For the past month, one product has found a new place in my home: coconut oil. Instead of in the kitchen, it now lives in my bathroom. Why? Because I recently started using it every morning for oil pulling. I’d been hearing about the benefits of oil pulling everywhere, and naturally, as a beauty editor, I had to give it a try. To make sure I was doing it correctly, I spoke to Dr. Katharina Broos, a dentist with her own practice in Munich, who also helped answer the most important question: How effective is oil pulling, really?
What is oil pulling?
It may be all over social media at the moment, but oil pulling is hardly new. “Oil pulling is a very old method from traditional Ayurvedic medicine,” explains Broos.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that the mouth is closely linked to the health of the entire body. Oil pulling should therefore not only make your breath fresher and your gums healthier, but also improve your general well-being. Oil pulling involves putting an edible oil, classically sesame or coconut oil, into the mouth and pulling (or swishing) it back and forth between the teeth. “The aim is to bind bacteria that has collected on the teeth and mucous membranes overnight to the oil and then spit it out,” explains Broos.
What are the benefits of oil pulling for oral and dental health?
Since scientific research on oil pulling for oral health is scant in comparison to research on contemporary methods, there is plenty of skepticism on the subject. However, Broos does see some benefits: “Oil pulling can help reduce plaque and bacteria, alleviate gum problems, and improve breath. Many of my patients even report slightly brighter teeth and a generally fresher mouthfeel.”
Broos also notes that there are some studies that do show a reduction in plaque and bacteria—especially when coconut or sesame oil are used. “You shouldn’t see oil pulling as a substitute for other dental care, but rather as a supplement,” she says.
How to do oil pulling
According to Broos, oil pulling is best done immediately after getting up in the morning. Your perfect morning routine, therefore, might look like this:
- Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil, pulling and squeezing it through the spaces between your teeth so that it rinses them. The oil gradually mixes with the saliva, making it easier to move around in the mouth. Aim to do this for ten to 20 minutes.
- Afterwards, be sure to spit the oil out—do not swallow it. As the oil can solidify in the pipes, cause blockages, and pollute the sewage system, it’s best to spit it out into the garbage can, not into the sink.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Finish by brushing your teeth as usual and using a tongue scraper.
My experience with oil pulling for one month
When I started oil pulling, it felt strange at first. It took me a few days to find a good technique for rinsing the oil through my mouth. However, I have to say that now oil pulling has developed into a small but very pleasant ritual. It refreshes me straight after getting up and leaves me with a really clean, pleasant feeling in my mouth that actually lasts throughout the day.
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