Oil pulling is known to help strengthen your teeth, reduce plaque and prevent cavities. A clean mouth may be the key to preventing disease, and studies are beginning to highlight the relationship between poor oral health and conditions like inflammation, diabetes and even heart disease.
If you follow me on Facebook you’ll know that I’m a big fan of oil pulling.
Oil pulling is known to help strengthen your teeth, reduce plaque and eliminate bad breath. According to Dr. Bruce Fife, “Your mouth is a window to your body”. If your mouth is filled with cavities, swollen and inflamed gums, bad breath, plaque or tartar buildup then thats a sign that things aren’t working properly in your body. In the book, Oil Pulling Therapy, Dr. Fife makes a great case on how important it is to keep your mouth clean. Apparently bacteria in the mouth is known to trigger health conditions like arthritis, chronic fatigue and even diabetes.
Oil pulling can be an amazing method to improve oral health which helps keep the whole body healthy!
How It Works
1. The oil helps to soak up bacteria and other toxins out of your teeth and gums.
2. Coconut oil is rich in Lauric Acid and has been proven to be antimicrobial (kill bacteria, viruses and fungi).
How To Oil Pull
1. Put about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oils around your mouth for about 10-20 minutes.
3. Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth.
It is best to do this on an empty stomach, before you brush your teeth. I usually do this when I’m making breakfast for my family. I always forget to tell them what I’m doing and we end up playing charades until they figure it out. 🙂
It’s important to spit out the oil. You don’t want to swallow it because it is full of bacteria. I do my best to remember to spit my oil out int he trash so I don’t clog my drain.
Oil Pulling Tips
Tip 1: Make Oil Pulling Chews
I’ve been making oil pulling chews inspired by a recipe from Wellness Mama. I keep them in my refrigerator and they’re the first thing I see when I open my fridge (a great reminder for me to oil pull before eating breakfast).
To make your own oil chews you just need to melt your coconut oil over low heat. Once it’s melted add a few drops of essential oils and mix well. Pour the oil into small molds or ice cube trays. Freeze the oils and pop them out into a bowl.
To use your oil pulling chews, just pop one in your mouth and chew until the coconut oil is melted. Then start the “swishing”!
Tip 2: Whipped Coconut Oil
You can make up a batch of whipped coconut oil mixed with your favorite essential oils(s) and store it in a glass jar. When you’re ready to oil pull, just scoop a small spoonful out and swoosh it in your mouth.
Have you tried oiling pulling? Have you seen an improvement in your health since you started? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Last Updated on
nina borges
March 28, 2019 at 8:05 amCan liquid coconut oil be used,fractionated cocnut oil??
Michelle Cabana
November 21, 2018 at 6:03 amWhat about Dental crowns and oil pulling? Can they get loose from oil pulling??? I know they are adhered with super bonding elements but just curious?
Micheal Oneal
March 14, 2018 at 7:56 pmSeveral studies show that massaging coconut oil into the gums for about 10 minutes daily for three weeks reduces decay-causing Streptococcus mutans, as well as plaques on teeth.
Debbie
November 23, 2017 at 5:22 pmI’ve tried doing this. Don’t like the taste and hard to keep from swallowing it.
Amanda
September 14, 2017 at 1:12 pmHello, Tiffany.
Why is it important to oil pull on an empty stomach?
Thank you,
Amanda
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 2:52 pmIt isn’t about an empty stomach. It is about oil pulling before you eat food and swallow any of the microbes in your mouth that have grown overnight.
Antonia Lightfoot
March 17, 2017 at 1:48 amIt would be sensible to tell us which oils are good for the mouth rather than just saying “add oils” essential oils should not be used without knowing which ones are beneficial in this case.
I think myrrh & peppermint are good. Any other ideas ? & for anyone who knows nothing about oils the amount should also be stated.
Dana
March 13, 2017 at 8:52 amI tried this the other day and my gag reflex kicked in. I couldn’t deal with the texture and the taste…. any suggestions. I would love to do this, but right now the thought of it gives me a sick feeling.
dadsfavor8
April 18, 2017 at 11:15 pmI am the same way and I started w/ a very small amount. IF you like peppermint..add 1 drop. Literally…1 drop. See if that helps. (or a different essential oil of your liking). I couldn’t stand the taste or smell of coconut oil! But…I had gum disease and decided I had to try. NOW I can do a whole spoon full and I can actually do 20 solid minutes! And yes it has helped. No more bleeding gums…and as far as I can tell…no plaque in almost 5 months. 🙂 That’s HUGE! Good luck!!
Joanne
March 7, 2017 at 7:34 amHi! I’ve been pulling for a week now, OMG I can see and feel the difference.
I also brush with bacon soda and coconut oil… I’m so grateful for all your information. I can’t wait to try some of your chocolate recipe’s. Keep up the good work, and keep sharing.
Janet Bonner
December 17, 2016 at 7:19 pmI’d like to know if the oil pulling is a daily thing.
Ryen
October 31, 2018 at 1:52 pmYes
Beverly
December 14, 2016 at 3:41 pmI’ve been oil pulling for just over a year when I was told to use sensitive toothpaste (most sensitive toothpastes have fluoride or another issue) for a few of my teeth that couldn’t handle cold food. It didn’t take long for the oil pulling to stop the sensitivity. I love the idea to make oil pulling chews, I am going to do that!
Donna
December 11, 2016 at 7:06 amToday I started oil pulling! I also put some coconut oil on my hair last night with some essential peppermint oil! I turn 53 soon and I’ve never looked my age just felt it a lot of times! So today I start from the inside out to get my body in shape!
Veronique
November 14, 2016 at 5:13 amI just try it. My question how many time a week do we have to oil pull to get good results??
Every day, twice a week??
Beverly
December 14, 2016 at 3:42 pmI only do mine a couple times a week.
Cati
November 1, 2016 at 6:13 pmHi Tiffany !
I love oil pulling but I also drink a glass of warm water with lemon as soon as I wake up. Is it better to drink before or after the oil pulling ?
Thank you !
Amirelt
February 24, 2019 at 5:12 pmI do as well and I think it makes sense to oil pull first and then drink lemon water so that you aren’t ingesting the bacteria in your mouth.
Sandy
October 31, 2016 at 7:00 pmI actually have a question I have oil pulled previously..Now I am using lemon in am on empty stomach…which should I do first oil pulling or lemon with water? Thanks Sandy
Lisa
October 21, 2016 at 4:01 amI’ve been oil pulling for about two years. It’s amazing. Shortly after I began, I asked my dentist about a spot on my tooth, and he said it was a cavity that was forming but was now healed. I brush with baking soda and also floss. I don’t “pull” every day but try to remember at least a few times a week. I do not pay attention to time of day – just when I think about it. I try to put it in my mouth before taking a shower or while washing my face/putting on makeup; sometimes I’ll put a glob in my mouth before sitting down at my computer – just something to stay busy for 10-20 minutes. I do not like the coconut flavor, so I use the refined, non-flavored type.
Cyndie Sands
March 29, 2016 at 7:02 amWould this be a problem for someone who does NOT like the flavor or texture of coconut?
KELLY
February 8, 2016 at 12:08 pmHi, where’s the recipe for coconut chews to print out?.
kate
January 29, 2016 at 2:39 pmI didn’t see any answers to the FCO questions …..I’ve read on several sites that you can use that coconut oil it just may not work to the magnitude as the other 🙂
faith
December 21, 2015 at 8:59 amany one know if this would be ok with braces?
Helen
September 3, 2015 at 3:02 pmCan I use fracinated oil for oil pulling??
Elle S
July 6, 2015 at 9:41 amI’ve decided to give oil pulling a go for the first time.
I am also thinking about taking coconut oil with apple cider vinegar in the morning to improve health, digestion, lose weight etc
My only hesitation is that if oil pulling encourages bacteria/toxins out of our system (& we’re told not to swallow), then how can it be good to put it inside us by eating it? Won’t that also encourage the bacteria to it?
MsMess
December 20, 2016 at 4:36 pmBeen a long time since this comment, but the acids in ACV can harm tooth enamel. It’s recommended to use a straw. I would OP first.
Damon Mackey
June 21, 2015 at 1:43 amIs this also used for teeth whitening?
Charity
June 17, 2015 at 8:15 pmTiffany: why is it important to do this before I eat? I normally have Lemon Aloe water 1st thing and brush my teeth After I eat.
Vicki Cordell
May 6, 2015 at 9:41 amCan you buy Spectrum Tropical Traditional Expeller Pressed Coconut oil to pull at Walmart?
Darlene Oberheim
April 26, 2015 at 1:32 pmNewsletter please. Thx!
Sherrie
April 12, 2015 at 12:11 amI apologize if I missed the answer to the two people that asked if you could use fractionated coconut oil. Could you repeat the answer. Thank you!
Helen Winter
June 19, 2015 at 2:33 pmYes – I am going to start oil pulling & want to use fracinated coconut oil. Is this ok??
Sandy
October 12, 2015 at 10:00 amThere’s no set recipe for a good oil pull. If you use too much oil it’s easy to gag, and hard to keep it all in, but if you use too little it’s not as effective. (You need plenty of oil to catch the bacteria with.) My suggestion is to start out with 2 teaspoons (about ½ a plastic medicine cup) liquid coconut oil. Don’t use the fractionated kind. (Using fractionated coconut oil will not perform the same as the full fat variety. That’s because whole coconut oil contains Lauric Acid, which is found in the fatty chains. This acid is the “germ killer”.)
Jessica
April 9, 2015 at 4:04 amI was told to gargle salt water after oil pulling so I use an equal part organic baking soda organic coconut milk as toothpaste. I feel that will help cleanse any pickets of germs left over. My teeth are white and strong. I drink coffee every day too. ♡ your website and the information you share 🙂
CARA
April 8, 2015 at 3:54 pmI am a huge fan of essential oils, however as a dental health professional I must say that oil pulling is not recommended as a replacement for brushing/flossing. There is no evidence based research behind oil pulling actually improving oral health & reversing gingivitis. Even Listerine, which is an ADA recommended antiseptic was sued a few years ago for marketing swishing w Listerine as just as effective as flossing. They have since changed that. As a matter of fact, my last continuing ed class this very topic came up & a female pt who was oil pulling (in place of toothbrushing/flossing) ended up with severe, advanced periodontal disease. Please, be aware of this. As far as thieves or peppermint EO’s, no harm in adding it to your toothpaste, but NOT as a replacement for manual plaque removal which is only accomplished with proper brushing & flossing.
The Coconut Mama
April 9, 2015 at 1:29 pmHi Cara,
Thanks for your input! I don’t mention anywhere in the article that oil pulling can replace brushing or flossing (I still do both). Oil pulling is just another thing that can be done to help cleanse the mouth and improve oral health. 🙂
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 2:55 pmYes. It costs more but it is easier. I don’t have to warm up the oil before using it. I don’t like the texture of solid coconut oil in my mouth.
tammyw
March 31, 2015 at 8:01 pmI just got my coconut oil and thieves oil and am very excited to have read this! Going to start pulling tomor! Thanks for all the wonderful information!
Gayle Byers
March 28, 2015 at 12:54 pmI would most highly recommend virgin coconut oil for pulling oral hygiene. It has whiten my teeth much better than expensive strips. I also use it for moisturizing my face especially around my eyes. I am glad I found out and tried it.
I am anxious to try other uses for it.
Lynnbeeson
March 11, 2015 at 4:11 pmi have only 3 teeth and they are implaints will it help them.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 2:58 pmI can’t say if it will whiten them. It will help you kill viruses like colds and flu, candidia, strep etc and bacteria that comes from the process of creating tartar. It helps your gums too.
Diane
March 10, 2015 at 5:57 pmI think it’s sad that many have asked very pertinent questions here
but no one is answering them!
Lori
March 6, 2015 at 7:22 pmI woke up one morning this week with a severe case of TMJ. I had read somewhere that oil pulling would help. It was painful at first, but I was amazed with how it helped the pain. I am now pulling everyday. I love how it makes my mouth feel. I have also noticed that my face feels smoother and hydrated. I am attending an young living oils class tomorrow and will inquire about the Thieves.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:02 pmBe careful with Young Living. They told me I could put different oils in my mouth but they said they couldn’t legally tell me that. I think they tell people to put oils in their mouth and to eat that aren’t really safe to do so. I burned my mouth on their immune oil. I forget what it is called but it has cloves and black pepper. They told me to rub it directly on my gums. Other than taste I don’t think essential oils are needed. Coconut oil does all you need.
SD
March 2, 2015 at 11:49 pmIs it safe to spit down the toilet and not clog up any pipes? I’m afraid I might gross out everyone else if I spit it in the trash, and then there’s the possibility of there being a hole in the bag. . . thoughts?
Rosie
May 5, 2015 at 3:54 amYou can spit it into a paper towel 🙂 then toss.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:03 pmRosie is right. Do not spit down the drain or toilet. It will eventually solidify and plug up your plumbing.
Laurie
June 2, 2019 at 3:59 amLaurie, I save glass jars like pickle jars with lids that I am going throw away and spit into them and throw them into the trash when full. I also pour in some Listerine to further kill any germs or bacteria then throw jar with lid in trash.
Lee
February 10, 2015 at 9:26 pmIf I try it more than a few minutes my mouth fills up with saliva. How do you do it for 20 min without spitting?
Margi
March 9, 2015 at 7:56 amI have to spit as I go. From what I’ve read we get benefits of removing mouth bacteria in 5-10 min. too. So do what you can, and work up to longer times.
Beverly
December 14, 2016 at 3:46 pmI noticed that when I started, so instead of a full tablespoon, I use about half that amount.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:05 pmI have just learned to deal with it. When I first started I spit & started over. I had to build up my time.
Sandra
February 4, 2015 at 5:25 pmI’ve never done oil pulling and was wondering if you melted the coconut oil first. The picture showed it in solid form.
Yessica
August 20, 2015 at 7:51 amHi! It melts in your mouth was coconut oil becomes liquid in anything over 76 degrees. 🙂
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:06 pmI melt ift first. I can’t stand to let the solid stuff melt in my mouth. It is just about what works for you. You don’t have to warm it up.
Amanda
January 28, 2015 at 9:44 amHi! I’ve been oil pulling on and off with coconut oil (often with Thieves or tea tree oil!) for awhile, and I really like to do it. I was talking to my sister about it, and she said she stopped because she was concerned about what it might do to her dental work (loosen it or something). I hadn’t thought of that, but I also have a crown and several fillings.
I told my sister I knew just who to ask about it! 🙂 What do you think? Can we continue oil pulling to prevent needing new dental work without concern that we might damage the work that’s already been done? Thank you!
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:07 pmUnless your dental work is already loose it will not losen dental work. I have fillings and a root canal and it hasn’t losened anything.
Tara
January 21, 2015 at 3:46 pmDoes anyone know if you can use fractionated coconut oil and get the same results?? Thanks!
Gina
February 15, 2015 at 7:23 pmI’d also like to know if you can use FCO (fractionated coconut oil)? Thank you.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:09 pmYes. It is fine to use.
Diana
January 2, 2015 at 11:44 amI have started recently to do oil pulling with coconut oil twice a day, morning and evening while I have a shower. Is it still effective if the pulling takes less than 20 min? For example, if I only do this for 5-10 min morning and evenings?
Marina
November 16, 2014 at 12:08 amI’m not sure if i am using the correct type of oil, my breath smells way better since i am using coconut oil but should it be a specific kind? Mine not for baking it’s more for like eating or of course some sort of hygienic purpose. That’s what it says on the container any way if it’s possible i’d like to know what brand or type of oil you prefer sing so i can understand if i’m doing this correctly. Much appreciated
Christie
November 23, 2014 at 11:52 pmMarina,
I notice what Tiffany listed in her website of resouces and she listed traditional tropical and nutiva coconut oil. I know that I trust the brand Nutiva coconut oil since I’ve use it for 3 years. I’ve heard that traditional tropical coconut oil are good.
Miyu
October 21, 2014 at 1:07 pmI am also curious about oil pulling and old amalgam fillings… I’m 27 and had my fillings all done withing the last 15 years, so I’m not running on very old fillings but I know they still have mercury in them. I also have one filling that apparently trapped nasties and started a new cavity all round the filling… I’m not sure how it’s holding on there but I’m worried that one day it’ll just pop off!
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:13 pmPersonally I would get those amalgams out. Every time you bite down you are releasing mercury in the form of a gas & you are breathing it. It won’t losen fillings that are not already lose. If your fillings are lose it will fight those nasties under the filling. Please don’t let anyone put more amalgam in your mouth for your own health.
Amanda
October 14, 2014 at 8:19 pmIs this the oil you buy in the baking aisle?? Because I also own fractionated coconut oil that is from health food store. Can I use it instead of the thick oil?? Thanks.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:13 pmEither is fine. Just make sure the oil was not processed with heat.
Susan
October 1, 2014 at 12:48 pmAbout 40 years ago I had a lot of dental work done. Caps, root canals, fillings and all. And now the’re saying what they used back then is toxic and I should have it redone, which is not going to happen. I’m not having any problems so I’m leaving well enough alone. My question is can I oil pull or will that create problems for me?
D
October 7, 2014 at 10:13 pmI have the same question. Safe for a mouth full of old fillings?
athena
December 18, 2014 at 9:27 amI have found in my research and my own personal experience that if the fillings werent in there in the right place the oil pulling can pull them out (it takes a long time) But yes amalgam fillings can be extremely toxic as the mercury does leach into gums. The best thing you can do is oil pull
E
September 24, 2014 at 7:12 pmMy comment is almost exactly the same as above. My mother has always had a difficult time with her teeth. When I talked to her last night, she was so thrilled to tell be her periodontist (she has periodontal disease) was amazed at how healthy her gums have become. She pulls tin coconut and thieves and then also sesame (??) mildly obsessive, but coming from someone like her who is so in tune with her tooth and gum health, to say its not only working but healing is nothing short of amazing!!!!!! needless to say I am back on the pulling routine 😉 hoping to catch that no sniffle side effect 🙂
Dee
September 5, 2014 at 6:12 amIn between my last dental appointment to my most recent one, I oil pulled religiously for 20 minutes a day, alternating with coconut and sesame oil. I started using a drop of thieves soon after I heard about it. My recent dental appointment had my dental hygienist almost in a state of shock! She was absolutely floored by the fact that my gums had tightened significantly, and that there was little to no bleeding when she was working on them. Seriously, all I kept hearing her say was, “Oh my God, this is so awesome!” If you’re not oil pulling, you definitely need to try it!
Dawn
September 27, 2014 at 9:22 pmThanks so much Dee for saying so! I have heard about oil pulling several years ago… but didn’t quite understand it and tried it and it was just gross… But, I love coconut oil and didn’t realize that this could improve the teeth, gums, etc more than anti-bacteral wash (you know the burning kind) and brushing….
And thanks so much Tiffany for ALL your posts! I’m really enjoying your everything here.
The Coconut Mama
September 29, 2014 at 9:39 pmThanks for reading, Dawn! 🙂
Jen
September 3, 2014 at 1:02 pmHow often do you do the oil pulling? Daily? Weekly?
The Coconut Mama
September 4, 2014 at 12:01 pmDaily 🙂
Jamie
August 15, 2014 at 5:22 pmHow often do you do this?
The Coconut Mama
August 15, 2014 at 10:03 pmAlmost daily. 🙂
Lori
August 5, 2014 at 7:38 pmIs this still beneficial if you have no teeth, I lost mine a long time ago?
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:16 pmYes. It will get rid of viruses, bacteria, fungi like candidia and it will keep your gums healthy. Make sure you do it more if you are coming down with a cold, flu etc. It works wonders for me when I get a sore throat. It is the only thing that really helps throat pain even though I don’t swallow of get it in my throat.
Joan Mobley
July 30, 2014 at 10:41 pmI have been oil pulling for about three months. I am reall glad to learn that I can incorporate oils int my routine
beth
July 29, 2014 at 6:07 amIs oil pulling safe if you have old amalgam fillings? Or is it likely to pull out more mercury?
The Coconut Mama
March 13, 2015 at 9:10 pmI’ve read mixed views about oil pulling with fillings. I know of several people who have fillings who’ve been oil pulling for years without trouble. I don’t have amalgam filling so I’m honestly not sure. You may need to ask your dentist (perhaps a holistic dentist) if it’s safe.
Starr Miner
July 21, 2014 at 9:06 amI have recently started oil pulling with Thieves and I love it!! After using I brush my teeth with baking soda – no more chemicals for me!! (Hope this is healthy…) I keep my coconut oil, Thieves, and a glass ‘spit jar’ in the bottom drawer in the bathroom. No clogged pipes!
deb
July 10, 2014 at 9:59 pmI read somewhere that you should’nt do the oil pulling if you have silver (amalgam) fillings. Is that true? Thx
Maggie
July 10, 2014 at 6:08 amhi Tiffany,
I have seen similar advice before on different blog, I was wondering, do you keep your mouth open all the time? how do you avoid swollowing until you spit it out?
Im curious how it stayes on your teeth??
Thanks
The Coconut Mama
July 10, 2014 at 8:51 pmHi Maggie,
No, I actually keep my mouth closed and “swoosh” the coconut oil around for the full 20 minutes. It’s not too difficult to keep it in your mouth. Just try it a few times and you’ll get the hang of it!
Dave
February 27, 2015 at 8:25 amKeep your mouth closed and swish like it is mouthwash. It is neither viscous nor slimy and if you are using good Virgin Organic Oil it tastes yummy, treat it like anything else in this effort and you won’t swallow much if any at all….it’s the determination to keep going which one must acquire, I pull while I watch morning shows before I shower and bail for the day….GOOD HEALTH!
Rosario
July 1, 2014 at 4:20 pmHi Tiffany
I have been coconut oil pulling for about three months, and I like it! I don’t have Thieves. ..can I use Peppermint oil?
The Coconut Mama
March 13, 2015 at 9:05 pmYes, peppermint is great too!
Sandra Pereira
July 26, 2017 at 9:11 amcan you oil pull with no essential oils added?
The Coconut Mama
August 12, 2017 at 4:27 pmYou sure can!
Lindsey
June 27, 2014 at 10:34 amI’ve been doing oil pulling with coconut oil now for maybe a couple months. I’m going to start adding the Thieve’s! Great idea!
Pat
May 5, 2015 at 8:51 amIs it necessary to do it before drinking water? I usually have acv water when I wake up.
Michelle
March 30, 2019 at 3:19 pmYes. Otherwise you are swallowing all that nasty microbes that built up overnight. I wake up with a dry mouth too. I swish the water and spit so I’m not swallowing. Then I oil pull. Swish as much as you want but don’t swallow.
ghislain landry
June 25, 2014 at 3:12 amI started oil pulling a little over a month ago and I must admit my teeth feel a lot better. I had a lot of tart around my teeth and it is all gone now along wilth most of the brown spot. I didn’t have a good mouth hygene for the most part of my life. I have dentures and just a few teeth left but I want to keep them. Oil pulling keeps them healthy and clean.