Oil pulling has long been considered a practice for natural oral healthcare and is a very simple technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for approximately 10–20 minutes, on an empty stomach, and then spitting it out.
This ancient Indian medicine remedy dates back over a 1000 years ago and is found in the early Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita. Commonly used for oral health, it was also a recommended treatment for other conditions including headaches, migraines, diabetes and asthma. In modern times, though, it is most commonly used to protect the health of the teeth and gums, as good oral hygiene and total body health are interconnected. The oral cavity can contain over 700 kinds of bacteria, some of which can contribute to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, so it’s imperative to maintain oral and dental hygiene.
Oil pulling can help improve dental hygiene because it:
- is a natural and effective means to destroy the bacteria responsible for chronic bad breath (halitosis).
- helps to remove plaque from the teeth and decrease inflammation, which results in whiter teeth, pinker gums, and a decreased chance of developing gingivitis.
- helps decrease the chance of developing dental caries, or cavities.
- can reduce the cavity-linked Streptococcus mutans bacteria in plaque and saliva of children.
- can improve chapped lips and resolve a dry throat or mouth.
Wiseman Health Take-Home Advice
The most common oils used with oil pulling are sesame, coconut, and sunflower. We personally prefer organic cold-pressed coconut oil because it is healthy and versatile. It can be used as a cooking oil and as a moisturizer for skin and hair. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which contains anti-microbial and ant-inflammatory properties.
- Put a few fingers worth (approximately a tablespoon) in your mouth and swish for 10–15 minutes and then spit it out. If this is too long, even 3–5 minutes of oil pulling can be beneficial. You can substitute this for mouthwash, as many of the brand names are not ideal in terms of toxicity.
- Be careful that you don’t swallow the oil because you’ll essentially ingest the toxins and bacteria. It’s OK if you ingest a small amount but the best practice is to swish it all over in your mouth and then spit it out in a trashcan or paper towel (oil can clog pipes in sinks/toilets).
- When finished, be sure to rinse your mouth with water.
- Make this part of your morning routine 3–5 times a week.
- For a quick and easy “how-to,” watch this oil pulling video.
Editor’s Note: This content was created by our Wiseman Health content and writing team, without the influence of artificial intelligence engines. Our goal is to be your trusted source for natural health and medical information. This article was originally published on December 3, 2013 and has since been updated.
Does MCT oil work?
Hello Byron,
If you are referring to MCT as medium-chain triglycerides, then yes. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. As far as pure MCT oil made in the laboratory, it is usually heavily processed from coconut oil and palm kernel oil and I would stay from it. I prefer to use more natural sources of the vegetable oils mentioned above;)
Thank You for continuing to set the standard for integrative health.
This is information I’ve never heard before today and I consider myself pretty knowledgeable as it relates to natural heal.
Keep up the Great work!!
Fantastic article and testimony…the first shower I take when I return home to Austin from Houston this week will indeed incorporate coconut oil. So far everything I’ve tried from native Indians has resulted in significant results…just sayin:) i’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out. If I’ve learned anything in the last year is this: What do you have to lose with regards to testing something out that could benefit you immensely and at a much lower cost, to see if it works? Especially (and more importantly) if the ingredients are natural/holistic? Again, just saying 🙂
Will any kind of oil work, i.e. grape seed oil?
Hello Tempa,
Unfortunately, grape seed oil, along with corn, canola, cottonseed, and soy oil, is usually heavily processed and chemically treated. These oils should generally be avoided for oil- pulling and consumption in general. The oils that are best are coconut, olive, almond, sunflower, and sesame seed oil. My favorite is coconut oil!
I’ve been doing oil pulling for years. However, I always spit out the oil in the commode or outside as the oil, especially coconut, can clog up your smaller pipes. At Peoples Pharmacy, we sell an oil pulling product that also contains some herbs such as clove, along with the sesame seed oil. This leaves your mouth also feeling refreshed and helps pull out the toxins.
Thanks Lorraine for informing me about the oil pulling product at People’s Pharmacy. I have chronic bad breath and am always looking for remedies that will fit my lifestyle.
Dr. Jeremy, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw this! You’re the first MD I’ve known who’s ever known what this is, let alone does it. Now, if you can only convince my Indian born husband to do this. How about a demo of a morning routine with the oil pulling, dry loofah rub, and ending with a hydro treatment?
Thanks for all you do!
Awesome, several extremely valid suggestions! I appreciate you penning this post and the remainder of your site is exceptional!
I am trying this.
Great topic! I am a fan of both oil pulling and coconut oil. I have a 3 oz. bottle of olive oil that I pack for oil pulling when I travel. It’s really convenient and takes up no more room than a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash. I also keep a small jar of coconut oil on my bathroom counter to use as eye makeup remover. It’s gentle, non-toxic, and removes makeup better than the commercial products I’ve tried.