Oil Pulling
Health Benefits

Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Dental Issues

92 User Reviews
5 star (81) 
  88%
4 star (4) 
  4%
3 star (1) 
  1%
1 star (2) 
  2%
(4) 
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Posted by Lindaa (Chipley, Fl) on 12/30/2009
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

How do you hold coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes?

Yesterday I lasted 2 minutes, but it really worked for plaque on my teeth and the white coating on my tongue was gone.

This morning I used the same amount (about a teaspoon) and I had the same problem as yesterday. Saliva poured into my mouth. I lasted 3 minutes. I had to stop and breath through my mouth frequently (I must be a mouth breather) I was a coughing, gagging, spitting mess, but it worked again:) My teeth looked better, my gums are getting a health pink already.

Replied by Lee
(New York, New York)
12/30/2009

Linda from Chipley - Are you concentrating on the oil pulling too much? I melt it first (i like to add a little clove oil or peppermint oil to it) - then I leave the bathroom and make the bed, check email, etc. I actually forget that it's in my mouth. Just swish it around very gently and get busy with something else! Good luck.

Replied by Linda
(Chipley, Florida)
01/02/2010

Lee, Thank you so much for the information. I was doing what you said in your reply. I was ready to give up. melt it first? lol, I never would have thought about that. I was watching the clock lol. So once again Thank you Lee.

Replied by Mike
(Virginia Beach, Va)
02/24/2010

Coconut oil at room temperature is a solid. My brother swears by coconut oil for a lot of things, so he goes through it a bit. Things he's learned along the way is that virgin coconut oil is the best to use. Most that you find in grocery stores are refined, and can possibly be quite counter-productive. He also sets the jar in a bowl of hot water to melt it, which is really the only way you should melt it.


Dental Issues
Posted by Cajun62234 (Opelousas, Louisiana) on 10/31/2009
★★★★★

As a proven believer in Castor Oil, the other morning I awoke with a very sore gum in the vicinity of my right canine tooth. A look in the mirror indicated it was blood red, very tender, but no blood excreted when massaging. I generally 'oil' with Sesame Oil, but thought 'Why not try CO?'... Two 20 minute sessions [about 3-4 hours inbetween] and a session at bed time. I excreted all of the 'oiling', but let the CO coating remain in my mouth over night...the next morning it was 95% better; a repeat of the previous day's treatment produced a 100% recovery by the following evening...no redness, no tenderness and a normal, healthy gum..


Dental Issues
Posted by Danielle (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/15/2009
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hi. I have been oil pulling for approximately three weeks with coconut oil. At first with a little more than a tablespoon, more recently I have been measuring a tablespoon exactly. I do it in the morning once I get up before brushing teeth or eating breakfast. I rinse my mouth out afterwards and spit a few times.

Although it seems to be draining my sinuses, and the health of my gums have improved (better shade of pink, no more bleeding) and the white coating on my tongue has disapeared, my tooth sensitivity has been getting worse and my teeth have been turning more yellow. I can also see a line in one tooth now that looks almost like an internal crack and it feels like the outer layer of another tooth, near the base of the gumline has been scraped off. This seems to be the opposite of what most people experience.

I know that sometimes there is a worening of symptoms for a bit, but I haven't read any accounts of this happening with teeth, usually more with rashes, sinues etc.

Has anyone else had this problem? Did it get worse or better in the long run? Did your teeth become damaged? Should I stop oil pulling or continue on? I am afraid that my teeth are deteriating in front of my eyes due to some strange reaction that a rare few may have.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Replied by Rachael
(Georgetown, Ohio)
05/12/2010

Danielle from Toronto, did your teeth every improve? I OP for two weeks and my teeth became so sensitive that I could not eat. I haven't OP for 2 weeks at all now, and my teeth still hurt. Never had these symptoms before OP. Just wondering if i should have stuck it out!


Dental Issues
Posted by Teresa (St. Augustine, Florida Usa) on 09/20/2009
★★★★★

Sesame Oil Pulling Reversed My Periodontal Disease

I have always brushed my teeth regularly but I have not been so good at flossing. A year and a half ago I went to the dentist for a usual check up and cleaning. My gums had started bleeding when I was brushing my teeth so I wanted to get them checked. I was especially worried about my 2 front teeth which are implants I got after an accident years ago.

I was told I had gingivitis and pockets in my gums indicating the onset of periodontal disease. They gave me a dental rinse to use at home and had me come back in 3 months. After 3 months the bleeding gums cleared up some but not much. After that, I did not go back to the dentist for a year. Of course my teeth and gums continued to grow worse, bleeding and causing me problems.

Then about 8 months ago I was searching online about bleeding gums and discovered oil pulling. I became curious and figured it was worth a try. I bought some organic refined sesame oil. Within about 2 weeks I noticed a remarkable improvement in my oral health. My gums stopped bleeding and my front teeth quit bothering me.

I stopped oil pulling as an experiment just to make sure it was indeed the oil pulling that was causing the improvement. When I stopped for a few days my front teeth started bothering me and my gums got red and puffy, looking like they were going to bleed again. I resumed the oil pulling and noticed immediate relief and improvement.

I just went back to the dentist last week (this would be a year between visits). They took xrays and did the cleaning. They discovered that my gingivitis/periodontal disease was almost completely gone! No cavities either. The cleaning was a breeze. They were surprised. The dentist verified that my oral health has greatly improved. I am delighted!

I am convinced it is the oil pulling that improved my oral health since I did not change anything else in my lifestyle or hygiene habits. I will continue to oil pull for the rest of my life. I am using refined Sesame Oil every morning before breakfast.


Dental Issues
Posted by Hadessah (Charlotte, Nc) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I use 1 teaspoon extra virgin Olive Oil for 15 minutes every morning, first thing.

Oil Pulling has made my teeth stronger and whiter and it is healing a disorder I was going to doctors for nearly 20 years. I've tried all kinds of antibiotics to cure sinusitis. Now after oil-pulling, I feel the pressure in my upper gum, above where a tooth was extracted. Above the bony part of the gum. So I 've had an abcess for two decades. No wonder people stepped back when talking to me. My breath smelled like 20 year old decay.

I developed tinnitis and oil-pulling may eventually clear up all the abcess right at the base of my maxillary sinus, BUT actually above the bony part of my gum where a tooth was extracted in the 80s.

Replied by Jake
(Chicago, Il)
09/10/2009

I would try rinsing with wild oregano oil several times a day in addition to the oil pulling.

On 02/19/2009 Fran Block from Pittsburgh, PA. USA recommended wild oregano oil as the most effective remedy for tooth pain and infection. Someone else on this earthclinic site suggested 3 or 4 drops of wild oregano oil in a quarter cup of water as a periodic rinse - unquestionably the best remedy for tooth issues and pain.

These recommendations saved me after a week of excruciating pain, and probably also from extensive dental drilling and fixing - maybe even tooth pulling. Now at any sign of tooth pain or infection - I mix wild oregano oil in a quarter cup or so of water and rinse with a little bit several times a day, nighttime too if I awaken.

I've been cured from what I suspect would have been more extensive work at the dental office after several cavities were filled by my dentist. He questioned at the time - about 6 weeks earlier - whether the infected teeth would in fact be saved, since the cavities had reached so close to the nerve. But the wild oregano oil saved the day and the pains slowly dissipated over 4 to 5 days, and I've needed no further dental professional attention afterward!


Dental Issues
Posted by Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, Karnataka) on 08/17/2009
★★★★★

I took a couple of teaspoons of raw honey in my mouth and kept swishing it around for 20 minutes (procedure same as oil pulling), and the spat it out and rinsed my mouth. Voila! Toothache gone immediately!!


Dental Issues
Posted by Victoria (Sacramento, CA) on 07/24/2009
★★★★☆

I started OP with VCO for 2 weeks ago; 1 tbls, 20 mins, twice per day (first thing in the morning and before dinner). I have been keeping a log of when I OP and how I feel about the experience of this. Reading peoples comments about this OP thing has been wonderful and helpful however I have not had these "remarkable" results as many have claimed. After doing much reading about the positive healthful results from using coconut oil and palm oil, I am convinced that using these oils is better than not using them. I am obese, diabetic and will be turning 54 this November. I have not seen any changes in my blood sugar levels but I do love the way my mouth feels after OP. The small amount of gum bleeding after flossing has completely disappeared and I do believe the OP has corrected this condition. I will continue with this form of treatment and keeping my log of experiences with it and I think I will try another type of oil after about a month of doing this. Does anyone else have similar experiences such as mine and can you tell me what other results you might be having? Are there any other suggestions people have?

Replied by Felicia
(Santa Rosa, Ca)
11/27/2009

As for your diabetes, please look into fenugreek and cinnamon supplements and organic apple cider vinegar. I have a close friend that I got on the regimen and he now has consistent blood sugar readings within normal ranges. He started with low and high blood sugar readings, they were all over the place. I wholeheartedly believe in apple cider vinegar for aid in many health problems.


Dental Issues
Posted by Allen (Austin, MN) on 07/20/2009
★★★★★

I've tried several kinds of oil for oil pulling and I find olive oil to be the best by far. My dentist is impressed with the results too... as my gums have reattached to my teeth. I use 1 tsp twice a day for 15 mins. When I first wake up and right before bed. It doesn't taste very good at first but after 15 mins. by mouth feels very clean. It's very soothing for a tooth ache or cut inside your mouth too.


Dental Issues
Posted by redd78 (Plymouth, Indiana) on 07/10/2009
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started oil pulling about a week ago.I used safflower oil the first 2 days , then switched to sesame seed oil. I have had a terrible pain in my upper left teeth for over a year. had all kinds of dental exams, x-rays, panorex x-rays and a c-scan. Nothing could be found that was causing the tooth pain.I have also have constant sinus drainage on the left side for several years. I am extremely sensitive to almost all allergy medications, anti-biotics, medications of any kind.I am also hypothyroid, and have a lot of problems regulating my thyroid dosage. I started the oil pulling in desperation to try and find some relief from the tooth and facial pain. I am using 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil 3 times a day. Morning, at 4 p.m. and at 10 pm. I follow the oil pulling treatment with a netipot treatment using purified, boiled salt water.I have had copious sinus drainage, it is milky white , thick and foamy. No sign of infection, just the foamy white color. The pain in my face and tooth is about 80 percent improved. this is the first tme in over a year that I have not been in constant pain from the tooth. I have had some side effects, have had spells of dizziness and some nausea. my appetite is not good, and on the 4th days, I had colon cleansing.This morning I am having some dizziness and nausea. anyone else doing this that is hypothyroid and on medication? I would love to hear feedback from you . Did this interfer at all with your thyroid medication? I am hoping to get past the dizziness and nausea, hoping this is just temporary.....Wanda

Replied by Andi
(St. Paul, MN)
07/10/2009

Wanda, I have been oil pulling with one TB organic sesame oil every morning for almost one month. I had a partial thyroidectomy 14 years ago. Currently, I take Armour thyroid (for hypothyroidism) every morning after oil pulling. I have had no adverse effects. I have more energy and better skin (I think that deep line between my eyes is lessening). I am still waiting to see my teeth get whiter. Overall, I am happy so far with the results.

Replied by Amy
(Philadelphia, PA)
07/10/2009

Tooth pain is often caused by sinus problems, and that foamy white color IS a sign of infection...from the color, it sounds like a yeast over-growth. If you got relief with the neti pot, keep using it on a regular, frequent basis and I bet your tooth pain will be permanently gone before too long.

Replied by R
(Sarasota, FL, USA)
07/11/2009

Wanda, My husband and I have been oil pulling for several months with fantastic results i.e. improved gums, sensitivity, etc.. We use 1 TBL per day for 5 to 7 days per week. I think 3 X per day may be too much for you as the OP is detoxing and my guess is that the symptoms you are experiencing may be from the detox. I would drop down to 1 X per day to slow down the detox.

Dental Issues
Posted by Linda (Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies) on 07/06/2009
★★★★★

Oil Pulling Cured My Gingivitis. About 1 month ago I began experiencing very horrible breath. So I began to search for remedies that were 'natural' as opposed to prescribed medication. I discovered your site and started oil pulling about a month ago, using cold pressed olive oil (couldn't find any other cold pressed oil). I used 1 tablespoon each morning before eating breakfast and before retiring to bed at night. After a few days I began to see my teeth whiten and my gums become very pink and healthy looking. A gap between 2 teeth closed up totally so that now there is no 'gap' anymore! Last week I visited the dentist where I was told that my gums and teeth were so healthy and clean that I can visit the dentist once per year instead of every six months! My previous visit to the dentist 6 months ago was not so good....I was told I had gingivitis and that my gums were receding from my teeth, my gums were also very dark purple instead of bright pink. So thank you Earth Clinic, with oil pulling my oral health was restored beyond my expectations! Oil pulling did so much for me, I will continue as long as I have life. I told a colleague about it and she too has started oil pulling! However I still wait for my bad breath to clear up. Any suggestions for elimination of this chronic bad breath?

Replied by Al
(Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)
07/23/2009

In response to Linda from Port of Spain and chronic bad breath. Please look into Hydrogen Peroxide treatment as described right here on EarthClinic, in the Halitosis section. It should take care of bad breath in one go. I would use a 50/50 solution of 3% H2O2 and distilled water to swish around for half a minute or so. Good luck.


Dental Issues
Posted by Andy (Burnley, Lancashire, England) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★

Yesterday, I was in excrutiating pain from a tooth I broke and had filled about a month ago. Could'nt get an appointment for a week at the dentist. I looked online for anything that could possibly help with the pain (strong painkilers did not even touch it).

I tried raw garlic, garlic mouthwash, cold water with salt (hit the roof with pain) warm water with salt (hit the roof again) nothing worked. I had read about oil pulling but discounted it as I needed an instant fix. At 3.00 am (3 hours before going to work) after 16 hours of constant pain,In desperation I decided to give OP a try with extra virgin olive oil. Five minutes after swilling and cleaning my teeth I was asleep.

I woke up with no pain at all. Another thing I noticed during the day was when I had a drink of water from the cooler, although I did feel a slight throbbing after, there was no sensitivity to the cold water at all. (I have always had sensitive teeth even before the toothache)

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. CONVERTED. I am going to carry on with OP and see what long term benefits I get.

Also I have not had a cigarette today yet and its nearly bedtime ! not even thought about it until now.


Dental Issues
Posted by Ophelide (Montreal, Canada) on 06/21/2009
★★★★★

After a night of web-search to avoid antibiotics for a dental abscess, found this site ! In addition to ingestion of a few drops 4xday of oregano essential oil, I started Oil pulling with coconut oil. Within 3 days, the inflammation was reduced by 80 % and no more sensitivity - The 4th day it started again to pulse and I switched to Sunflower oil, twice a day during the week-end. It has been now 2-weeks I began oil pulling and all seems OK by now - I have a dental appointment next week and I hope not to need a root treatment ! In addition my gums look healthier as well as my skin. Very grateful for the helpful information and testimony.


Dental Issues
Posted by Dorett (Lima, Ohio) on 06/07/2009
★★★★★

I was searching on the web for more information about castor oil after reading Kaycee's book on The Oil That Heals when i came across oil pulling. i also wondered how oil pulling that would work. Anyway i decided to give it a try, because I was having problems with gum disease and other problems, I started oil pulling about two weeks ago, and i am truly seeing some changes in my mouth, first of all my breath is so fresh, my teeth has gotton three or so shades whiter.

When I was younger I was able to bite a piece of thread because my teeth was in great shape, but i got to the place that they began to shake, and i could'nt grit the top and bottom togather, My dentist wanted to extract some of them, i would bite the inside of my jaws and lips when i eat. But now my teeth is getting closer together so much that i am able to bite a thread and chew well without biting my lip and corner of my jaws. Oil Pulling is the bomb. I am going to continue this for the rest of my life. there are othe benifits I have notice and i am glad to find out about this site.


Dental Issues
Posted by Rainidaze (Lakewood, CA) on 05/11/2009
★★★★★

Coconut Oil Pulling: I used 1 tbl of CO 20 minutes in the morning first thing for a week straight then on and off for 2 more and I am amazed that I have no more morning breath or mid-day yucky mouth any longer after 2 days and my teeth are even whiter than before. My mouth always feels fresh teeth very dentist clean. So glad I found this site. Thanks so much!


Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL, USA) on 04/24/2009
★★★★★

Nancy, Change your oil. Try cold pressed organic (or expeller pressed) sesame oil or Safflower oil. Everyone can react differently to different oils. Our (my husband) gums are much better from OP. My husband's previous dentist (we changed) would not do a cleaning and told him he needed $1,000 in root planing etc. I told him he had to do the oil pulling for 3 months and then go to a new dentist and see what they have to say. The new dentist did the regular cleaning and they could not believe how clean his teeth were. He has to have a little gum work done, but all in all I was very impressed with the results. It was 10 months since the last cleaning. My dental checkup showed a lot of improvement with my gums as well showing pockets that are now 2 and 3 and a few 4. Big improvement. Thank you Earth Clinic and everyone who took the time to write about their experience.



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