Importance of Oral Health
The health impact of our mouths is pervasive, according to Ayurveda. New science regularly validates the value of some ancient Ayurvedic oral health techniques, such as oil pulling, tongue scraping, tooth powders, neem sticks for brushing, and much more.10
The mouth acts as the first line of defense against undesirable bacteria, while, at the same time, harboring a stable of beneficial bacteria that manufacture digestive enzymes to initiate digestion.1
Studies suggest that poor oral hygiene can predispose us to unwanted bacterial, viral, or fungal infiltration. Poor oral hygiene can also alter the natural environment of the mouth, compromising digestive enzymes, allowing bacteria that lead to food intolerances, so prevalent today.1-7
In addition, a healthy mouth provides us critical protection against undesirable microbes linked to a host of health conditions, including arterial plaque, heart, kidney, brain, mood, memory, and blood sugar concerns.2-5,7
Perhaps most concerning is the relationship between common unhealthy mouth bacteria Streptococcus mutans and production of plaque in both the arteries and brain, increasing risk of brain- and heart-related issues.4-6
Oil pulling has been using for thousands of years to address the critical need for healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. Ayurvedic texts Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita call oil pulling kavala graha or kavala gandoosha.
The Science is Impressive
Microbes such as Streptococcus mutans (the main contributor to tooth decay) 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, specifically in the heart, arteries, and brain.
Oil pulling has been shown to create a saponification or detergent effect that deters bad bacteria and plaque, while supporting healthy gum tissue, an important barrier against bacterial exposure to the bloodstream.12-15
In one study, a total of 20 adolescent boys with plaque-induced gingivitis were selected and divided randomly. Group one oil pulled with sesame oil and group two used the chemical mouthwash chlorhexidine.
After 10 days, there was a statistically significant reduction in plaque and modified gingival index scores in both groups. There was also a considerable reduction in total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in both groups, suggesting that oil pulling is as effective as chemical mouthwash for supporting optimal oral hygiene and health, without exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.11
Oil Pulling for Bad Breath
Studies also show that oil pulling has a substantial ability to reduce microbes in the mouth that cause halitosis or bad breath.16,17
By supporting healthy microbial populations that limit volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) or sulfur-producing bacteria, you can get to the source of bad breath. This is another example of how the proper balance of microbes can solve an age-old problem very simply.
Can I Brush with Coconut Oil?
You may have seen articles raving about brushing with coconut oil. While this will be beneficial, as coconut oil contains numerous antimicrobial properties, you may be missing out on some of coconut’s most potent health benefits.
Dr. Damien Brady at the Bioscience Research Institute in Ireland conducted a study comparing raw coconut oil with a naturally enzyme-modified coconut oil—modified to mimic the effect of the digestive process that starts in the mouth.
They found that partially-digested coconut oil is more effective than raw at impacting levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the mouth, including the infamous Streptococcus mutans.18 Once coconut oil is partially digested by enzymes, it can attack cavity-causing bacteria!
Dr. Brady says, “Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations.”
Oil pulling allows time for digestive enzymes to break down the oil and fully activate it. This may explain why simply brushing with coconut oil is not a common Ayurvedic practice, while swishing with a blend of coconut and sesame oils for 10–20 minutes is.
Once again, I am amazed by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. How did they know to activate therapeutic effects of coconut oil by swishing it?
How to Oil Pull
The following is a beautiful description of this technique, described in The Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine:8
In oil pulling, a tablespoon full of oil (sesame or coconut-herbalized with turmeric was also a traditional practice) is swished around the mouth in the early morning before breakfast and on empty stomach for about 10-20 min. In case of children greater than five years of age, a teaspoon of oil is used. The oil is “pulled” and forced in between all the teeth by swishing it all around the mouth. At the end of this activity, if the procedure is done correctly, the viscous oil will become milky white and thinner. Then it is spit out and mouth is thoroughly washed with clean warm saline water or tap water and teeth are cleaned with fingers or routine tooth brushing is performed. If the jaw aches, then the procedure can be done just for 5–10 min. The oil should not be spit into the sink as the oil can cause clogging of the pipes. Instead, the oil should be spit into a trashcan or on a paper towel.
Oil pulling should be ideally performed daily morning on empty stomach before brushing teeth and care should be taken that oil is not swallowed. Swallowing of oil during oil pulling should be avoided as the oil contains bacteria and toxins. Oil pulling is best practiced in sitting position with chin up. It can be practiced three times daily in empty stomach before meals to fasten the healing effects. It is contraindicated for children below 5 years due to risk of aspiration.
Have you tried oil pulling? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below.
And check out our special blend of oils and spices for oil pulling here.
Virginia says
I did oil pulling for about 2 years. I stopped when I traveled and got sick. I consulted my Kinesiologist and when he muscle tested me he told me to stop because it was removing something from my body that I needed, wish I could remember what it was. That was just for my body as I know every body is different.
Deb says
Please clarify for me, is the recommendation to scrape, brush then oil pull and brush again?? Or scrape, oil pull then brush? I have seen it suggested both ways on the website. Thanks.
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Deb,
Find what works best for you. Some people like to scrape, brush and then oil pull, others like to add a brushing after they finish oil pulling or oil pull before they brush. As long as you can incorporate it into your routine in a way that works for you, great!
Best,
LifeSpa Staff
Sarah says
Can I continue my oil pulling routine while doing the 14d Colorado Cleanse?
LifeSpa Staff says
Yes definitely. Only stop or take a break from it if you find it stressful for your mornings.
Best,
LifeSpa Staff
Connie Otto says
Do you recommend Oil Pulling for Burn Mouth Syndrone or Sjogren’s? Do you have other suggestions that help with the feeling your mouth is wrongside out no matter what food you put in or even Celery juice. Thank you Connie
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Connie,
I have had great success with oil pulling for this as well as cooling and repair herbs for the digestive lining; Brahmi Brain, Amalaki and Neem.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Kristi says
Dr. John, What are your thoughts on oil pulling with mercury fillings? I’ve heard it’s not safe that you can pull the mercury out. ??
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Kristi,
I have not seen any science to back that up. If I were leeching mercury from fillings I would sure want it out–which oil pulling MAY do.
Remember, unlike the ghee cleansing which does pull heavy metals we have not seen any science to show that oil pulling does the same.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Sarah Collin says
I use coconut oil and oil pull most mornings. I do it after tongue scrapping and usually walk around doing other things for around 15 to 20 mins so the time goes pretty fast. I hadn’t been to a dentist for about 8 years then had to find one as I chipped a tooth. I found a holistic dentist and while he wasn’t impressed that I hadn’t seen a dentist in many years he did say my mouth hygiene was excellent so it certainly works.
Inkling says
There have been studies that show swishing with just plain water or salt water has the same effect. I found where I used to let the oil sit in my mouth when I got tired of swishing resulted in thinner tooth enamel. It was always in the same place I rested the oil and it was just those teeth that were affected. The enamel eventually grew back but for a while I had amazingly sensitive teeth there.
LifeSpa Staff says
I would love to see those studies if you have them handy.
Thanks,
Dr. John
Kate says
I have been doing it for a couple of years rather regularly, but for maximum 10 min. My skin problems and have disappeared almost completely and my teeth tartar is gone. I think also that oil pulling is critical while having infections. Highly recommendable!
Angeli says
20 minutes is a long time. Do you do it while reading or other still activity?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Angeli,
Some people do it while doing the dishes, showering or other cleaning or morning activity. Others like to do it while they do their daily oil massage, abhyanga.
Its up to you. You don’t need to be perfectly still while you do it.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Leela says
I’ve heard that it’s not good to do oil pulling if one still has mercury fillings.
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Leela,
I have not seen any science to back that up. If I were leeching mercury from fillings I would sure want it out–which oil pulling MAY do.
Remember, unlike the ghee cleansing which does pull heavy metals we have not seen any science to show that oil pulling does the same.
Be Well,
Dr. John
Eileen says
Why the empty stomach…..if the oil is not being swallowed what difference does it make?
Alina M Calinescu says
gag reflex can kick in…technically one does not want to vomit when oil pulling. Hope this helps.
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Eileen,
Because the oil pulling stimulates digestive activity and if food has already been eaten then this can restart a digestive process out of rhythm with its normal process.
Be Well,
Dr. John
carol says
I have been oil pulling for many years. I hadn’t gone to a dentist for 20 years. My dentist was a holistic dentist I found from Mouth Matters. The first visit after 20 years and I had no cavities and very very little plaque. Her comment: “You have the gums of an 18 year old. I have heard about people having gums this healthy at your age but have never seen it.” By the way, I am 58. I am sure some of my other healthy habits also contribute to my healthy mouth but I think oil pulling has made a big difference.