Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth and Better Overall Health

This post contains affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. That being said, I only recommend products I love and trust.

If you are looking to enhance your oral care routine, oil pulling might be the way to go. Many diseases begin in the mouth, not only increasing your risk of oral disease but also illness in general. Is it said that our oral hygiene gives us a good idea of our overall health. Oil pulling is a simple, yet effective way to improve your oral health.

The practice of oil pulling involves moving oil around your mouth to improve your dental health. Oil pulling is known as a traditional Indian folk remedy and commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.

First thing in the morning, take a tablespoon of edible oil (typically coconut or sesame) and perform a swishing action for approximately 15-20 minutes.

While coconut oil seems to be a popular choice due to the lauric acid
and anti-inflammatory properties, sesame oil is also considered highly valued due to the plethora of health benefits.

The oil clings to the harmful bacteria, toxins, and other nasties that you’d otherwise be swallowing. After 20 minutes, spit the oil into a trash can and never the sink! Then, brush like you normally would for a bright white smile.

While oil pulling is not an alternative to regular brushing, it is said to have some wonderful benefits.

The main reasons to start oil pulling is to reduce bacteria in the mouth (and body). Bacteria is what leads to bad breath, plaque, and tooth decay says Forestwood Dental.

The reason this works is because the oil attracts to the lipids of the bacteria, drawing it out of your mouth, binding to the oil says Shanbhag.

Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes irritated and swollen gums. Less bad bacteria in your mouth allows for your gums to heal and reduce (or eliminate) bleeding. This promotes a beautiful smile.

Dr. Jocelynn Vida reports oil pulling can prevent the buildup of plaque which in turn causes cavities. While there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence (due to this being a natural remedy), in one study, oil pulling was shown to significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis in 10 subjects over 45 days.

The overall results from the study reduced plaque buildup and gingivitis. Scores were 0.81+-_0.41 (p<0.01) and 0.39+_0.17 (p<0.01) respectively.

If you are looking for whiter teeth, oil pulling might benefit you. By reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth you are organically whitening your teeth. But by adding a drop of essential oils to your oil, you can help whiten your teeth further.

For example, clove, peppermint, and tea tree oil are often added to coconut oil pulling oil to encourage a brighter smile and I personally think it gives the oil a more pleasant taste.

I like this one from Plant Therapy. It’s a blend of sunflower oil, vitamin e, and coconut oil with the enhanced benefits of clove and peppermint essential oil. The results are whiter teeth, fresh breath, and a reduction of surface stains.

You won’t find the American Dental Association or dental professionals promoting this ancient Ayurvedic practice or other natural remedies. That is because they don’t benefit from healthy teeth.

I’m not telling you to ignore your dentist, skip routine visits, or stop regular tooth brushing, but this is an inexpensive and effective way to enhance your oral hygiene routine. That being said, good oral hygiene is at the center of good overall health.

My Oil Pulling Experience

I am going to be honest, putting a tablespoon of oil in your mouth is a pretty weird feeling, especially at first. It might take a few days or even weeks to adjust to.

Not to mention, the 20-minute time frame might seem intimidating. Personally, I would suggest you take baby steps. The best way to do that is by starting with just 5 minutes, then 10 and working up, made it an easier transition.

Now, I can easily pull for over 20 minutes without even realizing it. Throw on your favorite podcast or pick up a juicy book. The time will fly by.

Last thing, never spit oil into the sink. Your sink drain will eventually clog and result in a hefty plumbing bill down the road.

Oil pulling is a cost-effective way to increase your overall oral health and is way more affordable than professional whitening treatments.