I wrote about oil pulling several years ago, well before it gained mainstream attention in the news and on fashion blogs.
It is something I’ve been doing off and on for years and I’ve seen noticeable effects from doing it. I figured that whitening my teeth with charcoal would be my most controversial oral health habit, but some recent debate in the comments on an oil pulling post has convinced me otherwise.
What is Oil Pulling?
As I explained in a past post:
Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it is beneficial in improving gums and removing harmful bacteria!
The basic idea is that oil is swished in the mouth for a short time each day and that this action helps improve oral health. Just as with Oil Cleansing for the skin, the principle of “like dissolves like” applies, as oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums.
Essentially, oil pulling is just using a high quality organic oil as a mouthwash to help cleanse the mouth. Really, it could be called “oil-swishing” as the word “pulling” can be confusing but it refers to the idea that the oil is pulling bacteria out of the gums.
The oils that should be used for oil pulling are food grade and can also be eaten. Despite the fact that the oils can be consumed, some people get really upset about the idea of oil pulling and it has been a source of controversy in the media (isn’t everything a source of controversy in the media these days?)
Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling?
When oil pulling, the oils (especially oils with naturally antibacterial properties) bind to the biofilm, or plaque, on the teeth and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus Mutans is one of the bacteria that is prominent in the mouth and it has been studied for its role in tooth decay and gum disease. Oil pulling has been shown to reduce the number of Streptococcus Mutans bacteria in the mouth, especially when done with coconut oil.
Some sources claim that coconut oil pulling can help everything from acne to sore throats and even heart disease, though I’ve never seen any scientific documentation of these claims. It is well known that good oral health practices can benefit the body in other ways, so it certainly may be beneficial as part of a good oral health routine. I certainly wouldn’t rely on oil pulling alone as a method to address any internal or serious medical problem, but I do find it helpful for keeping my mouth healthy and avoiding bad breath.
Coconut Oil Pulling Cautions
It is also important to use oil pulling as part of a comprehensive oral health regimen and not to use it as a replacement for normal oral hygiene and teeth brushing. My dentist was skeptical of many of the claims about coconut oil pulling being able to benefit the body internally, but said she considered it a safe alternative to mouthwash and didn’t see a problem with the practice when used in combination with other good dental hygiene methods.
Important Note: Some people report negative reactions to using coconut oil for oil pulling. Those with any type of topical or internal reaction to coconut in any form, should not use it for oil pulling or in any other way. In these cases, sesame oil would be a better alternative. As with this or any oral product, it is important to check with a dentist about any concerns or before using, especially if other dental conditions are present.
What Type of Oil?
Traditional cultures use sesame or sunflower oil for oil pulling but I personally prefer to use coconut oil for several reasons.
Coconut oil is effective in attacking Streptococcus Mutans bacteria which causes cavities. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid.
Coconut oil has dozens of uses, and we already have it in every room of the house since we use it in toothpaste, deodorant, in cooking and even as a coffee creamer.
In my personal experience, coconut oil pulling is more effective at removing plaque and whitening teeth than sesame oil, although I don’t have any scientific studies that prove the difference.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling
- Put 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil into the mouth. I also pour a few drops of Brushing Blend or Essential Oil into the mix. (Just make sure any essential oil is safe to use in the mouth).
- Swish for 20 minutes. Apparently the timing is key, according to Dr. Bruce Fife, author of Oil Pulling Therapy, as this is long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not long enough that the body starts re-absorbing the toxins and bacteria. The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixed with saliva during this time and it should be creamy-white when spit out.
- Spit oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system like I do… don’t spit into the sink! Do not swallow the oil as it is hopefully full of bacteria and plaque that are now not in the mouth!
- Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (my opinion). Occasionally, I swish with salt water which seems more effective but is also more work.
- Brush well. I prefer to brush with Brushing Blend or homemade toothpaste to make sure any remaining bacteria is removed.
Note: At the suggestion of a friend, I’ve also experimented with using MCT oil in place of coconut oil. MCT oil is a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coconut oil but still want the benefits. It is more expensive but I really like the combination of MCT oil and essential oils for oil pulling.
For more information on how I use oil pulling and on my other natural oral health resources, check out my oral health page.
Try Coconut Oil Pulling Chews
Since writing this post, I’ve discovered a way to simplify oil pulling with coconut oil by making mini coconut oil chews that melt in the mouth. Pre-making these with essential oils and freezing them is an easy way to have pre-portioned bites for oil pulling and has also made it easier for me to get my husband and kids to try it.
This original coconut oil pulling chews recipe (and even the picture of them) has been copied by multiple other websites but the recipe and instructions can be found at the link above.
Have you ever used coconut oil for oil pulling? How did you like it? Share below!
Ive been using extra virgin olive oil…do u recommend that one as well?
i have a tooth ache on my molers upper left second tooth inside the crack
wondering if the oil pulling heals that , i use extra virgin olive, planning on getting unrefined cold press virgin coconut, so my main question is does it heal a tooth ache, for when i floss it sends a shiver through me like the start of a cavity
It won’t heal a toothache and definitely won’t heal a crack! It also won’t cure gum disease, it is a serious disease and once you have it you have it for life! It can’t hurt I’m sure to oil pull but it’s not going to cure dental caries or gumdisease so very important you keep up with your six monthly dental appointments and three monthly if you have gum disease!
it can certainly be used as one part of a plan to heal your teeth though. … yeah, wild, I know. teeth can regrow. who knew. no one eating sugar n grains anyway. 😉
Can oil pulling affect dental work? I tried it for about a week (not long enough to see any obvious results) until I read someone’s comment about it loosening their dental fillings. I’d love to have whiter teeth, cleaner mouth but can’t afford to replace fillings.
I am also concerned about the loosening of fillings. I first learned of oil pulling on your site, and I was planning to start with the coconut oil today, but read an article that said people with current fillings could result in cracked teeth or loose fillings. Has anyone with dental fillings tried oil pulling? If so, what was your experience?
It’s just oil, people! Do you eat any food with oil in it? It couldn’t possibly loosen your fillings anymore than swishing with water. Chewing meat is more worrysome. You’d better puree all your steaks and burgers from now on….
been oil pulling for about a month now and I have not experienced any loosening of fillings and I have a lot of them. If anything it’s made my teeth stronger and less sensitive when I chew, when before it was somewhat painfull, and my mouth feels way cleaner than before…good luck
First time I ever did oil pulling, I went to brush and floss and my front tooth chipped off a small section but compared to the size of the tooth, it was significant. Can’t say it was due to the oil pulling, but not sure if it would have happened had I not done it.
I’ve oil pulled with coconut oil on and off for years, i have 5 crowns and one filling and have had no issues what so ever. I can’t imagine this could be any more harmful to dental work than regular eating. My gums do look better though.
It might depend on how old the fillings are and the quality. Fillings can come out when they get older no matter what you do. Flossing can even do it sometimes but you should still floss. Also, not all fillings are the same quality. I have fillings from two different dentists and the ones from the first aren’t very good. I only just started oil pulling so I can’t say whether it effects any of my fillings or other dental work (I have really bad teeth..genetic from my grandfather) however, it’s just oil. I doubt it can be any more damaging than scraping the teeth at the dentist, flossing, eating fruit, or drinking soda, or chewing chewy food or gum.
I have genetically bad teeth too! (All I can day is at least they look good from the front when I smile lol) I asked my brother in law (a dentist ) about this last week. His personal opinion was- it can’t hurt and might help. I’m on board! I have my first side cavity and in between jobs so I don’t have the $$ to go to the dentist. I took a picture before starting and will see if it has any Change at all in a couple months! I’ve seen pics all over the Internet where this helps but I really don’t think there will be much, if any difference! To be continued…… 🙂
I’m having serious problems with severe periodontal disease. Will oil pulling help reverse this.. I’m way to scared to go to a dentist to many bad issues as a kid.
When I started oil pulling my filling loosen and I had to get my tooth pulled.
No problem with my filings, I’ve been oil pulling with virgin coconut oil for almost 5 years. The hygienist has very little work to clean my teeth. No cavities, no gum disease. You can’t go wrong with it. I average 5 times a week.
I’m wondering who wrote the article you read about oil pulling harming dental work. Was it written by a dentist whose income could be negatively affected by patients who start oil pulling?
I think It loosens filings because long term oil pulling is said to heal cavities. Maybe it forces the filling out because new enamel is growning. YES, i know we have all been told that enamel doesn’t grow back but you can’t believe everything you hear lol
Where did oil pulling originate from?
Oil pulling originated in India
I have been oil pulling off and on for about a year. I have read numerous times that the oil will be thicker and milky white when spit out. I’ve never noticed either one to happen when I spit it out after 20 minutes. 1. what are the reasons for the thickness and milky white color? and 2. what is the reason these don’t happen for me?
The milky color occurs when using seseme oil. Another oil used in oil pulling. You should also Google oil pulling because the benefits exceed oral health alone! It is quite amazing ????
I use organic unrefined extra virgin coconut oil and after 20 mins it’s milky white. Started off clear. I don’t think it is just a safflower thing.
Would safflower oil work well? (That’s what I’ve been using as I don’t currently have coconut oil, etc.)
It’s generally agreed upon that coconut oil is the best because of its natural antimicrobial properties. If you only have safflower, however, you could use it for now.
Unless it is organic safflower oil, most safflower oil in the U.S. is from GMO rapeseed.
Canola oil is derived from rapeseed, and yes, much of it is GMO these days. Safflower oil is derived from the safflower plant.
What is the effect, if any, of the oil on dental work such as porcelain crowns?
I have been oil pulling for almost a year now. I do it about 5 mornings a week, fitting it in with my morning routine before the rest of the family is up. I have always had pretty good oral health, so I can’t say I see any dramatic improvement, but I do think me teeth are whiter and they definitely feel clean for longer than they used to throughout the day. I really don’t see any downside to doing it.
Lost my job and couldn’t afford to go to the dentist on a regular basis but noticed that my teeth felt like there was some type of coating on them and were turning yellow. Once I started this 20 minute routine I noticed a difference almost immediately. Frankly I think my teeth look better and now then when I was going to the dentist on a regular basis.
20 min sounds like a long time. Are you still able to talk? Or is this a dedicated time? Just wondering this as a busy mama!
Also please expand on why not to spit in the sink. . .What happens?
If 20 minutes seems too long, start out with less and work up. And yes, your mouth is pretty full, so you won’t be talking. People seem to have luck combining oil pulling time with their shower or morning routine (that way they avoid talking while pulling).
You don’t want to spit in the sink because once it leaves the heat of your mouth, the oil will turn solid and gunk up your pipes.
I love the idea of doing this in the shower. Perfect solution for me. Can’t wait to start this in my shower today!
Katie, after a friend of mine pointed me out to your website, he talked to me about oil pulling and referred to the old article you published a couple of years back. I have been oil pulling for about 6 months now and I can totally see the difference. You are completely correct, using coconut oil is so amazing on my teeth and oral hygiene in general. My teeth are way wither than they were… I also use the activated charcoal at least once a week and I try to do it more and more.
Thank you for inspiring me to oil pull. I love it and my dentist LOVES YOU!
I’m so glad it’s working so well for you! Thanks for reading!
did you brush with the charcoal before or after the oil pulling?
After.
Would organic refined coconut oil be effective for oil pulling?
Unrefined is best, but in a pinch you could use refined.
Is refined still as affective as unrefined?
I am going to start oil pulling I hear so many benefits from It I have to give it a try! The coconut oil I have is solid. Do you heat it up 1st? Or does it become liquid after swishing for a little while?
Either…
My oil isnt staying solid in the heat. Does liquid work as well?
yes
My coconut oil says its liquid above 76 degrees and solid under. 🙂
I use mine either way, if it’s solid I dig out a spoonful and it melt in my mouth. My niece says the solid makes her gag so she melts it first. It’s great and the important thing is to use it.
It becomes a liquid in your mouth
It’s easier to store and use
I prefer the solid version
Hope this helps
Regards
In my opinion it is much easier heated up and put into your mouth as a liquid than a solid. Sticking a gob of oil into my mouth as a solid was really not very appealing and the thought of chewing on a chunk of oil made me want to gag. JMO
It melts in your mouth. Mine is solid too
Yes it is solid at room temp. It will liquify quickly in mouth. Sometimes i set mine gently in warm water before pulling.
Does fractionated coconut oil work as well? Because it’s already liquid it seems easier, but maybe some of the benefits are gone due to the process it underwent. Thoughts?
I believe that is what she was referring to in her article as MCT or Medium Chain Triglyceride which is fractionated coconut oil. 🙂
Save all your used plastic bread bags or other bags and spit the oil in the bag and throw it in the trash. You don’t want to spit in the sink or toilet or you”ll clog your drains over time. Besides you don’t want that toxic stuff in the water system. I save all my plastic bags that will end up in the trash anyway
Never mind the dumps you flush down the toilet, you don’t want toxic oral bacteria in the water system!
For real?
You know what else goes through the sewage pipes, right? A few bacteria from the mouth are the least bothersome.
You don’t want the oil in your pipes. Over time, they will clog. The bacteria is not the issue. LOL!
FYI: When bodies are autopsied, the blood drained out of the body goes into your local water system.
You do know what goes into the sewage system right? The toxins from your mouth aren’t that bad compared to other activities. I was interested in your blog until I read this comment. It made me skeptical.
The main reason you spit it into the trash is that coconut oil becomes solid at temps below 75 degrees. In plumbing it can cause great problems clogging drains and drain pipes. Poo breaks down in water, but coconut oil does not.
Why be a jerk and comment then?!! Common sense, which you don’t seem to have, would tell you that putting oil down a sink is a bad thing. This women has a great blog. Don’t read it if you don’t like it and keep your nasty opinion to yourself.
can it get rid of a infection
The oil hardens and will clog your pipes. It’s not the bacteria she is warning you about..
exactly right! it becomes a solid again
Yes, coconut oil hardens and coats where it sits
It’s simple! Coconut oil will turn solid and clog up pipes. It has Nothing to do with the bacteria going down the drain.
I would use unrefined instead of refined. Refined uses bleach and changes state of coconut oil. I use aviva pure Cocopull packets because they’re easy to use and travel with.