Coconut oil is great for oral health because of its antimicrobial properties, however, the way you are using it may be holding you back from it’s most potent health benefits!
Some people are brushing with with coconut oil, or trying out oil pulling for a few minutes here and there.
While brushing with coconut oil and/or oil pulling for only a few minutes will be beneficial, it may not be enough time for the benefits to actually take effect.
Raw Coconut vs. Partially-Digested Coconut
Microbes, such as Streptococcus mutans and the harmful yeast Candida albicans, seem to flourish in the mouth – particularly in the presence of sugars and starches.
These bad bacteria and fungi, when allowed to flourish, can cause a plethora of health concerns.
Dr. Damien Brady at the Bioscience Research Institute in Ireland conducted a study comparing raw coconut oil with a enzyme-modified coconut oil – modified to mimic the natural effect of the digestive process that starts in the mouth.
His research showed that that partially-digested coconut oil was more effective than raw coconut oil at impacting levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth, including Streptococcus mutans (the main contributor to tooth decay). (1)
Ancient Ayurvedic Knowledge + Modern Science
This may explain why simply brushing the teeth with coconut oil was not a common Ayurvedic practice, but oil pulling is!
Oil pulling is the ancient, time-tested Ayurvedic practice of swishing herbalized sesame and coconut oil to support healthy bacteria in the mouth.
According to Ayurveda, after cleaning the teeth, it was (and still is) recommended to swish with a blend of coconut and sesame oils for 10-20 minutes.
This practice, called “oil pulling,” would allow the coconut oil the time it needed to be pre-digested or enzyme-modified – which is exactly what Dr. Brady found more effective against bad bacterium in his study.
The Research on Oil Pulling
There are a handful of studies that suggest oil pulling for 10-20 minutes a day reduces plaque, decreases Streptococcus mutans populations, promotes better teeth cleansing, healthy gum tissue and better oral hygiene. (2,3,4,5)
How? The swishing of these oils creates a saponification or detergent effect that deters bad bacteria and plague, while supporting healthy gum tissue as a barrier against bacterial exposure to the bloodstream.
While brushing with coconut oil is a good idea, Dr. Brady’s research suggests that oil pulling will pre-digest and activate the coconut oil.
It takes some time for the digestive enzymes in the mouth to break down the oil and release the coconut’s most potent health benefits – making oil pulling a more effective strategy.
How Do You Oil Pull?
Uncooked sesame oil, coconut oil and turmeric are traditionally combined for the most reliable benefits.
Take about 1 tablespoon of this oil mixture and swish or gargle in the mouth for 10-20 minutes.
Spit out the oil in the trash, and rinse with warm water.
This is best performed after tongue scraping, brushing and flossing, and can be done while showering.
Neem Tooth Twig, Anyone?
Believe it or not, before toothbrushes were invented, teeth brushing was still a thing!
Frayed twigs were used to scrub or brush and clean the teeth.
In India, neem twigs were mostly used, followed by a 10-20 minute swish with coconut and sesame oil that would finish the job.
Neem is one of my favorite summer herbs. It acts as a natural protection against opportunistic bad bacteria while re-vitalizing the intestinal skin or epithelium and supporting the proliferation of good gut bacteria. It was Ayurveda’s natural pre- and probiotic! Coconut oil was also used for similar purposes.
I have troubles keeping the oil in my mouth so long. It seems to slip down my throat after a few minutes.
Hi Patrice,
It is completely okay for some of the oil to coat the lining of your throat. If you are having issues with too much making its way into your throat, you can try avoiding tilting your head back at all while oil-pulling. Let us know how that goes!
Be Well.
I was also surprised to hear the recommendation to tongue scrape and brush teeth before oil pulling. And then eat breakfast AFTER cleaning the mouth? It’s been my practice to rinse my mouth first thing, oil pull, then tongue scrape, drink water, eat breakfast, then brush. Can you provide more clarity around the subject, please?
Hi Pam,
We suggest oil pulling after tongue scraping, brushing, and flossing. This is because completing the physical ‘scrubbing’ of the mouth should come first so you can get the most effect from oil pulling a cleaner mouth. One can do this first thing or after breakfast. But physical cleaning of your mouth first is important.
Be Well.
I respectfully disagree.
Every single thing I’ve ever read or researched over the years re:OP states to swish 1-2Tbls for 20 minutes PRIOR to brushing, drinking, eating…. ALWAYS 1st thing in the morning. Sesame oil is traditionally used but any oil will achieve the desired effect; I find coconut most tolerable. It has to do with the suspension of toxic enzymes into the oil that would otherwise be absorbed into the body. More so than the goal being a clean mouth, it’s about detoxification. However, a clean, healthy mouth & bright white teeth are a wonderful side effect of OP. I also notice, when I do it with regularity, it produces vivid dreams; Bonus!!
Also, I suggest spitting out oil afterwards into a leak-proof container, glass or otherwise, prior to placing into trash or recycle bin. I often save rinsed kombucha bottles for use a couple of days in a row. Never spit out in the sink nor straight into the trash bag, as these methods can cause clogged drains or will create quite a mess! Happy Oil Pulling!
I am wondering if oil pulling after brushing then allows those much talked about digestive enzymes to work and continue to work? If you pull first, don’t you also remove any chance ofthe enzymes to get rid of the bacteria by brushing, flossing then rinsing them away?
I OP while I am performing abhyanga in the mornings. I also generally do it before flossing and brushing my teeth. But I imagine flossing and brushing first will eliminate some of the debris and the oil pulling will be more efficient.
same question as Carter and Karla.
My instructions were to OP first thing in the morning.
This is the first time Ive read t OP after brushing. I’m wondering as Carter mentions above what the benefits are to OP after brushing and flossing. Thank you.
I’ve always OP’d in the morning, but can you do it at night before bed?
Hi Nancy, you can absolutely oil pull in the evening. For many people that game changer is simply to remember to do it at some point during the day! Be well.
I have practiced OP for three years (100% CO+an occasional drop of frankincense, eucalyptus or cinnamon) and effectively managed a recurrent gum inflammation issue (one cost estimate placed treatment at nearly $10K). I prefer OP PRIOR to brushing and would like to know why brushing is recommended BEFORE OPing?
I tried it for 2 weeks…was that long enough? Have not felt any changes.
How should the measurements be for the combination of the sesame, coconut oils, and turmeric blend when using one tablespoon?
Hi Wisna, it’s recommended to use 1 tablespoon total. So 1/2tbsp coconut 1/2tbsp sesame, and incorporating about 1/3 tsp turmeric should suffice. Be well.
Tumeric typically stains. Will it stain the teeth?
I use sesame oil with a couple of drops of oregano oil
I’ve been oil pulling for years and lately, I’ve added a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint and clove, It’s just fantastic !
Really!! Oil pulling is the best way for better teeth cleansing and oral hygiene. Everybody must try this method at home.
do you use neem twig(brush) before or after? And can anyone comment on how to use a neem twig?
How do you use a neem twig to keep it clean?
Oil pulling can create sore throat too regular practice to be taken care