What is Oil Pulling?

If you have been watching natural news about dental health, you may be wondering what is oil pulling. This is an ancient remedy for tooth and gum problems that hails from India. It is renowned for providing natural teeth whitening and strengthening and nourishing the gums. It is the act of swishing a natural oil around in the mouth first thing every morning to clean and nourish the teeth and gums. It is said to remove plaque and eliminate toxins as well as providing overall health and wellness benefits.

When you search “oil pulling” online, you will find many testimonials from patients who were suffering from tooth and gum problems and found relief with this simple and innovative practice. These testimonials recount amazing benefits that reach beyond oral hygiene. People say that the practice of this method has helped clear up infections, headaches, skin conditions, liver problems, arthritis, allergies, asthma and many more problems. This only makes sense because it is well known that bacteria in the mouth can cause problems throughout the body.

What is involved?

Of course, one major aspect of wondering what is it is wondering how to do it! It is really very easy and simple. You just use a natural oil such as olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil. You swish a couple of tablespoons of the oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes first thing in the morning before doing anything else. If you have severe dental and gum problems, you can do it more often. Meditation or morning yoga might be a good accompaniment to this activity to make it an even better overall health and wellness treatment.

oil pulling

It is important to swish the oil around for the entire twenty minutes to break down plaque and root out bacteria. As you swish, the oil will pick up saliva and bacteria and work its way deeply into the crevices in your gum tissues. When you spit the oil out, it will be white. You should spit it into a trash can rather than into your sink or toilet because the oil can interfere with your plumbing. Be careful not to swallow the oil because it will be full of bacteria.

Pulling is a synergistic activity that brings tremendous benefits.

In the final analysis, the simple answer is that it is the act of swishing a natural oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes a day to clean your teeth and nourish your gums. The deeper and more complete answer is that it is a practice that can strengthen your gums, whiten your teeth and help you enjoy better overall health by removing excessive and negative bacteria from your mouth and supporting detoxification of the entire system. The benefits of this simple, affordable practice are far greater than the sum of its parts making this method an excellent, synergistic addition to your health and wellness routine.

How To Do It?

Although oil pulling is still considered a new healing concept in countries such as the United States, it has been used as a method of healing for many centuries in countries such as China and India. Many have heard of the phrase, but they are unsure how to do it. This technique is considered a form of alternative healing and it involves swishing an edible oil such as coconut oil or sunflower oil in your mouth for 15 minutes to 20 minutes and then spitting the oil out. You are supposed to avoid swallowing any of the oil during the process.

The Health Benefits

It sounds very simple and it is actually simple to do. Not only it is simple, it is also very powerful. It provides many different types of health benefits.

Detox is one of the surprising benefits that many people are not aware of. It is very effective at removing toxins from the body when performed on a regular basis.

Increased metabolism is another benefit. It increases the rate in which the body burns fat, and therefore, the method can help a person lose those stubborn excess pounds. Once you learn how to do oil pulling, your body will eventually be restored to its natural weight.

The Step By Step Guide

The best time of the day to perform pulling method is in the morning before you have had anything to eat or drink. You will then take one tablespoon full of the oil that you have chosen and pour the oil into your mouth. Children can also do it by using a reduced amount of oil and under the supervision of an adult so that they do not accidentally swallow the oil.

You will then begin to swish the oil around in your mouth. Move it around as if it were mouthwash, but avoid gargling or tilting your head back. The oil will become diluted as saliva begins to mix in. If the muscles in your face become sore during the process, you are putting too much effort into it. It is supposed to be a relaxing way to get some health benefits for your body.

Oil pulling can be somewhat unpleasant the first few times that you try, so if you feel the urge to swallow, do so. You will soon become comfortable with the process and it will become a part of your morning routine.

The best way to tell that the process is working is by looking at the color and consistency of the oil. If the oil turns into a milky looking substance, the oil is effectively removing the toxins from the body.

After you have completed your session, you will then need to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You can use regular table salt for the rinse. The number of times a week you choose to oil pull is up to you. Many people complete the process once a week; others complete the process several times a week.

Learning how to do it is not a complicated process. It is a simple technique that can provide healing benefits to the body.

The Method and Benefits

The ancient art of oil pulling has recently regained favor as a remedy for both oral health and for detoxification. This method is really rather simple and can make a huge difference to your teeth, gums, mouth and even your throat

The Method

The art of this method simply involves putting a teaspoon of oil into your mouth – coconut oil is favored by some people, others prefer sesame oil (cold pressed and organic of course) and then swishing the oil around in the mouth for a few minutes – around 10 or 15 minutes before spitting out the oil.

Which Oils Work Best and Have the Most Benefits

* Cold pressed extra virgin olive oils
* Cold pressed Coconut oil
* Cold pressed Sunflower oil
* Cold pressed olive oil

Some people do advocate using a variety of different oils, changing your oil every few days for the maximum health and hygiene benefits. It really is a matter of personal choice.

How the method works

The first thing which happens when using this method is that the oils are mixed in with your saliva making it turn into a white, rather thin liquid. The lipids which are present in the oils remove the toxins which are present in your saliva. Swishing the oil around the mouth helps the oil to absorb toxins from the gums, the teeth, the tongue and the top of the throat and as it absorbs more toxins it will gradually become thicker yet still whitish in color. When the oil has become thick, white and grungy it is time to spit it out before you may inadvertently reabsorb the toxins which have been removed.


There are many possible benefits, although the method remains the same different benefits can be reached from using a variety of oils.

Using sesame oil can help to increase your oral health overall as it contains an agent which is beneficial to oral health helping to reduce the germ count which is found in the mouth saliva and teeth plaque. It can also help to cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria reducing the amount of fungal growth.

Other benefits may include:

* Helping to strengthen the gums, jaws and teeth.
* Helping to prevent gum disease, cavities and even gingivitis
* Helping to prevent bad breath
* Provide a holistic method and remedy for dealing with bleeding gums
* Helping to prevent dryness of the mouth, throat and the lips
* Helping to prevent general soreness around the area of the jaw

Many believe that the far reaching benefits go beyond the mouth:

* Relief for migraines and headaches
* Reducing arthritic inflammation
* Helping to reduce the signs of eczema
* Helping to reduce insomnia
* Reducing the effects of a hangover after consuming too much alcohol
* Helping to support the normal function of the kidneys
* Helping to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis
* May help to reduce pain
* Some oil pullers have even reported that it helped to improve their vision

This simple oil pulling method really can make a difference to your health – why not try it?

Pulling Benefits Outweigh Any Inconvenience

When I first heard of oil pulling, I probably reacted the same as most people. It sounded a bit “out there,” if you will, and more than a little bit gross. But it was recommended by a friend whose judgment I trusted, so I decided I should at least hear her out. Then, when I heard Dr. Oz was on board with it and touting the many benefits, I figured, what harm could it do to check it out.

I’ll explain the procedure in a minute, but first you should hear some of the ways it is said that it benefits your health. It’s not just about whiter teeth and better breath; it’s about boosting your immune system and helping all your body’s systems function more smoothly.

In brief: What Is It?

First things first. If you have never heard of it, the term conjures up a strange and probably inaccurate visual! It is actually a very old Ayurvedic remedy for detoxifying your body. It helps eliminate all the harmful bacteria and toxins we have, not only in our mouth, but our whole digestive tract.

After a couple weeks, you can expect to experience a marked improvement in your general well-being and alertness. The benefits to your gums, teeth and throat are but a bonus.

What Oil to Use

Any number of healthy oils can be employed in this method, but the generally recommended oils are coconut, sesame seed or olive oils. Each has its own unique taste and people either love or hate it. If using coconut oil, you may try adding a little peppermint oil to it. Coconut Oil is a more expensive choice, but its many benefits to our health have been well documented. Dr. Oz has done whole shows on the subject.

The Process

It is done by taking a tablespoon of whatever oil you choose and swishing it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Don’t swallow it; just work it between your teeth and swish it against your cheeks. You can carry on your morning routine as you do so. Morning is generally considered the best time to do it to achieve maximum benefits.

It is said the human mouth is a harbinger of many germs and unhealthy bacteria. In fact, it’s said that a bite from a human is a greater threat than is a dog’s bite! It gradually cleanses your mouth of all that undesirable bacteria. It literally prevents it from attaching itself to the oral cavity and cleanses the mouth. The result is an overall healthful feeling.

Oil pulling not only strengthens your teeth and gums, but helps prevent diseases in other parts of your body as well, including the lymphatic system. The benefits include reducing inflammation that causes disease, preventing migraines and hormonal imbalances, improving skin conditions and improving the functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is thought to reduce sinus congestion and allergy issues also.

With all the advantages and virtual lack of disadvantages, this method is certainly worthy of a try.

What Is Coconut Oil Pulling?

An interesting phenomenon is taking place with coconut oil and other oils. There is a process called oil pulling, which is like using oil like a mouthwash. So when a person does oil pulling with coconut oil, they are washing out their mouths with coconut oil.

Evidently, it has been used for thousands of years in Indian as a folk remedy, and what is very interesting about it is that it works. The procedure involves putting about a tablespoon of the oil into your mouth and then for ten to twenty minutes swishing it around inside of your mouth.

Almost everyone is aware that there are thousands of different kinds of bacteria in the mouth, some of which are beneficial and some which are harmful. One of the most harmful is the Streptococcus Mutans, which is the main bad guy that causes cavities in our teeth, gingivitis and plaque. Plaque on our teeth is pretty normal, but when the buildup get to be too much, all kinds of problems can ensue. The Streptococcus Mutans is a key bacteria found in the mouth and has a great deal to do with the formation of plaque and tooth decay.

Coconut oil pulling, or pulling with other types such as sesame oil and sunflower oil, works by the bacteria sticking to the oil as you swish, and then they are dissolved in the oil. The final result is that you remove vast amounts of bacteria from the mouth each time that this is done. Coconut oil is a particularly good oil to use because a substance called Lauric Acid in the coconut oil has been found to be very antimicrobial – it will kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.

A 2008 study with 20 boys in their adolescence who used this pulling method showed a sharp reduction of the Streptococcus Mutans in their mouths in as little time as two weeks.

Coconut Oil Pulling

Gingivitis results from the inflammation of the gums when our immune systems begin to attack bacteria that have accumulated in the plaque. So it would give us a double whammy against plaque buildup and the destruction of those bacteria. Another study showed good results with this method in this regard as well.

Halitosis, or bad breath is really the result of gasses and the smell of chemicals that emanate from the bacteria in the mouth. So, it makes a lot of sense that if the bacteria are eliminated, so will be the halitosis. Another study showed that the use of oils and chlorhexidine mouthwash both reduced the bacteria. The only problem with the chlorhexidine mouthwash is that it has been found to be harmful to the teeth, gums and mouth areas with prolonged use, whereas the oils are not.

Coconut oil pulling is very simple to accomplish by simply placing a teaspoon of the oil into your mouth, and then swishing it about inside of your mouth for ten to twenty minutes. Once finished, spit out the oil and brush your teeth. The coconut oil is solid at room temperature and needs to be chewed for a bit to warm it up to a liquid. Coconut oil is fairly tasteless, and it works very well in this process.

The Benefits Of Coconut Oil Pulling

While coconut oil pulling may be a fairly new method for healing in the United States, it is actually a practice that has been done in a number of other countries for many years. Even though you can use a variety of edible oils to do this treatment, a lot of people are leaning towards coconut oil pulling. By simply taking the oil and washing your mouth with it and not swallowing it, there are many different health benefits that you can enjoy. If you are interested in this healing treatment, you might want to read up on it before you get started so that you can have the best experience possible.

In order to get the absolute most out of coconut oil, you will want to think about making it a regular part of your daily routine. When you do the treatment, you will want to allow about 15 to 20 minutes and the best time is in the early morning when you have an empty stomach prior to drinking or eating. With just one tablespoon of coconut oil, you will want to swish it around in your mouth without swallowing. Make sure that you swish it in and out of your teeth before spitting it out. When you are done swishing, you can rinse your mouth out a few times until the oil is gone.

If you are able to do coconut oil pulling on a daily basis, you will find that it can help you to detoxify your body.

A lot of people who have done this will say that they actually noticed a difference from the first time that they tried it. The coconut oil works by getting down in deep around the gums and between the teeth to pull out all of the toxins that are hiding.

You should know that doing this method with coconut oil has shown to be an effective way to cleanse the mouth, heal the gums and even brighten up the overall appearance of the teeth. In addition to that, it has even been said to cure bad breath and help to boost the metabolism that will help you lose weight if you need to shed a few extra pound. There are also people who have done it using coconut to help treat eczema, insomnia, meningitis, kidney disease, hormonal issues, high blood pressure and a whole lot of other chronic infections and ailments.

The Benefits Of Coconut Oil


Keep in mind that if you do have toxins in your body, you may start to notice that you will have some symptoms that arise due to these toxins leaving the body. During detox, you could find that you will get a bit congested, develop pimples or even notice a headache. However, the symptoms will dissipate the more you continue with the coconut oil pulling process.

While it may seem like swishing oil in your mouth for 15 or 20 minutes a day is a lot, there are so many great benefits to be had that you are going to see just how easy it can be.

The Art Of Coconut Oil Pulling

When someone mentions coconut oil pulling to you, it might mean something to you, but probably not. It really denoted a process of taking a mouthful of coconut oil, swishing it around in your mouth for ten to 20 minutes, and then spitting it out. The whole purpose of this exercise is to kill bacteria in the mouth, and help to reduce plaque that is harmful to teeth and gums. This is a process that is said to have originated in India where it is a normal occurrence, not only with coconut oil, but with sunflower oil and sesame oil as well.

We all have bacteria that lives in our mouths, and some of it is harmful, and some not. The actual mechanism of how the oil works is that when the oil is swished, it causes the bacteria to “stick” to the oil, and the oil dissolves the bacteria. Each time you rinse your mouth with the oil, you are getting rid of more of the bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Plaque is a substance that forms a film on the outer layer of our teeth, and bacteria will sometimes get out of hand and cause it to form in a thicker manner, which can cause problems.

The Streptococcus Mutans is the bacteria that causes the problems with developing plaque, causes tooth decay and gingivitis, a disease of the gums where the body’s immune system attacks the bacteria that is building the plaque, and it can be very painful. Some plaque in the mouth is normal, but if it gets out of hand it becomes a problem.

Using coconut oil is a good choice because it contains Lauric Acid, which is know to antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. About half of the fats in coconut oil is antimicrobial.

Coconut oil is fairly tasteless, but at room temperature it is more or less a solid. You can chew it when first putting it into your mouth, and just the heat of that process will melt it into a liquid form so you can rinse with it. When you are done with your coconut pulling, just spit it out and brush your teeth.

The Art Of Coconut Oil P.

There have been studies done which verify the effectiveness of coconut oil pulling. In 2008 a study done with 20 boys who were teenagers, used sesame oil for this process and it was found that there was a similar reduction in bacteria as was experience with the control group who used Chlorhexidine mouthwash. This is an effective substance for a mouthwash, but it can have toxic effects in the long run.

Another study compared the pulling method to Chlorhexidine in helping to cure gingivitis and there were similar results. The Chlorhexidine is much more expensive and toxic than the oils that can be used, so the coconut oil and the other oils are clear winners in this process.

This method with coconut oil is very helpful with halitosis, or bad breath, as halitosis is cause by gasses and chemicals that are given off by mouth borne bacteria. If the bacteria is killed, the halitosis goes away.

I Would Like To Get Into It

I would really like to get into coconut oil pulling. I have a few friends that are into it and it seems really interesting to me. I have always leaned a little more natural than others so I think this is what I should be doing.

From what I understand coconut pulling is when you use coconut oil as a mouthwash. I have been using coconut oil for other items. I usually shampoo with it and I also like to cook with it.

I first discovered it a couple of years ago. It is such a great product and you can use it for many different things. You can use it on your body and for cooking.

Using it as a mouthwash makes a lot of sense to me. I think you just need to do it in the morning and you will start to see a difference right away. I am excited to try it.

Pulling with coconut oil has been around for a long time. You put a tablespoon of the oil in your mouth and swish it around. You have to make sure you do it for about 10-20 minutes.

What this does is get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth. It will get stuck in the oil and you will be able to get rid of it. It sounds like an amazing idea to me.

I love that I will be able to wake up every morning and do this. My mouth will feel a lot better and I know I will be healthier. Since that is one of my goals it is really a great system.

I told my best friend about it and she thought it was a weird idea. She does not like the taste of coconut oil and can’t imagine putting it in her mouth. I do like the taste of it so I think I should be alright.


Another great thing about it is that it can help with bad breath. I hate to admit it but I struggle with that. Even after I brush my teeth I find that I can have bad breath. I really hope it will help with that as I don’t like being around others smelling badly.

If it works for me I hope I can get my boyfriend to try it. He is usually open to all the natural ideas I have tried. If he doesn’t like it he tells me so and I will never ask him to do it again.

If this works well for me I will probably tell everyone I know about it. A lot of people don’t know what coconut oil can do and this will be a good way to get them interested in it.

I am thankful for the friends I have that have told me all about this. I know it will be a good thing for me. I am ready to try it and create a healthier mouth.