Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits & How-to

Guide

Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and
gums. In fact, its been proven to be even more effective than flossing, and its one of the
best ways to naturally whiten your teeth.

It has taken quite some time, but oil pulling has finally gained some popularity in the United
States.

Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling known as gandusha in Ayurveda

specifically coconut oil pulling, is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure thats simply
done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your
mouth for 1020 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 thats needed
to prevent cavities and disease.

This unbelievably effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India
remedy to:

Treat tooth decay

Kill bad breath
Heal bleeding gums
Prevent heart disease
Reduce inflammation
Whiten teeth
Soothe throat dryness
Prevent cavities
Heal cracked lips
Boost the immune system
Improve acne
Strengthen gums and jaws

Its even been reported to help with TMJ symptoms. (1) So if youre looking for whiter
teeth, there is no better, safer whitening practice than coconut oil pulling, which has a host of
benefits beyond making those teeth look great.
Oil Pulling 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 didnt become part of our normal American experience until the late
1930s, and many people dont floss on a regular basis as is.

Its 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 didnt 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 didnt their teeth rot?

Well, first of all, they ate real food and didnt 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.

Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits

To date, there are just 17 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. Im excited to read more as
researchers catch on to how oil pulling can help transform someones 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. (2)
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. (3)
In addition, I found these five studies showing how sesame seed or coconut oil pulling
affects a wide range of oral health issues particularly helpful as I considered making it a part
of my natural health regimen:

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. (4) 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 can significantly reduced aerobic microorganisms in plaque among children with
plaque-induced gingivitis. (5)
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.
(6)
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. (7)
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. (8) Chlorexidine is a
disinfectant and antiseptic used in oral health.
Why Coconut Oil Is the Best Oil to Use

One important note to make is that the studies I referenced above mostly tested the effects
that sesame seed oil had on patients who oil pulled. Being a staple in India, its 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
Kill candida
Improve digestion
Moisturize skin
Reduce cellulite
Decrease wrinkles and age spots
Balance blood sugar and improve energy
Improve Alzheimers
Increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol
Burn fat

Because its 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 wont 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, theyve found that it can fight Streptococcus mutans, gingivitis and more. (9,
10, 11)

Coconut Oil Pulling: How-To

This is how I like to do coconut oil pulling:

1. 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.
2. Gently swish 12 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for
1020 minutes, making sure that you dont swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you
dont wear out your jaw and cheeks!)
3. Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesnt 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).
4. Finally, brush your teeth as normal.
5. 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 1020 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.

Heres a Quick How-to Coconut Oil Pulling Video Demonstration:

Next I want to share with you how you can use essential oils to take your oil pulling benefits
to a whole new level.

Coconut 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 and 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.

Coconut Oil Pulling Questions

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 its comfortable, and it should be an enjoyable
experience, not a dreaded one. If people dont 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: (12)

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 dont. 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 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
dont pull between your teeth as hard, or maybe cut back a few minutes down to 810
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 on Coconut Oil Pulling

Coconut oil pulling is a common Ayurvedic practice that can help you get whiter teeth, and
its been used to treat tooth decay, kill bad breath, heal bleeding gums, prevent heart
 disease, reduce inflammation, soothe throat dryness, prevent cavities, heal cracked lips,
boost the immune system, improve acne, strengthen the gum and jaws, and treat TMJ.
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.