so often I feel like I do. But while I’m oil pulling I keep myself busy doing other things that I do not think about it. I take showers or go on my lap top. Hope this helps
  
  Reply
jane

November 11, 2015

I don’t mind doing the oil pulling with the coconut oil but I notice that my lips seem to be unusually dry. Is it possible that the coconut oil is the cause? Would another oil be better: Could I use avocado oil?

Reply
1. Tanya McConnell
  
  November 11, 2015
  
  I have never had that problem. I have been doing it over 2 yrs now. If you live in a cold place. The weather may have something to do with it. What type of coconut oil do you use? I even use it on my lips too. As lotion all over my body too. I use Nature’s Way organic extra virgin coconut oil. I have never used any other kind. I use it all the time as a lotion, make-up remover, and for my hair. I love the results I get from it. Hope this helps.
  
  Reply
  1. jane
    
    November 12, 2015
    
    Thanks Tanya. I’ve used a couple of different kinds of organic coconut oils with similar results. I have noticed a couple of blogs talking about how it might be drying for some people and maybe I’m one of them. Thanks for the info as it’s a way to start collecting comparisons.
    
    Reply
Sitrena

November 7, 2015

I have enjoyed the oil pulling. It didn’t take long to get to 20 mins and I’m a person very sensitive to smells and textures when putting things in my mouth. I noticed with excitement that it made my breath better as I suffer from dry mouth due to medications. Another thing was it lifted my spirits I also deal with depression some clinical some due to medication side effects but once I had been doing the oil pulling with coconut oil for about 2 months there was a definite difference in my mood and energy level. The only thing that was of concern is they thought I had an abscess but it turns out to be some type of tumor that was biopsied yesterday. …do you think it still safe to continue oil pulling until they determine what is going on? I currently have a few stitches so should I stop until stitches are removed and then resume? If I have to have chemo will the oil pulling help reduce the toxins from the meds? Every time I mention oil pulling to the processionals they say they are not familiar with the process and don’t see any medical benefits of doing so but they don’t think it is harmful. Sorry for the long post I wanted to get the best answer possible so I provided as much info as I thought helpful.

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  November 7, 2015
  
  I would personally wait until the stitches had healed at least just to be safe… And I was going to suggest asking your doctor to be safe, but you already did that 🙂
  I’d still absolutely check with any specialist you see to be sure and make sure they don’t see a problem with using it before continuing. Also- hope the tumor turns out to be benign and completely fine and that you recover quickly! *hugs*
  
  Reply
  1. sitrena
    
    November 7, 2015
    
    Thank you for the well wishes and advice I’ll keep you updated.
    
    Reply
  2. Sitrena
    
    November 12, 2015
    
    Just curious…how can we get to the latest posts and replies without scrolling from top through all 600+ comments. I’m trying to keep up with new posts but would like to see new replies as well. Am I doing something wrong. ..I clicked on the comments link in the email notice that says a new response has been posted. Thank you.
    
    Reply
2. Tanya McConnell
  
  November 8, 2015
  
  I hope it all comes out benign. I would definitely stop using it until the stitches are out. It may loosen the stitches before it is time for them to come out. I have been doing oil pulling for over 2 yrs now. I have several different results from doing it. I can only go off of my results. I am not a medical provider. Oil pulling is great for the immune system. I used to get bronchitis and pneumonia every February for the last 5 yrs. This is the first yr I did not get it. It has also whitened my teeth. I also had a really bad tooth that was missing more than 1/2 of the tooth. I found out about it 2 yrs ago. I went searching online to find a home remedy to fix it. Then I heard about wellness momma. I read several yrs ago that the best organic coconut oil to use is Nature’s Way extra virgin coconut oil. I have been using it since day one. Now that tooth is almost completely healed. I have also been on numerous of medications so I can relate to the dry mouth and dry sockets. I even have several pitted teeth because of a long surgery and lots of oxygen dried out my sockets. I used to have sensitive teeth. A matter of fact I thought I had a cap fall off one of my tooth’s. I went saw a dentist and found out I needed a root canal. I never felt any pain. I had no idea what was going. Yes, I have had them before so I know how painful it can be. I also used this to detox with. I started out doing this 1 time a day for 10 minutes. I have since then worked my way up to doing it 2x a day. I have actually gone over my 20 minutes. It freshens my breath. I do not wake up with morning breath. I know you already checked with your medical doctor.
  This message is not intended for medical advice. This is my personal experience.
  
  Reply
  1. sitrena
    
    November 8, 2015
    
    Thank you Tanya
    
    Reply
    1. Tanya McConnell
      
      November 9, 2015
      
      You are very welcome. Please keep me posted too. Once the stitches come out. I would go back to oil pulling. It is so great for you.
      
      Reply
      1. Sitrena
        
        November 9, 2015
        
        Tanya
        I will keep you updated I appreciate your advice and concern. I would much rather heal naturally than chemically and coconut oil seems to have so many helpful uses with the added benefit of my love of the smell and flavor
amy

November 7, 2015

Why wouldn’t teeth heal…. the teeth are not bone, (bone heals too)…. they are epidermis…..skin…..healthy skin…..healthy teeth, I love the coconut oil regimen….my daughter shared this information with me a few months ago and I began the oil pulling, not however for the suggested 20 minutes, busy, busy….. sensitivity has lessened significantly , I had one spot in particular that is much less sensitive. my teeth feel good and I enjoy the texture and flavor of the coconut oil

Reply
1. Tanya McConnell
  
  November 9, 2015
  
  I think that is great. I started out by doing it for 10 minutes once a day in the beginning. Now over 2 yrs later I am now doing it 20 min twice a day. Sometimes I go over my 20 minutes. I get busy doing other things and forget about it. The best part is my husband and daughter will try and have conversations with me while it is in my mouth. So I Start humming. The funny part is they both know what I am trying to say. Lol
  
  Reply
Pearce

October 30, 2015

Oil pulling works, been doing this for about 5 weeks now, 20 minutes a day with virgin coconut oil. Just got back from the dentist and my teeth have never been whiter and healthier. Especially in the gum pockets, received the highest score ever. Previously was a 6 and scored a 1 this time. Also, definitely kills off the bacteria, no more bad breath.

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Delphine

October 28, 2015

I’ve searched through all the comments… How exactly do you spit this out?

I’ve tried spitting in the trash, but it leaks eventually and causes a huge mess. Spitting in the toilet causes awful black mold looking dirt around the bowl (no idea how/why this happens.) Spitting in a paper cup and waiting for it to solidify is extremely wasteful. Spitting into a jar or jug that you’re going to throw away eventually and waiting for it to fill is just disgusting (tried this, and it has an awful smell after a couple of days.)

Any other suggestions? I love oil pulling and have been doing it for a year, but I’m at my wits end with the by-product!

Reply
1. Tanya
  
  October 28, 2015
  
  I have been over 2 yrs. I love oil pulling too. I have amazing results.
  
  I always spit mine in the trash can. I have not had any issues with it leaking any where. What kind of trash bags do you have? We have thick ones hefty kitchen bags. We use the generic ones from Walmart. Please do not spit it down any drains. It causes the pipes to clog very badly. I am not sure about the toilet. I have even spit it out into a lil zip lock sandwich baggy and thrown it in the kitchen trash. The generic ones.
  
  I hope that works better for you. Keep up the great work with the oil pulling.
  
  Reply
Gloria

October 1, 2015

Well, now I am more confused than ever after reading all of these comments! My 22 year old daughter JUST told me about oil pulling, but in the context of getting whiter teeth. She can’t afford to have her teeth professionally whitened and was thinking about that, and encouraged me to do the same. While I was on Amazon (ordering Glade scented oil refills-of all things) and I also came across “Majestic Pure” Fractionated Coconut Oil (apparently it doesn’t harden at room temperature). When I was reading about the product in the comments it recommended adding a drop of pure organic lemon oil and baking soda. Have any of you tried adding lemon oil to it? I wonder if it would help the taste. I have never had any luck with any kinds of supplements or holistic type of healing for myself or my children. And I feel like I have tried everything out there-from Cranial-Sacral therapy for my ADHD son, along with aromatherapy, supplements, everything you can think of for him, and have tried so many different kinds of herbs and supplements for myself for weight loss, general health, and too many other things to think of. I can’t think of a single time that anything has worked. All of that being said, I am not opposed to trying oil pulling with the sole purpose of whitening my teeth, but I am very sceptical that it would do anything else for me. If I do go forward and use this method to whiten my teeth, can anyone tell me if they have used the brand of coconut oil I mentioned, and also if anyone has used lemon oil with their coconut oil. Thank you so much in advance for your help.

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Dana

September 21, 2015

Has anyone tried his with fractionated coconut oil? I use it (it’s the liquid coconut oil) with my essential oils for mixing. I’ve tried oil pulling with it, wondering if the solid is better? I think it’s cheaper! Thanks

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Tiffany Malone

September 15, 2015

I’m oil pulling right now reading this article and comments. Makes the 20 minutes go by rather fast. 🙂

Reply
Brenda

September 15, 2015

just tried oil pulling this morning.
Could only do 10 minutes but I suppose I will work myself up to 20 minutes over the next day or so. I did soften the coconut oil first which made it easier. I also walked around outside (In the yard) with a cup of salt water so that I could spit and rinse, if need be, quicker, and I did! (Not very appealing to my neighbors I’m sure) lol! My problem is sinus drainage in the morning and I need to keep bringing that up. It does stop after I’m upright for a while. Unfortunately, it interfered with the pulling this morning. I must say it was not as bad as I expected. You read so many varied opinions that you really don’t know what to anticipate. I say just try it and you’ll be your best testimony. I really am excited to continue this daily regimen (20 minutes) to see if this will not only help my oral hygiene but improve, if not alleviate my sinus and allergies all together. Hey, you never know!

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1. Tanya McConnell
  
  September 15, 2015
  
  That is great Brenda! You gotta start small then work your way up. I could not do it for the whole 20 minutes when I first started. I have been doing it for 2 yrs this month. I do it twice a day 20 min. Yes it is a regimen I do daily. If it’s not done daily you will not get the results you are looking for.
  
  I use Nature’s Way organic extra virgin coconut oil. Is the only one I have used. It’s the best one..
  
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2. Clemente
  
  September 15, 2015
  
  Brenda: For your allergies/sinus issues, try dropping some peppermint essential oil (5 or 6 drops) onto a handkerchief or bandana then inhaling that for four or five deep breaths. And repeat if you feel like your sneezing or getting stuff or problems w/ nasal drip. My friend who is a naturalist healer recommended that to me and it REALLY helps. Also look into stinging nettles tea and supplements.
  
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Suz

September 4, 2015

I have been pulling for almost a year – but can’t get past about 10 minutes as I get a tickle in my throat and have to cough (and therefore spit it out). Is it beneficial to just put another spoonful in for the rest of the time period or am I done?

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Hali

September 2, 2015

Thanks wellness mama

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Hali

September 2, 2015

I would love to do this but I really do not have the time even if I’m doing something else at the same time. Would it be beneficial still if I did it for only ten minutes a day? Please please please reply. I really wNt to start this!!!

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  September 2, 2015
  
  Yes, it would. 20 is best, but 10 would still help.
  
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2. mcconnta
  
  September 3, 2015
  
  Yes you can. I started out doing it for 10 minutes once a day. As of 9/1 I have been doing it for 2 yrs. As time goes on it will get better. A matter of fact I am doing it right now while I am responding to you. Now I do it 2x a day for 20 minutes. I even have caught myself going over the 20 minutes because I get busy doing other things. I do it in the morning while I am in the shower. I also use the coconut oil as a lotion. I do it usually an hour before I go to bed. I love the great results..
  
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Ashley

August 29, 2015

I have braces but I’m looking for a way to whiten my teeth and get rid of plaque. If I used this with braces would it leave the area covered by braces unaffected and whiten the rest? Because once I get them off I don’t want an unwhitened line.

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  August 30, 2015
  
  It could…
  
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2. Tanya McConnell
  
  September 2, 2015
  
  The orthodontist asked my daughter to stop doing oil pulling until the braces come off. The reason is because it smooths the teeth and the brackets could come off. Hope this helps..
  
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Joyce Holman

August 21, 2015

I’m glad I found your site yesterday! So kind of you to offer natural ways to stay healthy. May I comment briefly on topics in these comments? I have been RN x 25 years, and unfortunately learned to distrust medical and dental professionals.
1. Research yourself, asking friends or via internet searches or books.
2. Get second opinion. After an honest dentist told me what some dentists do, and after the scam of dental care on public assistance receipients, I would always get second opinions. If it was NOT the same, I held off on the procedure. Ie, a cavity on left side, a cavity on roght side. Neither filling was done, and this was 20 years ago!
3. An old man told me he rinsed with half strength hydrogen peroxide, never had a cavity (over 90 yr old). Why not believe him? Cheaper than $150 for a filling.
4. Advise not to get porcelain caps on molars, too rigid and it will crack. My dentist said I should get gold (malleable).
5. Unfortunately, health care IS a money-making business, “buyer beware” so please make your OWN informed decisions. I have worked in several fields of nursing, and there ARE unnecessary delays of care, unnecessary surgeries, and unnecessary cancer treatments being done. Don’t take an adversarial position, just win your caregiver over with kindness and respect, hope for the best, and have a friend nearby to witness what is said and done.

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elisa

July 28, 2015

I noticed you have a lot of stuff in your daily oral regimen. Could you tell us step by step what you do including your homemade tooth powder, activated charcoal, brushing blend and oil pulling. I am confused as to where it all goes.

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