Holistic Oral Care: What is Oil Pulling and How Does it Work?

Holistic health practices are on the rise and many people are using them to complement more traditional types of care.  In the world of oral health, oil pulling has become a popular habit among people concerned about conditions like gingivitis.

Dating back to ancient times, oil pulling is thought to improve oral health by balancing the oral microbiome.  But does it really work?  If you’re thinking about adding oil pulling into your daily oral care routine, keep reading for more information about the process and the concept behind it.

What is oil pulling, exactly?

Oil pulling is a simple practice that involves swishing a small amount of oil around in your mouth in an effort to remove or “pull” harmful bacteria.  The recommended amount of oil and swishing time vary; however, most people swish for around 15-20 minutes with a tablespoon of oil.

There are several different types of oil people used for oil pulling, including sesame oil and sunflower oil.  These days, coconut oil is the most popular type to use, as it contains a bacteria-fighting substance known as lauric acid.  Coconut oil is also natural and pleasantly fragrant, which is why many people prefer oil pulling over certain types of mouthwash.

The potential benefits of oil pulling

There are scientific roots in many of the purported benefits of oil pulling.  Adding oil pulling to your oral care routine could help reduce cavities, improve bad breath and much more.

• Kill bad bacteria. A comprehensive study on oil pulling showed its efficacy in effectively reducing bacteria in the mouth.  Removing this bad bacterium is important in preventing oral diseases.
• Improve bad breath. If you struggle with bad breath, oil pulling could help by removing bacteria that has become trapped in hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
• Prevent cavities. As with all the other benefits mentioned above, cavities are usually prevented by the removal of harmful bacteria from the mouth.
• Reduce inflammation. Swishing coconut oil in the mouth can attack plaque, reducing your chances of developing gingivitis.  Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss and systemic complications.

That said, oil pulling will only benefit if added to a good oral routine that includes brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings.

How to do oil pulling

Oil pulling is quite simple.  All you need to do is take a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for around 15-20 minutes.  Approach this process like an extended rinse.  Even if the oil isn’t already melted (it is in a solid form), it will quickly melt in your mouth and become a liquid.

Swallowing the oil isn’t recommended, though coconut oil isn’t harmful.  Oil should also never be spat into the sink or bathtub (this could cause clogs).  Instead, spit your oil into a nearby trash can.

Should you add oil pulling to your oral care routine?

Bad bacteria can cause a number of problems for your mouth, including bad breath, and, in the worst case, gum disease.  If you’re not a fan of mouthwash and need an effective way of killing oral bacteria, consider trying oil pulling.  Mention the method to your dentist to see what they recommend.