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How to Oil Pull for Detoxification + Healthy White Teeth
- Published on: 25 September, 2014
- Last update: 03 November, 2020

OIL PULLING
Also known “Kavalagraha,” oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for anywhere from 7-20 minutes. It is said to boost detoxification, improve oral health, lower inflammation levels and more!
BENEFITS
whiter, brighter teeth, healthier gums, prevents bad breath, kills bacteria and yeast, increased energy, clearer mind, decreased headaches & hangovers, clearer sinuses, lessened allergies, better sleep, clearer skin, more regulated hormones, improved lymphatic system.
- Streptococcus Mutans is one of the main bacteria in the mouth and a key player in plaque buildup and tooth decay. In a study from 2008 including 20 boys, oil pulling (with sesame oil) caused a reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans in the plaque in as little as 2 weeks.
- Another study compared oil pulling and chlorhexidine in adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis. Both oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash were effective against gingivitis.
- In a third study of 20 adolescents, oil pulling therapy significantly reduced all markers for bad breath and was just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.
DIRECTIONS
I do this as soon as I wake up in the morning on an empty stomach. Then, I brush my teeth directly after the oil pulling is done.
1. You can choose either sesame oil or coconut oil, however I always pull with coconut because it’s more appropriate for my dosha (pitta) and it’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. If you are vata or kapha, sesame oil is best for you.

image credit: Fabio De Giovanni
3. Optional: add 2 drops of oregano essential oil for supreme microbe-fighting power.
4. Pull the oil through your teeth and swish it around, but make sure to never swallow it – you don’t want to ingest the bacteria and toxins being released from your body.
5. Set a timer for 20 minutes and when finished, spit the oil into a plastic bag or directly into the trash. This is important, because if you spit it down the drain it can solidify in the pipes.
How to deal with the taste + add extra power to your oil pulling:
When I first began oil pulling, I HATED the texture and taste of coconut oil in my mouth! It was slimy and just plain uncomfortable. It took 3 mornings until I no longer felt a gag reflex. What I found most important in being able to palate the oil is adding some sweetness and flavor.
Xylitol even dissolves the biofilm in your mouth (and gut) that keeps bacterial infections protected from antimicrobial intervention. A biofilm is any group of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other on a surface. In our case, the “surface” is our mouths and intestines, and biofilm growth allows parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses to exchange DNA in order to keep themselves from being killed! Scary, huh?
Adding 1/2 tsp powdered Birch Xylitol to your morning oil pulling routine will greatly improve the taste, texture, and germ-fighting power!
13 Comments
Megan
Jane
I do and I have fillings, never heard it was an issue, works for me so maybe have a go and see how you feel.
Tony
Brendon
KJ
Antima
Fre
Sabrina Bejarano
Denisse Rodriguez
Amber Freesmeier
hello denisse, my cousins dentist advised her not to, but i would say double check, also do not oil pull with fillings it will loosen them and of course cause much pain if it comes off
Paulina
Lauren_Laizelia
Olivia A.
I use organic extra virgin for oil pulling. For essential oil application, fractioned is usually best.