This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
Try Coconut Oil Pulling for Healthier Teeth and Gums
April 18, 2023
It has taken quite some time, but oil pulling has finally gained some popularity in the U.S. It — including coconut oil pulling — is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums.
In fact, it’s been shown to be even more effective than flossing. Learn about how it came about, its benefits as well as how to do it.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling — known as gandusha in Ayurveda — is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10–20 minutes.
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease.
History
Most of us cannot even imagine what life would be like without brushing and flossing our teeth every day. However, in the scheme of things, brushing teeth is relatively, new since the nylon bristle toothbrush didn’t become part of our normal American experience until the late 1930s, and many people don’t floss on a regular basis as is.
It’s important to remember that, in spite of the fact that most people in American today were all raised with toothbrushes in our mouths, our ancestors didn’t brush their teeth with toothpaste for thousands of years. And, as far as archeological evidence suggests, most people throughout history lived until a ripe old age with most of their teeth intact and in a strong, healthy state.
Why didn’t their teeth rot?
Well, first of all, they ate real food and didn’t consume processed sugars and grains filled with phytic acid, which destroy tooth enamel. Secondly, they took care of their teeth through natural means like chew sticks that they rubbed against the teeth, as has been found in Egyptian tombs dating to back to 3000 B.C. Third, depending on the culture and region of the world, many people also practiced oil pulling.
Benefits
To date, there are only around 30–40 oil pulling research studies reporting on the health benefits of oil pulling. Although it is unfortunate that science has taken so long to take this ancient art seriously, it is encouraging to see the literature database grow. I’m excited to read more as researchers catch on to how oil pulling can help transform someone’s life.
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, for example, highlighted a study that reviewed holistic approaches to oral health and discovered that oil pulling is one of the most effective natural health solutions known to scientists that prevent tooth decay and loss. Praised for curing more than 30 systemic diseases, the authors of this study have some profound things to say about this ancient natural healing practice:
Oil pulling is a powerful detoxifying Ayurvedic technique that has recently become very popular as a CAM remedy for many different health ailments. Using this method, surgery or medication could be prevented for a number of chronic illnesses. The oil therapy is preventative as well as curative. The exciting aspect of this healing method is its simplicity.
Ayurveda advises oil gargling to purify the entire system; as it holds that each section of the tongue is connected to different organ such as to the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine, similarly to reflexology and TCM.
I really like this passage because it highlights how the detoxification effect that oil pulling has on the entire body reaches far beyond oral health. This is especially important for people who have conditions that contraindicate brushing, such as mouth ulcer, fever, indigestion, those who have tendency to vomit, asthma, cough or thirst.
In addition, I found these five studies showing how sesame seed or coconut oil pulling can help a wide range of oral health issues:
- According to researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Tamil Nadu, India, oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans bacteria — a significant contributor to tooth decay — in the plaque and saliva of children. In the authors’ words, “Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.”
- As uncovered by researchers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Chennai India, oil pulling significantly lessens aerobic microorganisms in plaque among children with plaque-induced gingivitis.
- From the same researchers in Chennai, oil pulling has been shown to be as effective as mouthwash at improving bad breath and reducing the microorganisms that may cause it.
- Further research published in the Nigerian Medical Journal found that coconut oil pulling can decrease plaque in those with gingivitis thanks in part to its lauric acid content.
- As far as bad breath — aka halitosis or oral malodor — researchers found that “oil pulling with sesame oil is equally efficacious as chlorhexidine in reducing oral malodor and microbes causing it. It should be promoted as a preventive home care therapy.” Chlorexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic used in oral health.
Why Coconut Oil
Being a staple in India, it’s no wonder why many Ayurvedic medicinal practitioners would naturally gravitate toward sesame while practicing gandusha. However, I would like to suggest using beneficial coconut oil instead.
Why? Because coconut oil has been shown to:
- Balance hormones
- Battle candida
- Improve digestion
- Moisturize skin
- Reduce cellulite
- Decrease wrinkles and age spots
- Balance blood sugar and improve energy
- Increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol
Because it’s highly absorbable, you can experience many of these benefits simply by oil pulling. Make sure to use unrefined coconut oil to ensure there are no additives to it. Unrefined coconut oil is pure, natural coconut oil that won’t contain any harmful unnatural substances.
Another option is to use sunflower seed oil, but again, I recommend coconut oil pulling for all the reasons mentioned above. Plus, as researchers have dug deeper into coconut oil pulling in particular, they’ve found that it can fight Streptococcus mutans, gingivitis and more.
How to Do Oil Pulling
This is how I like to do coconut oil pulling:
- Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed — before you brush your teeth or drink anything. Often it’s a great thing to do in the shower.
- Gently swish one tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10–15 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks!)
- Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing… ask me how I know), and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
- Finally, brush your teeth as normal.
- Voila, easy as that!
I recommend oil pulling three to four times per week with coconut oil and also adding essential oils to your mixture.
As you can see, oil pulling with coconut oil is a simple procedure with very effective results. If 10–20 minutes sounds like a long time, simply do oil pulling while in the shower or while driving to work in the morning. You can even do it while you do work around the house to help pass the time.
Next I want to share with you how you can use essential oils to take your oil pulling benefits to a whole new level.
Oil Pulling with Essential Oils
Essential oils carry some of the most potent antibacterial and antifungal properties on the planet, and they can easily and safely enhance the oil pulling experience. Additionally, as essential oils absorb into your oral mucosa, your body will enjoy the antioxidant and medicinal powers inherent in these potent compounds.
Here are two of my favorite ways to use essential oils during my morning oil pulling routine:
- For everyday use: Add 3 drops of wild orange, lemon or peppermint with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- When battling an infection or sickness: Change it up a bit and mix clove oil, cinnamon oil or tea tree oil as a homeopathic remedy.
Is Oil Pulling Dangerous?
Here’s some common questions asked about oil pulling:
1. What age is good for oil pulling?
Since the oil swished around in the mouth and spit out, then there should be no harm in oil pulling even at a young age. Try a smaller amount of oil though, say about a half to one teaspoon. You want to make sure it’s comfortable, and it should be an enjoyable experience, not a dreaded one. If people don’t like it and they need healing for their teeth, then I would focus on adjusting their diet to heal cavities naturally.
2. Can I pull oil if I have fillings?
According to the Coconut Research Center:
Oil pulling will not and cannot loosen properly placed crowns or fillings. The only time oil pulling will affect crowns or fillings is if the teeth underneath have decayed and are full of infection. In this case, the foundation on which the crowns or fillings are secured to is badly decayed and unable to hold the dental material. Oil pulling removes bacteria, pus, and mucus. It cannot pull out porcelain, amalgam, or composite dental materials from the teeth.
The only reason that a filling will become loose is if you have a rot or infection in the tooth. Then you will want to address this issue to keep the infection from spreading to your body.
3. Why do I have to oil pull in the morning?
You don’t. The best time to oil pull is in the morning on an empty stomach, but you can certainly try other times during the day or before eating.
4. Why do I have to oil pull for so long?
When you oil pull, you are actually using up the oil in the process of swishing the oil. It will become watery and sometimes milky after about 15 minutes. If you pull with less oil you may notice it change texture sooner, but you want to make sure you have enough oil to really clean your mouth and teeth.
5. How long does it take to see a difference with my teeth and mouth?
Within one week, most people notice a cleaner mouth and change in their breath. Within a month, some people have experienced dental repair or healthier gums.
6. Are there any oil pulling side effects or symptoms?
Every person is different. Some people may have a release of mucous in their throats or noses, as the swishing can release sinuses and cause drainage. This is harmless, but if it is uncomfortable to you, then you may want to blow your nose before oil pulling.
Also some people experience jaw soreness. If this happens, try swishing more gently and don’t pull between your teeth as hard, or maybe cut back a few minutes down to 8–10 minutes and then build back up once you get adjusted to this exercise.
Occasionally, oil pulling can trigger the gag reflex in some people. If this happens, then try leaning your head forward just slightly and using a little bit less oil. Also warming the oil a little can make it thinner and less likely to cause any gagging.
7. Can I oil pull while pregnant?
Because you spit out the toxins that are “pulled” out when swishing, there should not be any harm in oil pulling while pregnant. In fact, it can be a soothing way to clean your teeth if you experience any gum sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
- Coconut oil pulling is a common Ayurvedic practice that can help you battle tooth decay, kill bad breath, heal bleeding gums, reduce inflammation, soothe throat dryness, prevent cavities and heal cracked lips.
- Coconut oil is the best oil to use because it contains lauric acid, which has proven anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Sesame oil and sunflower are also options, but I recommend coconut oil pulling the most.
- You can also incorporate essential oils into the process to enhance oil pulling benefits.
Coconut Oil Pulling Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
Oil pulling with coconut oil is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. It’s also easy to do.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (choose organic, extra virgin and unrefined if possible)
- [optional] For everyday use: Add 3 drops of wild orange, lemon or peppermint oil with the coconut oil
- [optional] When battling an infection or sickness, mix in 3 drops of clove oil, cinnamon oil or tea tree oil
Instructions
- Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed — before you brush your teeth or drink anything.
- Gently swish 1 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks!)
- Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing … ask me how I know), and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
- Finally, brush your teeth as normal.
Notes
- I recommend oil pulling three to four times per week with coconut oil and also adding essential oils to your mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
Comments
Please keep comments under 200 characters.
225 Comments
Comments are closed.
I just started oil pulling and it has curbed my appetite. Been on it for three days and I havnt eaten supper since. I used to overeat. Now I feel it’s regulated now. Oil pulling is the best!!
Is it safe to do while breastfeeding? I understand about spitting out the toxins once done with the process. I just wanted to make sure it didn’t affect my breast milk, since detoxing using other methods, such as Epsom salt baths, is not recommended. Thanks!
Dr. Axe, I have been oil pulling for 2 years and can attest to the benefits you are talking about.
Is it 3 drops EACH of the orange, lemon and peppermint essential oils per tablespoon of coconut oil? Can I use spearmint instead?
I have the same quesrTion. 3 drops Each?
Wow I never thought of this, a perfect thing to do in the shower,. I also love the toothpaste recipe I found in the article that linked me to this one. I’ve been using Harm and Hammer and really love the clean feeling my mouth gets from the toothpaste, but this and that homemade recipe feels more pure. Is it okay to use it after wisdom tooth removal? I really did need that impacted tooth gone as it had caused a cavity in the tooth next to mine and my mouth is hurting so bad from the cavity now. I will get it filled because I do believe that will help prevent decay but before I do that I want to stop the hurting and the damage, and I’m hoping this with the homemade toothpaste works! Thanks for these articles. Dental care is so important now that i have the beginnings of periodontal disease. It was important before, however I’m not going to feel guilty over something that is now in the past. All I have is the future.
I have a lot of trouble with oil pulling, my gag reflex usually kicks in at about the 2 minute mark. Do you have any suggestions? I use coconut oil.
Thanks!
My health coach said that it will also pull nutrients from the body and not to do it that long. She said 1-2 minutes. I see no benefit in doing it that short of time. Is anyone familiar with that concept that it can do harm in that way? Doesn’t it make sense that if it is pulling bad things out, it is pulling good things out also? I also have burning mouth/tongue issues. I have done it in the past with essential oil and that made it worse. Because of these reasons, I am concerned about doing it again.
I am 27 and I have loose teeth. I am helpless and trying to save my loose teeth from falling out. Can oil pulling save and strengthen my gums to save my loose teeth?
We need to know – TEASPOON OR TABLESPOON?
I notice in your recipe above it says 2 tbsp coconut oil and in your video you state 2 tesp coconut oil.
Big difference.
I would imagine it must be the teaspoons and not the tablespoons?
Last time i checked soap repells oils n dirts (toxins) not suck them up
Soap releases dirt from your skin that’s why you wash it and it rinses off.
My integrative MD prescribed oil pulling last fall. I don’t like glop and it took a while to oil pull regularly. I used this technique to avoid dental work recently in conjunction with using the medicinal plants Chamomile and plantain (Plantago major). Since I really can’t safely have any kind of dental work I am highly motivated to continue. Surprisingly, I really appreciate the results. Great article at the right time for me. Thanks.j
Hello
I have a terrible hole affecting two of my teeth. Both molar at both sides… And its really painful. Am scared of visiting a dentist because I have pulled my tooth three times. I don’t want to pull again. But the tooth ache I get is very very painful. I can’t even chew. Wat do I do to heal my tooth decay and make it less painful. This is a matter of emergency. Thank you
I have two cavities at the bottom left of my mouth and I’m really scared to get them drilled out and filled in two weeks from now but from what I have heard so far is that coconut oil pulling can help heal cavities when you consistently do it everyday for weeks and I’m going to try doing coconut oil pulling and hoping that it can heal my two cavities.
My gums were receding and was painful and I was referred to go to a periodontist for treatment. I dreaded going to the periodontist and googled for home remedy. That was when I read about oil pulling. I got on to it straight away and within days the tooth ache was gone. I have been oil pulling almost daily since. I have a couple of loose teeth as a result of my receding gums and am not sure if they will fall off eventually or will my gums be restored over time and hold on to my tooth firmly. But as of now, I am happy that it is pain free and not bleeding.
You say there are only those few studies on oil pulling, but anyone who has ever read a real scientific journal would know those studies are ridiculous and not worth anyone’s time. Then for some unknown reason you site “The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine” and give IT credit! Really?! That was 100x worse than the real journals! This whole page is embarrassing to anyone who is educated. If you want a real scientific study, become a scientific researcher and do it yourself. If that’s too much effort, then stop trying to sound like you know what you’re talking about and go rinse your mouth with some damn oil and shut up about it. Personally, I hope to god my oral hygiene is better than those from 1000 years ago. Such a weak point I can’t even stand it…just a few 100 years ago people threw their feces on the street from their windows. Maybe we should do that too? I thought doctors were educated. I guess it’s true that someone has to graduate last in their class.
Your hubby or bf is a real lucky man. I cant imagine having to come home to you everyday. If you don’t like the free advice you can move right along.
http://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/02/0201hyglibcat/020127shelton.III/020127.toc.htm
There are many, many people who have no faith in the medical profession and their “disease management” protocols. Based on a poor track record. Many people are prey of the fear mongering said professions distribute. There are economics involved, obviously.
If you can’t be civil here then shut up and get out! Unless you give this an honest try, then your comment is really meaningless!
So can oil pulling help with mouth ulcers? Everyone I stop smoking I become infected with very large painful mouth ulcers which prevent me from eating and talking. I’m desperate to quit but now got to the point of being scared to stop. Last time I had ulcers everywhere in my mouth and had to take 6 weeks off work.
Is it possible for you to wean from smoking while you try to build a tolerance for oil pulling? I bet it would work!
Why is it important (many seem to agree) to do the oil-pulling before eating and brushing teeth after sleep?
Also, why … minutes? My practitioner tells me to do it for 30… Arbitrary?
Thank you! Rusty
Is it OK to do the oil pulling everyday? How about doing it at bedtime also?
Can I use refined, organic coconut oil for this? Does it matter, as long as it’s coconut oil?
I am disappointed to see that there has been no answer to the questions that have been asked or are the responses posted else where?
Nodding head in agreement and disappointment.
Wonderful post!! I just watched your post & started oil pulling about a hour ago. I’ll keep you posted. I plan to do it every other day. Thank you
Can one over pull? I like to do it in the morning and before bed (20 minutes each time)?
i have tried oil pulling with coconut oil before bed and next morning my mouth felt so cleaned and there is no bad breath! I love this and will do this 3-4X per week. Although i got great report from my dentist before oil pulling but now this makes even better!
Will oil pulling help with dry mouth?
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, so it may.
i started it am enjoying the pull its totally clearing the throat and I think its a best way also to clean the lungs.
to day day 2 since i started.
nice article
lulyeho
I’m curious as to how it clears the lungs???
How does it/can you tell it clears the lungs? Thanks!
I have recently started trying oil pulling. I am one of those people with the gag reflex. I could only do it for 2 mins the first time before almost throwing up. I have found that I can go 10 mins if I use only about a teaspoon at a time. Will it work as well if I use a teaspoon for 10 mins, spit it out and then use another teaspoon for an additional 10 mins? I’ve also found that adding some EO’s for taste help a lot!
I have the same issue with the gag reflex. For me, I just melt the coconut oil into a liquid first (15 – 20 seconds in my microwave) although lately I just leave it in the hottest room in the house and it mostly melts the coconut oil.
Every time I try oil pulling I get blisters in the roof of my mouth that are very painful, it takes ages for them to go. Is it because I’m not doing it long enough or because I have a lot of toxins in my mouth? Any advise greatly appreciated x
is the coconut bad for the soil in the grounds, if one is to spit it out there? will it go rancid and smell in the dirt?
what do you reccommend for someone to spit the oil into, other than the trash can?
Thanks,
Debora
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about a week ago, I love it but it gives me a sore throat, do you know why that happens and is it okay for me to continue pulling?
I had throat cancer with radiation and chemo, also lots of dental work ie. Root canal, caps etc. I will have additional root canal in the coming weeks
any danger.
Thanks
I have dentures, should I remove them while pulling? I think yes but I hate having them out, lol. Also is there a better way to clean my dentures other then the conventional soaking and brushing?
This is not homeopathic but holistic. Homeopathics is a science that uses minute amounts of substances to antidote what they would cause full strength.
Great article. I am really concerned about oil pulling because I have not yet had the silver amalgams removed and have read where it is not a good idea to practice oil pulling if you have amalgams. I noticed in the comments that the Coconut Research Center considers it to be a safe practice for people with the amalgams. Would be curious to others thoughts on this topic. Thank you.
I suspect that the lack of studies is a result of the massive dental lobby; imagine if the world have significantly fewer dental issues? Dentists are in the business of fixing teeth, not promoting better oral health.
Can I do oil pulling at night?
My modified version of coconut oil pulling includes 1/2 t of pure xylitol. The swooshing tastes nice and sweet and xylitol is a well known promoter of oral health. My local health food store sells pure xylitol by weight in the bulk department, which makes it cheaper.
I and my whole family are using oil pulling for the last about 4 years. We are fully satisfied with the results.
I was told by my doctor that oil pulling with coconut oil would raise my cholesterol dramatically. As it is already somewhat high he didn’t want me to do this. Can you advise me on that?
Yes. That is BS. Ingesting coconut oil can decrease cholesterol. Research the effects of coconut oil on cholesterol and you will feel better about oil pulling. I am an RN, and I can tell you not all docs are created equal. Find a good Naturopathic doc (ND) to balance out your MD.
Well I am not a doctor, but if I were told that by my physician I would do some research on my own and also ask him why he/she believes this to be true. I use coconut oil for cooking and even mix it into some foods (like oatmeal). I am in my 40’s and also eat bacon regularly and I do not have high cholesterol.
High cholesterol is NOT a result of eating saturated fats and good oils. The bad oils are the vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oils, and trans fats (hydrogenated fats), etc. The good oils are coconut, avocado, olive and even butter and ghee. BUT the reasons for high cholesterol are sugar, starchy foods and grains such as wheat, rye, barley, millet, quinoa and yes, even fruits. These categories of foods are what become sugars in our system (glucose), and those are what drive up high cholesterol. You doctor knows nothing about nutrition and is still stuck on the “old” research from the 1960’s which has not been proven incorrect. GOOD FAT does not make you fat, and the good fats are, in fact, beneficial as well as necessary for many functions in the body. Do your own research and don’t count on a medical doctor to give you correct nutritional advice. They do NOT learn anything about nutrition in med school as the pharmaceutical industry has a big hand in making sure that what doctors learn is only about drugs. There is a lot of info out now about how the studies on fat have been wrong. Look at Eskimos who eat their native diet of lots of fat and meats, not a lot of veggies, and they are very healthy with normal cholesterol. Check out Dr. Axe’s article on fats here: https://draxe.com/nutrition/healthy-fats/
Sorry, I made a spelling error and should have read “You doctor knows nothing about nutrition and is still stuck on the “old” research from the 1960’s which has NOW been proven incorrect.
First i enjoy all your writings and advise, God Bless You. Will you please do an article on the difference between coconut oil that gets hard and the coconut oil that stays liquid all the time and if it should be used on the body or in oil pulling. I have never seen an article on this subject.
There is no difference between the oil that gets hard and the oil that stays liquid. A good high quality coconut oil will be liquid at room temp and solid beneath room temp. Room is considered 76 degrees.
This is not true. Coconut oil that stays liquid all of the time is fractionated which means that it has been processed and had part of the original material removed (long chain fatty acids that keep it solid at lower temperatures ~ 76 F). I haven’t seen any studies done on how this affects it’s beneficial properties (other than removing a type of acid that has anti-microbial properties, other acids remain).
Either way, virgin or fractionated will be liquid once placed in your mouth, but they aren’t the same.
My partner has been oil pulling daily, in the mornings. He drives his scooter to work and then spits and rinses. He has been doing this for about 6 months now and has been very surprised and how his dental carries have nearly gone. He had pain and a couple small cavities and I suggested he try this since he didn’t want to go to a dentist. Because of his success, I have begun again to oil pull in the mornings just for the basic systemic oral hygiene. I have typically done this about 1 month a year but this time I will try to make it a longer routine. I have about 6 root canals and hope this prevents the issues of bacterial growth in the old roots which is common. I use Nutive Organic Coconut Oil virgin.
A warning: I started oil pulling and after a while started experiencing shortness of breath. At first I attributed it to being 30, but I’m not particularly unfit and have always had good stamina (I’m quite thin). I got lazy and stopped pulling for a week or so, started up again and the next day was again experiencing shortness of breath. I’m talking brought on by every day things like bending down to complete normal tasks or walking briskly. So shortness of breath is caused by either a heart or lung issue. Turns out oil pulling is linked to lipid pneumonia (breathing oil into your lungs). Thankfully I read one person’s warning about this potential problem back when I first started researching oil pulling, so I finally made the connection. I was very careful not to breathe the oil or let it go back behind my tongue, but I guess it happened anyway. I’ve switched to pulling water as a study shows it may be just as beneficial. The shortness of breath has disappeared.
Thank you, Heather, for adding your comment. I think water pulling with some essential oils as recommended by Dr. Axe may be just as effective, or at least I hope so. Since I have lung and respiratory issues, I don’t want to add more problems and take a chance of getting lipid pneumonia, but I do want to do what I can to prevent cavities and gum disease.
I have been doing coconut oil pulling for the past 15 days and have experienced an immense improvement in my teeth, gums and oral health generally – can’t say if it flushes out toxins or not as there is no result to substantiate that from my experience. But I had huge issues with teeth and gums which are so much better that it’s a miracle in itself! I feel that some parts of the teeth which were corroded have started growing due to this. I’m off all medications for gums and tooth aches, which I had to take regularly
I’ve only tried oil pulling once because after I did it I felt like I was going to have a seizure. Does the pull also remove medication from your body? I’m afraid to do this again until I find out. Thank you.
Can you oil pull with a temporary crown in place?
I have had knee surgery twice now. I have to take an antibiotic before going to see the dentist. Would oil pulling be safe?
Why are none of the questions, that people submit on this site, being answered?
Suggest turning comments off so people’s time is not wasted by entering questions that are not answered.
I tried pulling for a week and liked how my mouth felt. But the mess of the oil in the trash is a problem. Couldn’t I just swallow the oil?
I’ve heard you shouldn’t swallow it because you are then swallowing all the toxins you have just pulled out of your body.
Makes sense.
No, because it is pulling out bacteria.
very gud
I think this is so fascinating! I am going to start tomorrow morning!
A couple of summers ago I started oil pulling with coconut oil. The first time I tried it I did it for about 5 minutes a day, 3 days spread out over a week. I liked what I felt from that but I stopped. Then about a month later I decided to commit to it and did it for 15-20 minutes each time. The first day I had an amazing amount of energy (almost too much since I am used to chronic fatigue) and my sinuses were already clearer. Unfortunately by day 3, my hair started coming out- suddenly and a LOT. I noticed this in my morning shower, which is when I was doing the oil pulling. I had a feeling it was due to the oil pulling, since it was the only thing I changed, and I was seeing side effects from it already (mostly positive). However, I continued to oil pull thinking this would go away. Sadly, I made the decision to quit about 2 weeks in, as it wasn’t getting any better. After that the hair loss got a tad better, but it was still much more than “shedding”. It was full on hair loss and to this day it hasn’t stopped. Thankfully, I started out with quite a bit of hair, so the 30-40% that I have lost since then isn’t noticeable to people who don’t know me. I’ve had my thyroid checked and it is “normal”.
I looked all over online, but have only found a couple of people mentioning this same thing. My question is, assuming the hair loss was triggered by the oil pulling, what are the possible reasons for this? I thought maybe I was detoxing mercury too quickly (had filling replaced with ceramic about 10 years ago), or maybe I had an underlying infection that was being pulled out. A doctor told me that it could have somehow affected my thyroid. So, I would like to know from a medical perspective any input on why this could be, or are there any other people out there experiencing the same thing? Thank you.
I should add- I don’t want to scare anyone away from oil pulling. I believe it is one of the best things you can do for your health. As mentioned, I had a really hard time finding other people who had the same issue, so my experience seems to be a rare one.
Hi there
Apart from reading on multiple websites that you should oil pull on an empty stomach none of them state why this is. Apart from perhaps feeling nauseous, are there any medical dangers to oil pulling straight after eating? I tried it last night and didn’t feel nauseous so will continue if it won’t lead to problems.
Thanks
This seems to be a good reason… But I’m pretty sure you can do it anytime!
http://www.cocoswish.co/blogs/news
I’m surprised that most articles say that the best time is in the morning. Personally, I have found it most effective to do it at night right before I go to bed. I understand the theory that your mouth is most full of toxins in the morning, however I’ve also read so many articles stating that at night while you’re asleep is when your body is able to do its most work repairing itself. So I have found it more helpful to me to do it right before I go to bed so that my body doesn’t have to fight against so many toxins while I’m sleeping. There aren’t even words to express how much oil pulling has changed my life. Literally, after the very first night of doing it, I woke up the next morning like a new person. I suffered badly from depression and since I’ve started oil pulling it’s like my depression doesn’t even exist! And my energy level is through the roof!!! When I first started oil pulling I didn’t even know all that it could do. I had started it just to improve my oral health. I am so thrilled that I did!
I was also afraid that if I planned on doing it in the morning, that I would never do it because that is when my depression is at its worst. But again, this is just my experience! Most articles say that it is best to do it in the morning. I guess each person needs to figure out what’s best for themselves. Regardless of when you choose to do it, I think you will be thrilled with the changes in your body in mouth
i am frm india. MY grandmaa piorrea and was recommended pulling out all teeths by the then dentist. My father didn’t agree and took her to one famour ayurvdeic practioner named rasiklal parikh and he said simply make her gargle sesame oil by night. She did and she preserved all her teeths till she breathed last
Hi,
I am a 68 year old maie. My wife and I play beach volleyball 3 days a week and mixed doubles tennis when ever we can get a match. I have had lichen planus for about 5 years. Nothing has really given me any relief. Coconut oil pulling has given me great relief from the first day. It has just gotten better with every day. I’m on day 7 now and not stopping. Thanks for your article.
Hi Dr Axe
My question is: don’t you sell anything so we can order. For example, am interesting on the oil pulling that’s good for ur teeth, which I don’t have time to make it, don’t u sell those product.
Thanks
www.cocoswish.co
All natural Organic Vigin Coconut oil, flavoured with natural essences mint, vanilla or lemon!
In a 14 day detox kit! Coco xx
coconut therapy.com has good oil and tooth paste.
Thank you for this article – I have been oil pulling (daily) for about 10 days. I have trouble with my gums in the area of my wisdom (yes, I still have them) and molars. Other than that, I have very healthy teeth and gums. The problem with the gums in that area was swelling and sensitivity to cold drinks. Well, I am a true believer in oil pulling now! The swelling in my gums has gone down at least 75% and to top it off, when I drink something cold, no pain. Thank you again – this is absolutely amazing. FYI, the last time I went to the dentist (about 2 weeks ago) he recommended an invasive deep cleaning with a laser in my wisdom/molar gum area, plus a heavy dose of antibiotics (he said I probably had too much bacteria in that area). That’s when I came home and searched you website for help. And boy, did I find it. I will definitely continue to oil pull and make my own toothpaste. I very much appreciate the helpful information you provide.
I did coconut oil pulling last night and instantly had blisters inside my bottom lip. Is this normal? Should I continue. I have had thrush that I cannon get rid of and was hoping that this would help.
I have just started receiving your emails and information. I am thoroughly impressed with your knowledge and I appreciate you sharing it with all of us.
I have Sjogren’s Syndrome (ugh) and I would be grateful if you would extend any information on severe dry mouth, dry eyes, hair loss and terribly dry lungs….affecting my breathing. I also have RA. It appears that I receive more information from you than I do from my Internist, Rheumatologist and Pulmonologist!!
I am now trying Accupuncture and IV Vitamin C and Glutathione….from a local DO and Naturapathic Dr. I have numerous allergies to chemicals and drugs and I am trying to treat myself as naturally as possible…….however, I take Armour Thyroid, Tenormin, Vitamins, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, Albuterol Nebulized and Advair.
It appears that the patient has to do all of their own research about their illnesses in this day and age……very disappointing and stressful….
I look forward to your response.
Thank you and God Bless.
Dara W. McDaniel
Las Vegas, Nevada
I just had my teeth pulled, preparing for dentures. Should I use a full Tablespoon?
virgin coconut oil with herbal essences are great! miraclinic dental cosmetic in 30days kit in use :)
Hi i have recently tried oil pulling and results are amazing. I have a cavity in my teeth and doctor told me that i need to get a root canal. i was will but financially it was not feasible for me as i don’t have any job right now.
SO I searched some herbal solutions to relieve the pain. and that’s how i came to know about oil pulling. i started it with olive oil and only took the pain killer for one day after that my pain was relieved but still not gone.
then after that i started oil pulling with virgin coconut oil, I also used salt and baking soda mixture with water twice a day during first two days.
now its a week and i do oil pulling for 20-30 min every morning.
there is no pain, i can eat what ever i want. the amazing part for me is that the cavity has been healed, i mean that my teeth backside was all dark brown and there was a whole in it, when doctor showed me the picture. but now my teeth is crystal clean and not a bit of pain. though the whole is there now even if it didn’t get filled up I don’t need an urgent treatment and normal filling will do for me.
its really true the i will recommend it to every one.
its better to be late get a quick check up of you mouth and start oil pulling to avoid pain, suffering and money.
anyone wants to confirm my story my skype is (smaj_2010)
Thank you for sharing! Ive recently noticed some dark areas on my gums and teeth. I just found this article to see if i can naturally stop the decay before it really starts. I plan to start pulling first thing in the morning. Reading your story helped put me at ease. I hope it works!
Pretty amazing
I would think that although pulling would be beneficial in the morning after a long night’s sleep with little saliva moving around in the mouth, I think that perhaps also pulling right before going to bed leaves the mouth clean all night with no morning breath and hopefully less bacteria since it was cleansed of bacteria before going to sleep. Also, the residual left in the mouth even after rinsing would have a chance to migrate into and under the gums all night as an additional benefit.
I was wondering how important it is to do it 1st thing in the morning? That is not a good time for me and I would like to do it in the evening. Will I still get good benefits?
I have to take medicine first thing in the morning and do that before oil pulling. Am I taking away all the benefits by doing this? I have to take the pill awhile before eating, and if I wait, I get too hungry, so I do it first before anything else. On a side note, the medication I take is a low-dose thyroid pill that my doctor says I need. I don’t like taking it and am wondering if you would have any suggestions on how to boost my thyroid function enough so I could go off the meds. Have you ever seen anyone go off thyroid meds with successful results? I am told there is no way to “cure” this and have read a lot of books about it without much satisfaction or useful information. Thank you.
I’ve heard many people say that they take their thyroid pill before bed. They just make sure that they haven’t eaten anything with a couple hours of bedtime. This actually gives the med a longer time in your system before adding food. Thought you might want to look into it.
I have porcelain veneers. Can I oil pull with them and should I use a specific oil. I started already with coconut but would like to try sesame seed oil.
I STARTED TO OIL PULL …DID IT 3 DAYS IN A ROW…ON THE 3RD MORNING I HAD A RED MARK IN THE SIDE NEAR MY EYE …AS IF IT WAS BLEEDING UNDER THE SKIN…….IS THIS CAUSED FROM PULLING AND MY SINUSES…..ALSO MY SINUSES FEEL MORE FULL ……SHOULD I CONTINUE OR IS THIS DANGEROUS TO MY SINUSES….OR IS IT JUST CLEARING THEM OUT….
If I have amalgam fillings will oil pulling make the toxins absorb in my body?
Your article reads to use 1-2 Tablespoons but after finding 1 Tbl being way too much and reading about oil pulling I think it is 1-2 teaspoons. Wow 1 Tbl was huge for my mouth! LOL Before your article just sent in my email on 1-21-2016 I had never heard of oil pulling! I have an autoimmune issue and have started using more natural items for body moisturizer like Virgin, cold pressed Coconut Oil. I just wanted to tell you THANK YOU for publishing this! I will start doing this and hopefully some of the oil will absorb in my body. My autoimmune issue is called Lichen Schlersis. Would you please try doing an article for helping the millions of us out here with this. Keep up your excellent information and I thank God that He sent you to help us all!
Why not before going to bed instead of doing in the morning??
just watched the video and you said use 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil, but the recipe above the video is written 1-2 Tbl! Tbl is the abbreviation for tablespoon. The abbreviation for teaspoon is tsp. which is it?
for B.S.: “T.” is the abbreviation for tablespoon. just an fyi
I too have tried an experiment with oil pulling. I went a month with doing it and went off a month. Huge difference it made! It is a little difficult to do with chewing the oil, warming is a great idea! My kids will even do it, 6 and 3. I tried the Tropical Traditions but was disappointed the second time when they sent me rancid oil. I now use Radiant Life and love it.
Over the years, our family has been faithfully going to the dentist for regular check up every 6-8 months. When we moved to another state I wasn’t able to go the dentist for two years. When I finally went for my check up and cleaning the hygienist was shocked at “how clean my mouth was.” I attributed it to oil pulling – which I have been doing for about five years now. After that testimony now my husband does it too! :)
Dr. Axe,
Thanks for this video. Great information. You mention during the video to use teaspoons and above it shows tablespoons. Does it really matter how
much coconut oil?
Hi, is there any reason that you prefer / recommend doing the oil before brushing? I always brush my teeth first and then do the oil.
I have been oil pulling for about a year and a half and am now excited every time I go to the dentist. I had bad gums and dental problems, root canals, cavities, and lots of pain every time I went. Now when I go for cleanings he always says everything looks great. I use one teaspoon of coconut oil with 3 drops of oregano, 3 drops of clove and 2 drops of on guard for 20 minutes every Sat. And Sun. Morning. Also I can’t believe how much money I am saving.
Dr Axe, will it help with canker sores……also what about fatigue if you have Hasimoto’s ? Rene’
I have read numerous articles on this subject and have different instructions on how to do the process of “oil pulling”. I read that I should brush my teeth before? Also, I should NOT use fluoride toothpaste and/or no toothpaste at all? Why couldn’t I just brush my teeth with coconut oil for 10-20 min?
I’ve been pulling coconut oil for about 6 months, recently I whipped the oil. It’s easier to pull but thickens almost immediately! Hard to keep it in my mouth for 20 minutes!
Really great oil pulling article with loads of information and details, Thanks!
I’ve been Oil Pulling for a few months now and love it, really impressed with the results I’ve been getting too.
I was recommended by someone to swallow a bit of the oil if I have a bad tummy, what’s your thoughts on that?
I’m using the minty coco product: http://mintycoco.com anyone else tried this one yet?
Hello,
I was wondering do you just swish the coconut oil in your mouth or do you gargle it as well to get the bacteria from the back of your mouth? The back of my tongue holds a lot of bacteria and when I swish I feel like it doesn’t reach there.
I got liquid coconut oil (NOT fractionated) for my oil pulling and use 1 TABLE SPOON……In your instructions I have it says 1-2 of these but in your video, it’s says TEA SPOON ? So which is it and is the liquid “safe” ? I’d hate to chew on it……YUK !
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil and have recently read an article stating that it is unsafe to oil pull if you have amalgam fillings because the mercury can be leached into surrounding tissue, is this really an issue?
Thank you
Please help me thank dr.arugundale for his good work I really believe HIV have cure I was HIV positive over since 1year plus before I come across a comment dr.arugundale that he have cure to any disease and virus but when I saw it i have it in mind that he can’t cure HIV I just decided to give a try I contact him that night lucky to me he said yes but I don’t believe him I think it was a scam or some thing like that but I still hold on to see the work of dr.arugundale if he is saying the true he ask for different thing and some question about me I give him all the detail he needed and I wait to see his reply to my problem after all the thing is done he ask me to go for check up I went for hiv test I cant believe I was negative thanks dr.arugundale for help me for not dying at this young age if you need help contact him now [email protected]
he can also help you on the following…………..
1) If you want to cure HIV/AIDS.
(2) If you want your ex back.
(3) if you want to cure your harpes
(4) You want to be promoted in your office.
(5) You want women/men to run after you.
(6) If you want a child.
(7) You want to be rich.
(8) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever.
(9) If you need financial assistance.
kindly contact him on EMAIL:[email protected]
Introducing the Doggy Meal Deal™- KetchPup® Fetch Fries® and Burger Bone™! KetchPup® incorporates virgin organic coconut oil! The benefits are fantastic for dogs!
This article is where I discovered pulling. I’ve got my husband and our 8 year old daughter pulling and we love it. Totally aside from all the health benefits, pulling feels really good! We find that our teeth are whiter and our mouths feel really clean. The coconut oil tastes good so it’s one of few oral treatments that my 8 year old can tolerate. And it probably benefits her the most since she’ll wiggle a loose tooth like its her job when no one is looking!!
I am a vocalist and I have had problems with my vocals. Went to ENT and had a video done on vocal chords. Been diagnosed with a thin phlegm across vocal chord along with slight acid reflux and when I held a note, one of my vocal chords was fluttering slightly less than the other. If I continue oil pulling, do you think it is possible that this may help to correct my vocals? Thanks
Check this out: https://draxe.com/health/acid-reflux-symptoms/
https://draxe.com/health/acid-reflux-symptoms/
Thank You
I’D LOVE TO KNOW THE WEBSITE THAT YOU BUY YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS FROM? AND DO YOU SELL YOUR OWN REMINERALIZING TOOTHPASTE? AND IF YOU DON’T WHERE WOULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO BUY SOME AS GOOD AS YOUR HOMEMADE ONE? AND CAN I BRUSH WITH THAT TOOTHPASTE AFTER I OIL PULL EVERYDAY? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP….
Please email me at [email protected] for more information on the essential oils I personally use and recommend. You can brush with that toothpaste after oil pulling. Try adding 20 drops of trace minerals to this recipe for a great remineralizing toothpaste: https://draxe.com/beauty/homemade-probiotic-toothpaste/
Why do you have to oil pull on an empty stomach? Can I oil pull after I eat breakfast, but before I brush my teeth? I usually brush my teeth after I eat breakfast. I’m very interested in trying this, as I have suffered from gingivitis, and gum recession.
Yes, that’s fine to do too
Pls, can i jst chew seseme seeds in place of cocoanut oil cant lay my hands on any oil
Hello – THANK YOU for all of your magnificent research!!! I am interested in oil pulling but I have nut allergies and any kind of raw coconut, oil included, makes my mouth tingle. What do you suggest I substitute for the coconut? Melaluca? Thank you in advance!
Olive oil could be a good option
I am actually in the processes of oil pulling for the very first time while I’m typing this. I am currently battling a severe abscess right now and I was in so much pain when I woke up. My mom called me and told me about this article so I decided to give it a shot… Couldn’t hurt. Let me just tell you I have about 8 min left to my oil pull and the pain is completely gone!!!! I will definitely make this part of my morning routine!! Thank you!!!
How does oil pulling help acne & cellulite? Do u rub the oil on cellulite & do the same for acne?
Coconut oil can have amazing healing properties when used topically!
However, coconut oil is fairly comedogenic (can clog pores) so if you suffer from breakouts, it is not recommended to apply topically to the face, or any areas that are prone to acne.
I have been oil pulling for a month now, And I am on the curing tooth decay diet! And omg this stuff really works I got in to a little depression over my teeth when I had to get two crowns and a root canal in my front two teeth after a trauma accident as a child it damage my two front teeth badly, so after that and after I had a few cavities filled I said to myself I need to start taking better care of my teeth and your solutions has helped me along with the Curing tooth Decay book by Ramiel Nagel. Everything is working like a miracle I thank God that this is possible I am so happy, now I want to write a book about dental health! Lol Thanks so much Mr Dr Axe For helping us all!!!!!!
Can you oil pull with porcelain veneers?
I haven’t heard of anyone having any issues with it
When I tried oil pulling with coconut oil, my gums started bleeding very easily. What should I do?
I would cut out grains and sugars of your diet as your gums may be inflamed and would also consult with your dentist.
I enjoyed your video on oil pulling. Your knowledge and your ability to teach clearly and answers peoples questions helps me to look forward to hearing your views on other health related issues
I just started drinking lemon water and oil pulling recently. I read that I should drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning, to help alkalize the body. I’ve been doing that, then oil pulling, should I switch it around?
Nope, that’s great!
I have Virgin Coconut Oil . Can I use this.
Yes, unrefined is best
I’ve been oil pulling for almost a year now. Since I had gum surgery several years ago, I get my teeth cleaned 4x a year. The last 2 visits I had, the hygienist had very little work to do cleaning plaque off my teeth. Plus, my teeth look a bit whiter and my mouth feels cleaner.
I love what oil pulling has done for me and my two little men. My 8 yr old was having a lot of tooth pain, and I had him start swishing coconut oil with lemon and clove. After a couple days the pain went away and his teeth are not as sensitive as they once were.
Oil pulling has supported my body in healing several teeth and gum issues.
Great article and thank you for all you do. My little guys still talk about the days they received adjustments from you with great fondness.
Thank you Dr Axe for this article, it is the most informative article I’ve read on oil pulling. I have a new Facebook page: Donna’s Homemade & I made this article my first post
I saw it is ok to oil pull while pregnant, but what about the use of the oils with it? Are the clove and cinnamon safe?
Check out our essential oil guide: https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-guide/
My daughter will have all 4 wisdom teeth removed soon. I recommended she oil pull for at least a week before using either doTERRA’s On Guard or oregano. What are your thought?
I think it’s a great idea
I have suffered from mouth ulcers for years – Doc’s say stress related. I read the tongue is directly related to your organs. Has anyone used oil pulling for mouth ulcers?
My doctor told me about oil pulling but in the article she gave me suggested sunflower or sesame oil. My challenge has been where can you buy sesame oil? Interesting you recommend coconut oil. And adding essential oils sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the info.
Sesame oil can be found in the oriental food section of most grocery stores.
Will oil pulling help in reducing allergies like hives?
I’ve seen it do some pretty amazing things! You’ll have to let us know if it helps at all. Also, check this out: https://draxe.com/health/food-allergies-treatments-natural-remedies/
I have been oil pulling for a few months now, and so do my kids. I feel like my mouth is so much cleaner! I remember the first time I couldn’t stop feeling my teeth because they felt so polished! I have a very sensitive tooth with a mercury filling in it. I am wondering what might be the best EO to add to maybe help this. Idk if it’s infected or what is going on. Thanks!
Does this help abscesses?
It can. I would also include some essential oils as well when you oil pull like Myrrh essential oil.
Would it be safe for my four year old son, his two front teeth hurt when he brushes his teeth. I can’t get him in to see the dentist until December!! Which is just way to long. I also have a 12 yr old daughter who currently has a very bad sore throat. Would she have to gargle, the coconut oil?
I think it could be a good option while you are waiting to see the dentist. Also, check out these articles:
https://draxe.com/health/sore-throat-remedies-fast-relief/
https://draxe.com/beauty/homemade-cough-syrup/
How can i get oil pulling
You can purchase coconut oil from the store or here: https://secure.ttpurchase.com/930D49B9-D357-8845-1B016AEC243D055A
Please I can’t found coconut oil to but the only thing I found is for hair .please can you show me how to prepare coconut oil for pulling? Thanks
There is a video in this article that shows how to do coconut oil pulling. You can purchase coconut oil from most stores or online.
Hi have bad breath problem. I’ve been to dentist & them say I have no cavities, I’ve been to doctor to make sure I don’t have anything going on with my stomach or intestinal system. I have my teeth cleaned every 4 months. I’ve read about Coconut Oil pulling and will do this every morning. Can I do the oil pulling in morning and night before I go to bed? Also, you mentioned to do the oil pulling daily for two weeks then twice a week as maintenance. . Thank you for your information and suggestions on how to use Lavender drops to help with the gums. God Bless you in all you do.
Yes, you can do it twice a day for as long as you want.
The demonstration video says to use 2 teaspoons of coconut oil but the printed instructions say 1 – 2 tablespoons? Which is it?
Whatever amount you can comfortable fit and swish into your mouth.
I first read about oil pulling in your newsletter, very timely, thank you, as I was undergoing a severe outbreak of periodontal disease. It’s almost unbelievable to me that after about 1 month of regular oil pulling, my gums hav healed and are no longer even sore! Since doing it once a day brought such great results, what do you think about doing it twice a day — once on waking and once before going to bed? I do appreciate all you do in bringing the latest news in health/nutrition to all of your email patients!
Tina Durham
You can do it twice a day. Glad to hear you’re seeing great results!
How do you do this when you have a strong gag reflex? I tried it, and my stomach objected immediately.
Try using a smaller amount so you don’t have to hold so much in your mouth.
I started oil pulling but stopped because I heard it would pull out my old mercury fillings, since it pulls out toxins. I am happy to read here that oil pulling will not affect my mercury fillings.
You recommended adding 3 drops of 3 oils. Is that a total of 9 drops (2% dilution) or one drop each for a 3-drop total?
Will the lemon oil eat the enamel from my teeth?
Thank you. I am learning a tremendous amount of helpful information from the Webinars this week. Thank you for hosting them.
3 drops total. If you brush your teeth right after, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you are concerned about it, you can use a different oil.
I’ve noticed in your video that you used solid coconut oil, is it different from the virgin coconut oil I usually see in groceries or pharmacies? is virgin coconut oil fine in oil pulling?
I recommend using cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil like the one mentioned at the bottom of the article. You can find good coconut oils in grocery stores but many of them aren’t great either.
Hi! can i oil pull using virgin coconut oil? thank you.
I recommend using cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil like the one I mention at the bottom of this article.
Do you have to brush your teeth after doing the oil pull? I would think that the oil is cleaning the teeth, mouth, breath etc and could replace brushing? I would appreciate your thoughts and also what type if toothpaste you use personally. Thanks
I recommend it. I personally use my remineralizing toothpaste found here: https://draxe.com/beauty/homemade-baking-soda-toothpaste/
I don’t understand the benefit of brushing your teeth in the morning (after the oil pulling) and then go eat breakfast. Are you implying we shouldn’t eat breakfast or are you saying brushing right before eating is better than right after eating?
I recommend oil pulling first thing in the morning and then brushing and eating breakfast after.
I am guessing that after oil pulling first thing in the morning one can then have their tea, coffee and breakfast? I am wondering if it would be beneficial to oil pull in the evening before bed on an empty stomach.
Doing it first thing in the morning is best but if you need to do it at night, it’s better then nothing!
Thank you so much for publishing this! I have been searching the internet for more information about oil pulling but had yet to find a trusted source. You have provided excellent information for me to comfortably start this regimen.
I do have one question: I have to take a Thyroid medication first thing in the morning on a empty stomach. I must wait 20-30 minutes before eating and approx. 2 hours before taking any other digested medications. (I take an asthma inhaler and a nasal spray at the same time but they don’t affect absorption.) My question is this: Since oil pulling should best be done before any food or water, should I do it before I take my thyroid meds? Will it affect the thyroid med absorption at all?
Thanks so much!
It should be fine but I would consult with your doctor to be sure!
This is great but why spit it out at the end? Swallow the wonderful coconut oil !!! TY
Oil pulling pulls bad bacteria and toxins from your mouth and it’s better not to swallow those.
In response to beyond Rx. No you dont need to worry about coconut oil. It is a wonderful oil for everything, from cooking to skin care. It can withstand high heat too. It is great for oil pulling.
Just found out I’m allergic to tree nuts. Try drinking coconut water and had an allergic reaction. Will using the coconut oil help or hurt me. Has anyone done this who was allergic to tree nuts.
You could also use sesame oil or olive oil instead of coconut oil.
I don’t like the way coconut oil taste (and yes, the taste leaves quickly because of the swishing) but I LOVE to add Young Living’s Thieves oil to the mix! It’s cinnamon-y taste and MANY benefits for my mouth and body make it a go-to for me while oil pulling. I’ve not been as regimented as I should be about it, so thanks for the great article and reminder….I’m starting again in the morning! Blessings….
That’s awesome, Charity!
been in the coconut industry for 30 yrs now,thnx for the add’l nfo…
Great industry to be a part of!
It’s me again… just thinking this through for my situation. I take Armour thyroid med and the directions say to not eat or drink for an hour after taking it first thing in the morning. So, can I do this after I take the Armour (since I’m not swallowing it) or would I have to wait for the hour to pass? I just listened to the Natural Cures lecture by Dr. Hill and am interested in using frankincense with the c.o. God bless you!
I would talk it over with your doctor to be sure. Frankincense would be a great addition to use with the coconut oil, it’s one of my favorite oils!
I add about 5-7 drops of doTerra On Guard oil to the coconut oil each morning, then pull
That’s great, Carolyn!
Every bit of information I have seen on oil pulling states to do it first thing in the A.M
would doing it in the evening, not right after supper, but not right before bed be ok? I mean better to do it at the less than ideal perfect time than not at all right?
thanks.
Liz
Better to do it at night then not at all
I’m confused by the quantity used. The recipe says 1-2 T (tablespoons) yet your video shows 1 rounded t (teaspoon). Also, do you just put 5 drops of essential oils on the lump of c.o. before you put it in your mouth? Thanks so much; I’m eager to try this!
It’s more for personal preference. I do a little over a tablespoon typically. You can put the essential oils on the spoon with the coconut oil or drop them directly into your mouth once the oil is in your mouth.
I have been oil pulling for several months……love it….
Good work!
I’ve been oil pulling for a few weeks and I’m happy to do anything that will help my teeth and oral health. I have bad teeth, gums and oil pulling has helped stop pain in some of my teeth!
Wow! Good work, Christine!
I have searched for oral health answers with no good answers to be found! This is amazing and you have just explained this technique so well! I did not know about oil pulling!
As a physician’s assistant to Dr Joel Wallach, the oil is a big issue in our health. Since the temperatures are not raised to cause oxidative damage, and I’m not swallowing the oil, should I be safe with this? I can hear his precious words ringing out, “NO OILS!” I will feel as though I’m cheating and not following what we teach. Do you have any research or words of encouragement to support my concerns for this Youngevity protocol against rancid oils?
I am giving this a try, just need a backup to present to my mentor and before teaching others.
Sorry, I’m not sure on your exact question. The quality of oil used is important, especially when cooking and consuming it internally. Could you clarify your question?
I love doing it, and have done for some time now. But why is swallowing the oil considered bad?
Oil pulling pulls toxins and bacteria from your mouth and it’s better to spit them out rather then to swallow them. If you want to add more coconut oil into your diet, I love cooking with it or putting a tablespoon in a smoothie!
How much coconut oil to use: 1-2 Tablespoons or 1-2 Teaspoons? In the video, Dr. Axe uses 1 heaping teaspoon; however 1-2 Tablespoons are recommended in the printed matter on the subject.
Thanks! yvette
It’s more personal preference. Whatever amount you can comfortably fit into your mouth and swish around without spitting it all over :)
Thanks for the info! I am going to give it a try and see if it helps my gums from getting any lower on my teeth! I will keep you posted!
Please do!
I have been oil pulling for the past year and love the way it makes me feel. In fact, if I miss a day I don’t feel as “clean”. I also put one drop of oil of oregano in with it. My husband has also been doing this and loves it. It has become part of our morning routine. Thank you for all your wonderful information on various topics. I love learning about all of this “natural” healing/helping us all.
Awesome! Great work Pattee!
Where is the best place to buy the oil
I personally use and recommend the coconut oil found here.
I have been oil pulling for several months now and i find it really great. I love how clean my mouth feels. I actually use it as an adjunct to skin brushing for improved detoxification.
I read an article on Green Smoothie Girl’s site about a lady who healed her child’s 6 cavities using oil pulling with coconut oil and I think it was birch essential oil. Just amazing!
Oil pulling is definitely something I will continue using!
Awesome, Dunja! Glad to hear it!
Interesting!
very interesting topic i will start next morning thaks
Great, let me know how it goes!
I started oil pulling two months ago when trigeminal nuralgia made it too painful to brush my teeth. It was a god send! Now that pain is under control I am still oil pulling as well as brushing.
Wow! Great testimony!
Can fractionated coconut oil be used to oil pull? If not, what type of co is best?
That should be fine
Great article, Dr. Josh. I have been oil pulling for sometime as I have always had issues with my gums. I recently was introduced to a coconut oil formulated with ozonated jojoba oil and peppermint specifically to be used for this purpose from the Natural News Store and I am liking it a lot. I’ve always used coconut oil but knowing the ozonated jojoba is in there as well makes me feel it boosts the effectiveness. I routinely recommend this to my coaching clients as I am a holistic health coach.
That’s awesome, Ann! I’m sure you’ve seen some of the amazing benefits first hand!