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A couple months ago, I read this post from Jolene over at Yummy Inspirations about her experience with oil pulling. You all know I love coconut oil, but the one thing I have never been consistent with is oil pulling. I have done it off and on over the years, but never long enough to really notice any benefits.
Her post inspired me to give it another go — and this time to be dedicated to doing it. So, I set out to on my 30 Days of Oil Pulling journey to see what results I could noticed after a full 30 days of swishing with coconut oil.
Before we get started with my experience, let’s learn what oil pulling is, just in case you are unfamiliar with this practice.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an Indian folk remedy that has been used for at least 1,500 years as a way to clean your mouth. It was first mentioned in early Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, and has been used as a traditional remedy throughout India.
The Charaka Samhita describes oil pulling as effective for improving more than just oral health, but also 30 other systemic health conditions ranging from headache, migraine to diabetes and asthma.
Modern scientific studies to confirm oil pulling’s ability to improve oral health. According to an article on CoconutOil.com, oil pulling has:
- Proven to be as effective as the chemical chlorhexidine (as in Oral B mouthwash) for chronic bad breath (halitosis), but without the side effects
- Proven to be beneficial in patients with gingivitis and can result in whiter teeth and pinker gums
- Proven to reduce the cavity-linked Streptococcus mutans bacteria in plaque and saliva of children
- Proven to exert antibacterial actions through emulsification and saponification
Why does oil pulling work to improve dental health?
According to CoconutOil.com, “oil pulling positively affects the composition of bacteria in the mouth by killing pathogenic microorganisms, it makes sense that it would be beneficial in other seemingly related health conditions. When the gums or teeth are infected, bacterial cells and/or their highly immunogenic components, e.g. lipopolysaccharide, can more easily enter the blood wreaking widespread inflammation. Insofar as oil pulling nips the bacteria-associated cascade of harmful, inflammatory reactions in the bud, it may reduce the toxic load on the entire body.”
Why use coconut oil?
Sesame oil was the most common oil used, but coconut oil has recently started gaining popularity due to its antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties are due to the high levels of lauric acid in coconut oil. Lauric acid has long been known to have the power to kill germs and coconut oil contains approximately 50% lauric acid.
How does one oil pull?
It’s really simple. All you do is place a small amount of oil in your mouth and then swish it around for up to 20 minutes.
20 minutes?
Are you crazy, Jessica?
No, well, maybe a little, but not because of this. 😉
I know it sounds like a long time, and when you first start out, it is. I recommend starting out small. Start with 5 minutes and then work your way up.
Many experts say you should do your oil pulling on an empty stomach, before consuming any food or brushing your teeth, so the most popular time to pull is in the morning before breakfast. Many people like to do their pulling first thing after waking up.
All you do is take a small amount of coconut oil (1 tsp. to 1 tbsp.) and swish it around in your mouth like you would mouthwash. Start off with less oil than you need … I usually used about 1 tsp. and that was sufficient once my saliva mixed with it.
Just keep swishing the oil around for as long as you can. When I did my 30 day challenge, I started with 5 minutes and just kept increasing my time each day by a minute.
Your jaws will most likely get tired. Mine sure did, especially that first week, but after that, my mouth was used to it and my jaws strengthened up.
When you’re done swishing, spit the oil in the trash. Don’t spit it in your sink or toilet, as it can clog your drains, especially in homes with older plumbing. Also, the process of oil pulling is supposed to remove all sorts of bacteria and other nasties from your mouth, so it could be considered toxic waste and disposed of appropriately.
What was my experience with 30 days of oil pulling?
I found the oil pulling process to be quite pleasant actually. I found I enjoyed it and my mouth and teeth felt so clean afterwards. As I mentioned above the first week or so, my jaws would get very tired, so I could only last for 5-10 minutes before having to spit out the oil. But, as the days went on, my mouth became used to it, my jaws got stronger, and my time increased.
I did find that my teeth looked whiter. I have never had a lot of issues with plaque. I am very strict about my oral care routine and use a Waterpik daily, which I find has helped decrease the amount of plaque on my teeth. I really just liked how clean my mouth felt and if it’s also helping to get rid of some nasty stuff, then I’m all for it.
Many people have reported that oil pulling has helped with sinus problems and congestion by alleviating the pain and pressure from those conditions. I didn’t notice any changes like that when I pull, but I was not sick or congested during the 30 day experiment, so it was not an accurate test.
Will I continue oil pulling?
Yes, if I can remember to do it. I found that it was easy for me to forget, so I now have a reminder set up in my calendar each morning to remind me to swish. Since I am dealing with an autoimmune disease, I am always on the look-out for anything that could help build my immune system up, or help alleviate potential problems. Oil pulling will be one tool I use for that.
So tell me — do you oil pull? What has been your experience? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!
For lots of health-related information on coconut oil, I have found this book from the founders of Tropical Traditions to be very informative. If you’re a new customer, you can receive a copy for free on your first purchase, and I get a discount coupon for referring you! Click this link to place your order and receive your free book!
You can also check out more of my writing on coconut oil:
- Let’s Get Personal: How Coconut Oil Has Been Helping Me (where I talk about my weight loss success by upping my coconut oil!)
- Coconut Oil for Pets (coconut oil is not only good for us, it’s good for our furry and not-so-furry friends too!)
- Coconut Oil and Alzheimer’s (information showing how coconut oil might be able to help those suffering from Alzheimer’s)
- Coconut Oil Hair Treatment with Honey and Egg Yolks (Perfect for deep conditioning and treating frizzy, dry hair!)
If you’re interested in making your own skin care products, I highly recommend this eBook: “Coconut Oil For Your Skin – Nourishing Your Body From The Outside In“. This is a great book that shows you how to nourish your body from the outside in, using coconut oil!
References:
- Oil Pulling Goes Mainstream
- Oil Pulling – Ancient Secret for Optimal Health
- Oil Pulling for Dental Health
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I oil pull with coconut oil while I shower. I spit into a paper towel and toss out. Then I rinse my mouth 3 times (and spit out), brush my teeth, rinse, spit, and drink a glass of water. No chance I’ll swallow ANY of the bacteria I spat (spitted?) out. This has helped me with sinus drainage and bad breath. Thanks for writing of your experience. Alll my friends think I’m nuts, but I just flash my pearly whites!!
Keep on keepin’ on, Ellen! I need to get some reminders set in my calendar so I never forget. I truly believe it really does work! 🙂
I am very interested in trying the oil pulling method, however is there a certain type of coconut oil to use?
Hi Keya – You can use any type of coconut oil you like! I use both virgin and refined since I always have those on hand. 🙂
I have a friend that swears oil pulling is responsible for her health turn around. I know she certainly LOOKS better now. Based on her recommendation, I tried it twice for a week or so each time and both times had crowns that worked themselves lose. I had read that might happen; but decided it was worth it to try. I did feel good each day I did it; but have way too many crowns to continue the experiment.
Hi Sandy – Very interesting! I would say that if the pulling worked the crowns loose, then they were already loose and the pulling just helped them come off. I have one crown and have not had any issues so far. Everyone’s different though and boy, I know just how expensive dental work is! Definitely don’t want any more of those! 🙂
I’ve been oil pulling just over 30 days now. I use one of those plastic pill dispensers and divvy out a weeks worth of coconut oil at a time. I put around 2 teaspoons in each compartment. I keep it on my bedside table, and each morning when I wake up I use a plastic knife to scoop the coconut oil out. I do think my teeth look whiter! I plan to keep it up.
Awesome Carol! Sounds like you have a system that works for you. I may try that! 🙂
Can you oil pull while wearing braces?
D – I don’t see why not, though since I don’t have braces, I’m not totally sure. I really see no reason why you shouldn’t though.
I have been doing it for about 2 months now. I can only remember to do it on Weekdays when I am following a routine. But I DO notice whiter teeth, cleaner mouth and it really does clear the morning brain fog! I can’t believe how quickly it picks me up in the morning – so much that I notice such a difference on weekends when I don’t do it! I’ll be interested to see how it help plaque build up next time I go to the dentist.
That’s great Kelly! It is definitely a habit worth keeping! 🙂
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for over 2 years now. Before oil pulling, I used to get sick with respiratory issues a couple time a year. That was actually really good for me as I grew up with severe asthma and allergic to everything from food to pollens. Since I started pulling, I HAVE NOT BEEN SICK. EVER. In over 2 years. I have had one, just ONE bad allergy day during Central TX’s cedar fever season this past January, but it wasn’t debilitating by any means as they have been in the past. My mouth health has also improved as my halitosis is gone and my receding gums are not only no longer receding, but the gum tissue is regenerating. My dentist, who is a holistic practitioner, had heard of oil pulling, but she said she had never seen gum tissue actually grow back. I swear by oil pulling. I think it’s even helped my skin. If you get sick easily with any ailment, I urge you to start doing this. I’m not sure 30 days will prove much, but do it for 90 and I know you will see a difference in all sorts of health improvement. I do it in the shower most often as it helps distract me from the time issue since I’m busy swishing and scrubbing. Our sinks have been stopped up a few times in our old house as we make our own toothpaste with coconut oil, too, but I have found a mix of baking soda and vinegar poured into the drain and left to sit for 15 minutes, then pouring almost boiling water down it unclogs the drain immediately. However, I highly recommend spitting it in the trash. As Jessica said, it’s most likely full of all kinds of yuckiness.
Thanks for sharing! I love hearing how it’s helped you! It’s definitely a habit worth keeping! 🙂
I have been pulling 4-5 times a week for a couple of weeks. I do experience a large amount of drainage release after i finish. I actually have a disposable cup i spit into…and after a few days i toss it. My chihuahua loves coconut oil. Her coat is amazing.
Great tip on the cup Dede! I feed my dogs coconut oil too and they love it! 🙂
You mentioned that you have an autoimmune disorder. I was wondering if it has helped you overcome it? I have recently been having challenges with hyperthyroidism.
Hi Debbie – With autoimmune diseases, you will always have it, but you can learn how manage it and get it to go into a form of remission if you work hard at it. I am still in the process of regaining my health. It is a long, slow journey and much of it is trial and error as everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. You can read all of the posts in my health journey here: https://www.deliciousobsessions.com/health-wellness/#personal
Can you melt it a little first or does it need to be solid?
Meredith – The coconut oil will melt in your mouth. Coconut oil is solid at temps below 76 degrees and liquid above. Just take a teaspoon or so and it will liquefy in your mouth quickly.
I LOVE the oral health and other benefits of daily oil pulling. I also use coconut oil on my skin and hair.
Hi Yvonne – Isn’t coconut oil great?! So versatile! 🙂
Where do I get cocoanut oil
Elizabeth – I purchase all of my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions: https://www.deliciousobsessions.com/TropicalTraditions
I have been oil pulling nearly a week now. I don’t think I’ve noticed any difference yet maybe my allergies are a little tiny bit better. I do the entire 20 mins but I spit out my oil two or three times and start with a new tsp. when my jaw gets tired.
It does take awhile for your jaws to strengthen. It’s quite the workout! 🙂
I have heard the term oil pulling but actually had no idea what it was. It sounds very interesting and I love using coconut oil. Just a couple questions: why is it important to do on an empty stomach? Would it matter if I did it at night rather than in the morning? Also, why would it cause loose crowns to come out? I have a couple bridges that come loose occasionally so I’m wondering could oil pulling exacerbate that problem?
Hi Rachel – That is a great question and one that I think I forgot to answer in the post itself. I did some research on it at one point and found this advice: “The mouth oil therapy is better done on a empty stomach to trigger the release of the maximum amount of the enzyme-containing saliva. These enzymes leach toxins and bacteria out of the blood and lymph fluids. When the stomach is full, the saliva secretions are minimal. Besides, keeping the oil may make you slightly nauseous, which is unlikely when doing this on an empty stomach.” Found on this forum: http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=788886#i
In regards to the dental work, I have a crown and have had no issues, but if you know your crowns are loose, I guess there is a chance it could loosen them more. I definitely don’t know for sure though.
Thanks so much for the info! Maybe I’ll give it a try.
I really don’t like coconut, could I have the same results with sesame oil?
Hi Claire – Yes. Sesame oil is what is traditionally used for oil pulling in Ayurveda.
I know it was already asked about melting vs. solid, and of course I do realize it will melt in your mouth, but I really can’t stomach the idea of a solid chunk of oil in my mouth first thing in the morning so do you think it would make a difference if I melted it first? At least to start out.
Hi Donna – Nope! It won’t make a difference at all. And, come summertime, your coconut oil will most likely be liquid already, as it liquefies at temps above 75-76 degrees.
Just a suggestion for anyone having difficulty letting the coconut melt in your mouth. I place my tsp of coconut oil in small medicine cup, heat up some hot water in a container, set the medicine cup in the warmed water and then melt it. I have a hard time taking it solid,tried it but did not like it in its solid state.Hope this method does not destroy any of its valuable properties.I still have experienced beneficial effects from my oil pulling.
Great tip! And, coconut oil is a very heat-stable oil, so heating it does not destroy it, unlike some other oils.
I’ve been oil pulling for a few months, but I’ve notice also that I’ve gotten terribly bad breath since doing so. Have you heard of this before?
Hi Annette – I have not heard of that. Oil pulling is actually supposed to improve the breath, as it is removing the toxins, bacteria, etc. that live in our mouths and make them smell. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. The only thing I can think of is that it is some sort of die off reaction and may improve the longer you do it.
I’m new to this…how do you “swish” a solid oil???? Do u melt it first??
Hi Alice – You can melt it first, but I just put the solid oil in my mouth and it melts pretty fast! Have fun!
Hope someone can help me here, have been teeth pulling with coconut oil for over a week and is loosening mucous, however, my very expensive bridgework is loosening, should i discontinue?
Hi Gail – I am not sure. I’d probably check with your dentist, or maybe another reader can chime in! I don’t have any experience with that specific issue.
Hi Jessica,
Should you oil pull before or after brushing your teeth? Thanks. Have a nice day!
Hi Cheri! Most experts say to do it before. I thought I had said that in the post, so I’ll add it if I didn’t! 🙂
Is it safe to do oil pulling if you still have silver amalgam fillings that can’t be removed at this time? I’ve heard conflicting opinions on this subject. Thanks!
Hi Tabitha! I have seen mixed info on this too. Some practitioners say it’s OK, some say no. I personally did it when I still had amalgams, but I truly do not know what the “correct” answer is for this! 🙂
But surely you have to swallow at some point in those 20 minutes–how do you deal with that?
Hi HF! It is totally possible to swallow without the oil going down your throat. Take a little practice, but it’s doable! 🙂