Coconut Oil Pulling Chews Recipe

I’m a big fan of oil pulling. I’ve shared before how I originally started this age-old practice and why I eventually started using coconut oil for oil pulling instead.

Why Oil Pulling?

If you aren’t familiar with oil pulling, it is simply swishing oil (usually sesame or coconut oil) in the mouth for a period of time (5-20 minutes) and then spitting it out in the trash. It is said to help reduce plaque and coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and even said to kill the specific bacteria that causes cavities.

The idea is that the oil is able to reach and help remove harmful substances in the mouth like bacteria and plaque. Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes and regular toothpaste, oil may be able to reach parts of the gum and between the teeth and the naturally antibacterial properties of oils like coconut may help break down bacteria.

Many people report that their teeth and gums feel much cleaner when using oil pulling regularly. Others notice that bad breath goes away. Personally, I saw a reduction in gum swelling and in plaque on my teeth and my dentist commented on how clean and plaque-free my teeth were after I added oil pulling to my oral health routine.

What Oil Pulling Won’t Do…

Some online sources claim that oil pulling can help with everything from acne to sore throat and even reduce the chance of heart disease, but I haven’t been able to find any actual evidence to back up these claims, other than the fact that good oral hygiene is important for overall health. Oil pulling probably won’t be a miracle cure for your acne or health problems, but there is a good chance it will promote healthier teeth and gums, especially if used in combination with other good oral health practices.

Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

The other day when making coconut oil chocolate in little heart molds, I realized that I could simplify the oil pulling process by making pre-made, bite-size oil pulling chews.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with adding essential oils to oil for oil pulling to improve the taste and to get the added benefits of the essential oil and I decided to pre-add the essential oils as well. My favorites so far have been essential oils that are naturally found in toothpaste, like peppermint and clove. As with any essential oil, make sure that oils used for oil pulling are safe for oral use.

The result was simple-to-use pre-mixed oil pulling chews. I keep these in the fridge so they maintain their shape and also so that they are cool when I use them since it helps with the texture at the beginning. In fact, for my kids who have trouble with the texture of coconut oil, I’ve found that keeping these in the fridge so they can “chew” them first helps a lot.

Oil Pulling Chews -Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
20-30 drops of essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, clove, etc- check with a doc or midwife if you are pregnant, nursing, or before using on children)

Instructions

Melt the coconut oil until just barely liquid.
Remove from heat and add essential oils.
Pour into silicon candy molds and put in the fridge or freezer to harden.
When done, remove from molds and store in a jar.
Use one per day as needed for oil pulling.

Other Healthy Mouth Recipes:

I’ve always been fascinated by oral health, and after I was able to use a combination of diet, supplements and oral health products to reverse a cavity, I’ve made these methods a priority for our whole family. These are some of the other recipes and methods we use:

Ever tried oil pulling? How did it work for you?

These simple homemade coconut oil pulling chews use coconut oil and essential oils to cleanse the mouth and help remove bacteria and plaque.

Sources

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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

226 responses to “Coconut Oil Pulling Chews”

Chris

April 29, 2015

Sign.. When I read the title of the post, I thought, “That’s EXACTLY what I need, chewy oil pulls!” (I’m being totally serious – I can only keep the oil in my mouth for 3-4 minutes before I vomit. Something about when the oil mixes with saliva and starts getting frothy.. I just gagged thinking about it.) I was pretty disappointed when I saw the “chews” were just pre-measured doses of oil. But I think you touched on an AWESOME idea – can you see about making a recipe for the oil pulls that are kinda gummy-chewy, and keep that consistency while you’re chewing it? Or at least something that doesn’t totally liquify and turn to froth in your mouth?

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1. Lisa
  
  May 3, 2015
  
  I am with you Chris! Can gelatin be used? I would love to have a chew!
  
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  1. Stephanie
    
    January 8, 2016
    
    I made a comment below about using bees wax….
    
    Reply
Stephanie Tackett

April 28, 2015

To perhaps help to clear up the wintergreen oil controversy: chewing wintergreen leaves as was suggested is ENTIRELY different than using the essential oil of wintergreen!

Dr Mercola states (in part): “be warned that pure wintergreen oil (which is a highly concentrate form of methyl salicylate) is highly toxic even in small amounts, so I do not recommend experimenting and making your own infusion at home. Instead, look for a product that has been diluted in other organic carrier oils. Many manufacturers use synthetics instead of natural methyl salicylate for their wintergreen oil, so make sure you choose a product made with pure, natural wintergreen oil.”

He also cites the Native American uses as Rich above states, but again that is a whole different situation, since obviously taking the natural material from the wild and chewing it is a far cry from using the pure distilled wintergreen oil. My creds? been a home soapmaker and essential oil student and user for over 10 years and I work for a naturopath 🙂 I just don’t want to see someone hurt themselves.

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Sherie

April 27, 2015

I’ve done oil pulling and tried to be consistent. My problem is, I’ve read where you should do it first thing (before putting anything else in your mouth or before brushing your teeth) and I simply forget and the next thing you know, I’ve had my morning coffee. Is there really anything to that, or can I do it when I think of it before brushing in the morning)? I also have not used coconut oil, but used Sunflower oil as was recommended when I first read about pulling. I find it hard to put solidified oil in my mouth to let it melt and then swish.

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Nicki

April 13, 2015

* one holistic dentist I went to warned against citrus oils as well due to acid. Not sure myself and though I poked around a bit way back when I don’t remember finding a definite answer on that topic.
* another holistic dentist – the one I use regularly advised against any essential oils near teeth with composite fillings. She felt the oils could degrade the materials composites are potentially made up of.
* a naturopathic dr I go to recommended only 2-5 mins of oil pulling due to the risk of reabsorbing toxins back into your oral tissues. I have repeatedly had itchy ratches all over my back when I oil pull and when we were discussing that is when she told me to limit the amount of time.
* I have tried different oils over the years and have found that I get the back rashes when I use regular coconut oil and sesame oil but NOT when I used hydrolyzed coconut oil. I’m not sure how to interpret this but figured I’d share…?

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dianna

April 9, 2015

unrefined sesame oil is so far theeee best and most effective oil to use for this purpose. if you go on youtube look up “oil pulling heyfranhey”

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Wendy

March 26, 2015

Hi, I’m wondering how one knows which brand of EO to use. Are ones labeled ‘medical’grade’ okay, or do they actually have to be labeled ‘food-grade’?

Also, I really hate the taste of coconut. I do have a coconut oil that is neutral (‘Omega Nutrition’s Certified Organic Coconut Oil’), and while I know that usually means it’s been processed in a way that leaches nutrients, it IS certified organic and kosher. The onsite claims are that it is ‘expeller pressed’ and that ‘the flavor is removed by distilling the oil with a vacuum process. The heat involved in this process does not create trans fatty acids, and the beneficial fatty acids are not affected.’ Would this type of coconut oil still give the proper benefits of pulling? Thanks! 🙂

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  March 26, 2015
  
  I get mine here: https://wellnessmama.com/go/essential-oils/
  
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Angie

March 14, 2015

The health food store here sells coconut oil already premixed with EO I find this much easier than having to mix in your own, it made the experience a lot easier too. I recommend if you are just starting out to try and find some like this…

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Daina Harper

March 12, 2015

first, I am going to say, I am not a doctor or dentist, I am just going to tell you what happened, do with it what you will. I have been oil pulling 1 tbsp. of organic coconut oil(got it from the store) for about a year now and my mouth feels pretty good:)
My 8 year old daughter got an absess about a month ago, big yucky one next to a crown. Big enough to scare me… I had never thought of asking my kids to oil pull but I did not know what else I could do, it was Saturday morning and the dentists office was closed. I broke down and had her swish around a tbsp. of coconut oil twice on Saturday and twice Sunday. Took her to the dentist Monday afternoon and no absess was found. Our whole family does it now:) it will be neat to try it with the essential oils though:)

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Juanita

March 3, 2015

I love the idea of making them chewable. I have been wondering about adding a little xylitol to the mix, to help with cavity prevention. Any thoughts on that idea?

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Jen

March 1, 2015

Could I use spearmint EO? I like peppermimt but prefer the taste of spearmint a little more.

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Vicki

February 24, 2015

I love oil pulling but wanted convenience so I add a little olive oil to the blend (just enough to keep it from getting too hard) and put it in a squeezable, flip-top travel bottle and just squirt it directly into my mouth, If it does harden I just run under hot water and/or remove the cap to squeeze, start my 20 minute timer and when done I spit into kitchen trash since I’ve already started breakfast and am in the kitchen anyway. That’s it! Then I brush. Couldn’t get much more convenient! I make it fresh every week or two.
I have adopted most all the lifestyle changes Katie recommends and have been so happy with them! So, even at age 57 it’s never too late to make healthy changes!

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1. Misty
  
  February 24, 2015
  
  Love this idea!
  
  Reply
Leslie

February 22, 2015

This is similar to what I do. I melt coconut oil, and add cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, clove, and tea tree. I don’t make chews- I just have it in a little jar, and scoop it out with a spoon, then let it melt in my mouth. I use a little on my toothbrush for brushing, and gum massage. Then I use the same spoon to scrape my tongue.

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Mary

February 13, 2015

Hello, I just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog. I have been oil pulling for a week, and it seems I am one of the lucky ones who could handle 20 minutes right away- no problem, though I use a little less than a full Tablespoon. The last two days, I have had a bitter taste in my mouth that I can’t get rid of, although my teeth are looking and feeling great. This morning, I noticed the sensation of thick mucous in the back of my throat. Is this a normal part of beginning this routine, or should I stop since I have ancient amalgams? The info is so contradictory, and I don’t live in an area where dentists are accepting of anything but traditional dental practices, so I don’t think asking my dentist will get me anywhere! Has anyone else had this issue? Sorry if this has been addressed already, I don’t have time to read the many comments, but I’m concerned! Thanks to anyone with advicem

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1. Heather
  
  March 12, 2015
  
  i have a friend that oil pills and she’s wears it helps keep her sinuses more clear. Have your sinuses been sort of full lately? Could the extra mucus be from that?
  
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2. Judi
  
  June 25, 2015
  
  I’m wondering many of the same things for the same reasons – only before I start. I can’t find an answer here to your questions . Did you learn anything new?
  
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Hazie

February 4, 2015

Hi, I’ve been making the oil pulling chews for a while now and I want to try it with activated charcoal.

Can I pre-mix the charcoal with the oil to make the chews or is it better to add in the charcoal powder only when I’m about to oil pull?

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Melissa T

January 20, 2015

Has anyone used Edens Garden or Plant Therapy essential oils in their oil pulling chews?

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Vickie

January 20, 2015

I put the coconut oil in a tiny glass bowl and place it on the coffee pot warmer. It just takes a few minutes to melt the oil and seems to be a more pleasant way of oil pulling.

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Christina

January 17, 2015

so I wonder if this would work in a regular plastic ice tray. has anyone tried it? I don’t have silicone, but I do have a regular one that is just the right size….

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Jay Shea

January 14, 2015

After putting in a jar, is the jar then put in the freezer, the fridge or in a cabinet? If the latter, for those houses without airconditioning, it seems August could become messy.

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1. Leslie
  
  February 22, 2015
  
  Mine melts when it’s hot. No biggie.
  
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Cheryl Bolton

January 14, 2015

I havent tried pulling yet, but I do make my own tooth paste with coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint oil. It make my mouth feel great, it had whitened my teeth, and it tastes good. I will try pulling next! Thanks !

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Colleen B

January 13, 2015

I was just at a dental health talk by a holistic dentist who was talking about the benefits of oil pulling. He STRONGLY cautioned against the use of essential oils with it, especially strong ones like Thieves and Peppermint. He said he sees great benefit in the teeth of people who oil pull, but he has seen now, several cases of great HARM caused by the oils on the teeth. They are so powerful that they can do damage to the teeth and/or gums. So, just passing on some words since I too, would have thought the oils could only help. (And who knows about what dose they were using…but it is another time to recognize the power of essential oils and respect it and use caution!).

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1. Patti
  
  January 25, 2015
  
  Did the holistic dentist say what could be added to the oil for taste, if not using EO?
  Thanks
  
  Reply