Oil Pulling Benefits For a Healthier Mouth

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » 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.

  1. 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. 
  2. 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
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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. 
  9. 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. 
  10. 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.
  11. 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. 
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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. 
  15. Matriste, L. (2017, October 29). The truth about oil pulling: A dental perspective. Laser + Holistic Dental. 
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that can whiten teeth, improve gums, bad breath and oral health by reducing bacteria, plaque, and infection in the mouth.
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Katie Wells Avatar

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”

  1. Lisa M Avatar

    Update on my oil-PULLING. It’s been 3 weeks of almost daily oil-PULLING with coconut oil and I’ve had splendid results: whiter teeth and smoother feeling clean teeth.

    I understand it can “restore enamel”. Yes?

    I’m very pleased to add this new daily health routine. Thanks, Katie. Spread the word on oil-PULLING! (NOT ‘swishing’). ha!

  2. Aliel Ben Yeshua Avatar
    Aliel Ben Yeshua

    I have several cracks in my teeth and some cavities. I brushed my teeth with tap water. Then I used extra virgin olive oil as a mouth wash for about 10 minutes.

    For 2 1/2 days afterward, my tooth sensitivity was gone, my teeth felt smooth as opposed to jagged.

    I plan on buying some virgin coconut oil and doing it every morning.

  3. Brandi Avatar

    Thank you for the informative post! I’ve shared it on my FB fan page 🙂

  4. Lisa M Avatar

    Hi, Katie!
    I’m excited about all the neat things you’re sharing. Tonight I did the oil pulling with the coconut oil for the first time. I think I could have done 20 min but half way through I got a persistent urge to cough that I could’t suppress so I had spit it out. Within 5 minutes I resumed with another tsp of coconut oil and was able to go another 10 min. It’s not that hard. Swishing while watching TV, with a spit cup at hand just in case the 20 min flies by.

    I’ve had recessed gums and plaque builds up even with brushing so I’m eager to see how the oil pulling relieves these issues. Also, I’ve always had congestion and incessant throat clearing (annoying to me and others). I’m excited to look forward to the oil pulling cleansing.

    I’ll keep ya posted, Katie. Thanks so much! I also want to do the oil cleansing for my face.

    My 86 y.o. mother has been moisturizing her face with almond oil for years and has a wonderful complexion which is always noticed by others and with questions about since she has no wrinkles!

    It’s really cool knowing there are so many natural remedies to use!!!

    Lisa in Indy

  5. Monica Avatar

    Sorry if I’m repeating something that’s already been asked, I didn’t read all 396 comments lol just wondering, is oil pulling safe for kids? What do your kids do daily for oral hygiene?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      Oil pulling is OK for children as long as they are not going to swallow it. If you think they will, hold off until they are old enough to pull without swallowing it.

  6. ERICA Avatar

    I started pulling yesterday with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. I could only pull for 5 minutes yesterday then 2 minutes today because I start gagging…I am trying to work up to 20 minutes but feel like I am wasting my time since the minimum time should be 20 minutes for any benefits. Has anyone experienced this?

  7. Susan Avatar

    I too had trouble with the consistency, especially letting it melt in my mouth. I take a small measuring cup (the kind that come with kids medicines), scoop the coconut oil into that (evenly), and float it in a small cup of hot, hot water. After 2 or 3 minutes the oil is liquid and warm. If you pour it under your tongue you can barely feel it in your mouth, as opposed to when it is cold! I also noticed mucous drainage for the first few days, and had acne-like bumps around my mouth and on my chin. After a week the bumps are gone and my mouth feels really clean! I’m surprised to see results that soon and feel good knowing I am absorbing good fats and vitamins, and hopefully helping cleanse at least my mouth!

  8. Cherrie Avatar
    Cherrie

    If you do the oil pulling before eating breakfast, then is it ok to brush your teeth after eating or does this negate the oil pulling?

  9. KENDRA Avatar

    I would love to know if anyone has had this help problems of tooth fracture and pain with biting and temperature sensitivity in teeth? I have two teeth that have these issues and I think I am headed for a complete tooth pulling on one and a root canal on the other :\ looking for natural ways to help avoid this!

  10. Steven Cannon Avatar
    Steven Cannon

    I was looking at prices of the Virgin Coconut Oil… Found Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Trader Joe’s for $8 for a 16 ounce bottle… That’s 3 bucks less expensive than the Nutiva 12 oz. bottle I get at Wal-Mart for $9.94… Anyone know if Trader Joe’s is a decent brand??? I’d buy that if it’s decent stuff…

    1. Mary Avatar

      Trader Joe’s is a reputable store and brand, as far as I know. I always plan a stop at TJs when traveling. The closest we have is an hour away.

  11. Marco Avatar

    Has the author of this post, or any readers actually CRITICALLY read the ”researched evidence” articles listed? (the way one is supposed to read any scientific research)?

    If anyone did they would notice that none of those studies really provide clinically significant in results that promote the use of oil pulling.

    First of all lets look at the study by Asokan et al, “Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.”

    The first flaw one should notice immediately is that only 20 individuals are used as test subjects, this is not a statistically significant participant pool, so right from the get go the credibility is questionable. This is basic fundamentals when it comes to publishing research, a participant pool of 20 is laughable.
    The best part about this study is that they blatantly state that chlorhexidine is the gold standard, right there in the study! So basically the researchers measured the prevalence of steptococcus mutans at different intervals after treatment with oil vs chlorhexidine. They evaluate at the 24hr, 48hr, 1 week and 2 weeks marks. They found that a decrease in s mutans was noted at the 1 week and 2 weeks marks for oil, and at ALL 4 time intervals for chlorhexidine.
    So what do we conclude from this? Well chlorhexidine is MORE effective at s mutans population reduction. So basically the clinical significance translates to, one should rinse with chlorhexidine, but if for whatever reason it is not available (which if you live in the US this is probably not really a concern), you could maybe use oil and it will be less effective. So in a developing country, yes maybe coconut oil could be useful, but in developed nations it is not quite as useful.

    So then another study is cited (also by Asokan et al), “Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study”. If one reads this study, it sounds strikingly familiar, hmm maybe thats because its basically the same study, but now they draw slightly different conclusions from it. That seems a bit shady to me, especially since again the study sample is 20 individuals! which does not provide a clinically significant research population. What is really funny though is that even though only 20 are used, we still saw that chlorhexidine was more effective!

    Now another study listed by Thaweboon et al “Effect of Oil-Pulling on Oral Microorganisms in Biofilm Models”. This study is similar but evaluates a few different species of microorganisms (S mutans, L casei, C albicans). So basically they expose microorganisms in a biofilm to the oils and chlorhexidine.
    They find that coconut oil reduced S mutans by 2.5log reductions, C albicans by 1log reductions, however L casei was resistant to it. Sesame oil reduced S mutans by 1log reductions, L casei again was resistant and sunflower oil reduced C albicans by 1log reductions., also L casei was resistant.
    Now we get to our friend chlorhexidine. Which completely eliminated S mutans, and reduced C albicans by 1.5log reductions (greater reduction than both oils). Then L casei (who was resistant to oils) is reduced by 3log reductions.
    So again this study proves the effectiveness of chlorhexidine as being superior to oils. They also make mention in the articles that oils could be useful in a developing country (as I mentioned above).
    That is all the effort I want to put into these studies, but the obvious conclusion is coconut oil pulling is not as effective as chlorhexidine rinse.

    The other thing to keep in mind, is if you accidentally inhale the oil you can cause yourself to suffer from lipoid pneumonia but I won’t bother getting into that.

    Please people open your minds, think critically, really look for the research and evidence.

    Do not be allured by the trends that travel across facebook, twitter, and blogs.

    Do not be hypnotized by a pretty website or post, or other people’s testimony.

    Do not swallow all of the health advice coming from blogs/youtube videos/etc, really investigate it for yourself.

    Ask for the evidence and read it critically, you deserve better than simply believing anything someone posts online.

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I absolutely agree that everyone should investigate any health claim before taking anything as fact. One thing that is also important to remember when comparing the effectiveness of oil pulling to chlorohexidine is that it isn’t advisable to use chlorohexidine in the mouth on a regular basis, while oils can be used daily without a problem.

  12. Helen Avatar

    Did my first oil pull this morning using a full teaspoon … Wanting to see how it felt/worked. No problems at all, will use more Coconut Oil (organic virgin) tomorrow! Thanks for an insightful and informative blog.

  13. Maggie Avatar

    IF 20 MINUTES IS too long initially for the maximum benefit of old pulling, try pulling for less then working up to the the full 20 minutes. Right now I am starting for 10 then gradually work up to 20.

  14. sandie keane Avatar
    sandie keane

    Having gone tot he dentist regularly twice a year since i was a child, I was told yesterday I had chronic gum disease..This shook me as I was told by a hygenist that it had been building up for years. I have just moved dentists as my previous dentist retired and this news has shook me. I have been told i now need a treatment plan of 4 initial visits to go under anesthetic for a deep scale of my teeth and the cost is in the £100’s each visit..Am I too late to start oil pulling ?

  15. zeus Avatar

    Two weeks ago I was online searching for some inexpensive teeth whitening home remedy.

    I came across several articles regarding “oil pulling.” Read countless reviews on its immediate effects for improving the color of one’s teeth.

    I was skeptical, but tried anyway. Bought organic sesame oil from Trader Joe’s. Did the requisite 20 minutes. First time was a slight struggle (now it’s a breeze).

    Haven’t noticed anything yet.

    Then while brushing my teeth this morning after my daily 20 mins, I look in the mirror and see there is a noticeable change.

    Now, I may not be so embarrassed to smile after years of brown liquids: colas, coffee, tea, etc.

    I’m going to stay on this routine until my next ENT appointment in October and see if the doc sees anything differently. He used to be a dentist and said never use over the counter mouthwash again and suggested using Biotene to wash and Sensodyne to brush with as well as floss.

    I do these after I oil pull.

  16. rebecca Avatar
    rebecca

    my teeth where whiter after ONE day. 20 minutes is NOT long. I’ve heard seasame oil is best, but unroasted, organic sesame oil is SO expensive. any who. thanks for your post and all your links. I was looking for more info, and I found it!

  17. Camille Avatar
    Camille

    Your body needs bacteria. It’s probably not the best idea to use so many anti bacterials unless you are very ill. Doing this so often creates superbug virus/ drug resistant germs.

  18. Simon Avatar

    Can i ask why my previous posts in reply to a few others questions here were removed? i was not rude, or derogatory, just pointed out a few salient things that people should take into consideration when espousing the “benefits” of this treatment

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I don’t remember any past comments, so my guess is that they somehow got trapped in the spam filter. I typically only delete comments with profanity, direct insults or spam.

      1. Dawn Avatar

        I just received a notification of a post from MSLA about her dangerous reactions to coconut oil pulling; also I cannot find my post about getting bad heart palpitations from using coconut oil for the pulling. Ayurvedic medicine recommends SESAME oil for pulling NOT coconut, which has MCTS which can be dangerous for some people. The sesame oil does not cause this reaction for me personally. However, I also
        cannot find either post now. Where are they? You should take this post down — it is not medically sound advice.

        1. Wellness Mama Avatar

          Hi Dawn, I’m not sure why you aren’t able to find comments, or which comments in particular you are looking for, but as I make clear in multiple places on this website, nothing in this post, or anywhere on the site is medical advice of any kind and certainly, anyone who can’t tolerate coconut oil or MCTs should not use it for oil pulling either.

  19. Krissy Avatar
    Krissy

    I had been oil pulling a bit but just got braces on. (I am an adult). I stopped oil pulling because I didn’t want the areas under the brackets to not be whitened whilst the rest of my teeth are. Do you think it would be okay to continue to pull or was I correct in stopping?

    1. Simon Avatar

      I wouldn’t worry about it as there’s practically no scientific evidence this works.. There could be any number of reasons for the apparent increase in teeth and gum health, ranging from the psychosomatic to people who engage in this kind of fad usually start it in conjunction with other “healthy living activities such as “eating well” and “exercise”.. as well as the fact that if you’re prepared to spend to mins a day doing this, you’re probably, without realising it, taking better care of your oral health in the first place, brushing for longer and more effectively, flossing more regularly etc etc.

      I mean seriously, you say you’re worried about the patches under your braces staying the same colour while the rest of tooth gets whiter? is brushing not more likely to cause that anyway???

      1. Krissy Avatar
        Krissy

        Oil pulling seems to whiten quicker and more effectively than regular brushing alone. Ever tried it?

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