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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cherry (Fort Worth, US) on 03/18/2015
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling about 3 weeks. But, recently I had been itching none stop for the past 2 days. I was wondering is this part of the process because I do not want to stop oil pulling because the way my teeth now feel. Plague stopped building up on my teeth and they absolutely feel wonderful. They feel as if they have had cleaning and a polish. I hope that the itching will stop just as the sensitivity in my teeth and headaches subsided. If anybody can clear this up for me I would be grateful. I have recommended oil pulling to my family and they can see a difference in the color of my teeth.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tigergirl26 (New Jersey, US) on 03/11/2015
★★★★★
I started oil pulling 4 days ago with 100 percent virgin olive oil from Italy. I started due to a gum infection. This is a miracle cure! My gums are already feeling better and an added bonus for me is that for over 15 years I have had a little bit of fluid in both of my ears that no medicine has been able to get rid of. My sinuses are draining and one ear is almost completely clear. I feel the post nasal drip and my nose runs in the day clear and this wonderful treatment is not only helping me with my gums, but it is helping me with my sinuses. A small gap between my teeth has also tightened up. I have more energy and I feel better then I have in years. I am only doing it for 10 minutes a day and once a day. I had my husband do it today and I will wait and see his results. I won't be stopping this anytime soon.
Side Effect
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 02/25/2015
Halo, J. (Leicester, UK)---- you will find more such scurrilous remarks online. The public is waking up which is uncomfortable for some.
OP is becoming very popular and mostly, not on advice from the dental community. This Ayurvedic protocol is thousands of years in practice using only sesame oil or sunflower oil for best utilization. It will remove toxins from the body and save your teeth. Use your discrimination and enjoy the path to good health. Namaste, Om
Side Effects
Posted by J (Leicestershire, UK) on 02/25/2015
I have a query regarding oil pulling. There are some other websites that warn of the risk of lipid pneumonia as small droplets of oil could be accidentally inhaled. Can anyone comment on this risk?
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Debra (Milwaukee) on 02/12/2015
I just recently started oil pulling with sesame oil and I have experienced a sore throat. Is this normal?
Castor Oil
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 02/12/2015
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice. The oil must be either sesame oil or sun flower oil. Castor oil can be researched by reading Edgar Cayce where the oil is called palma Christi. If not sure, just google. Namaste, Om
Castor Oil
Posted by Ta (St. Louis, Mo, Usa) on 02/11/2015
Castor oil is in many cosmetics and creams/ointments and has been used as a laxative for generations. I've never heard of any problems from consuming other than relieving constipation.
Allergies, Vocal Issues
Posted by Amy J (Oregon, US) on 01/26/2015
★★★★★
I have no negatives when it comes to oil pulling.
I have been doing it with coconut oil for nearly one month, and while I do not have any miraculous things going on, there are a few major differences I noticed after a couple weeks of doing it, and if I miss a day, I notice things start to regress in some areas.
Being that I am a singer, the biggest change I have noticed, though I didn't realise until a few days ago it was related, was the regaining the lowest parts of my low register. I lost it some time ago due to allergies, occasionally I'd get glimpses of it, but it never quite came back for good.
Over the last few weeks, I noticed my voice deepening a lot. Now, I have a huge vocal range spanning close to 4 octaves, but I lost a good octave due to the allergies, maybe more than that. I still haven't regained the highest parts of my upper register, but we'll see if over time, oil pulling helps that as well.
It has certainly helped with gum inflammation, I had some inflamed areas, and they are now normal and my gums don't look red anymore either, but healthy and pink. :)
I got frequent sinus infections, and while I may get some sinus pressure every now and then, for the most part, my sinuses are pretty cleared up and I don't get massive sinus headaches anymore.
For me, those 3 things are enough to keep oil pulling, even if I never see any new benefits down the road.
God Bless ~Amy
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 01/23/2015
Hi Janine,
We are grateful that you have taken time to contribute your findings on the recent oil pulling. It is with joy that we hear it is working out. You will never bother us with any comment, good or bad, on your experience with a remedy or question about a problem. We all enjoy learning from each other at Earth Clinic! Thanks.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Janine (Perth, Western Australia) on 01/23/2015
★★★★★
I'm not sure how I can contribute to this site. But obviously I can't send a message to you. There are so many people that dont believe this. I am not normally an alternate person but I have been trying this for 3 days only. I was due for a dental appointment but the plaque on my teeth is becoming lesses and lesser. I originally googled this for a throat mucous problem which I have had for 12 years and no doctors prescription has been able to fix. 3 days later my throat feels fabulous apart from being quite dried out which makes it hard to swallow but I just buy lozengers. I disagree with the dentists clean and scale treatment that we have here in oz as I think that it thins your teeth down. I am totally amazed by what coconut oil has done so far. I'm sorry to bother you but thank you.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 01/19/2015
To Hainer: You could be allergic to sesame seeds and hence, sesame oil. Switch to another oil like coconut and keep switching perhaps every two weeks, until you find the one that suits you.
Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 01/19/2015
You might also change your oils, see what won't make you gag. First time I tried it, couldn't go more than a minute without gagging on sesame oil. I switched to coconut and could at least go 5 minutes. Now, I can go 20+ minutes with sesame, coconut, and olive. So, don't get discouraged. If you need to, start with water and a couple of drops of oil -- reduce water and add more oil as you get adjusted to the oil in your mouth.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Hamm (Florida, US) on 01/14/2015
I think real exercise would do you well. Play sports and if you can't do that, just run. 21 is tooooo young for health problems.
Side Effects
Posted by Edith (Maryland) on 01/03/2015
Thank you for your advice! I did one thorough colon-liver cleanse 2 months before starting oil pulling. I'm aware how amazing cleanses are, unfortunately I find them very time and money consuming. I'm already using apple cider vinegar and all kinds of herbs that are good for the sinuses and are antifungal. I'm also using colloidal silver nose spray and xylitol-grapefruit seed extract-saline nose spray to treat my sinus infection. Taking cayenne pepper capsules helps with the fatigue. I've just checked out turpentine and borax, never knew they were so beneficial. I knew about iodine, I just somehow never got to try it. I will give these a try, thank you for the tip!
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (KY) on 01/03/2015 2048 posts
Edith: It is obvious you need to do some additional detox remedies and cleanses. For starters ---ACV, Iodine, Turpentine, Borax, and herbs like Garlic and Oregano.
Side Effects
Posted by Edith (Columbia, Maryland) on 01/03/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Has anybody tried oil pulling for hormonal issues? I've been dealing with hormonal problems and gigantic uterine fibroids for years. I have too much estrogen or too little progesteron. Probably candida problem as well. I've been oil pulling for two month. I missed a day or two here and there, but not much. Started with extra virgin/virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil, then extra virgin olive oil, now coconut oil again. It definitely helps with my hormonal issues, and my fibroids, which is why I don't want to stop, but ever since I've started oil pulling, I've been having some serious flu-like symptoms. On and off, mostly on. Mainly sinus problems (that seem to be candida related) and bad fatigue. I'm pretty sure this is healing crisis, but how much longer is this supposed to last? It just would be easier not to give up knowing how much longer to hold on.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Perla (St. George, Utah) on 12/13/2014
★★★★★
I've been oil pulling for just over one year. I've been alternating virgin, organic sesame oil and virgin, organic coconut oil for 20 minutes every morning. I'm happy to say that my seasonal allergies are gone, my health has been good and I've noticed white(r) teeth and better skin.
My favorite visible changes are the positive changes with my teeth. My teeth had yellow lines of Fluorosis since my kindergarten picture. (I'd also been given multiple metal fillings in my childhood. I've begun replacing them with porcelain as I can afford to safely remove them.) With OP, I've noticed a lot less yellow as well as the disappearance of vertical grooves on my teeth.
I'd also developed a couple of growths on my cheek about 10 years ago. After about 8 months of OP I noticed the growths were getting smaller. One of them is almost gone, the other remains but seems to be decreasing.
If teeth and mouth health is indicative of the health of our entire body, my health is improving. I recommend this process to anyone that is interested!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Meeya (Sunnyvale, Ca) on 12/07/2014
Fantastic! Did you start off doing the oil pulling 3 times per day, or did you gradually increase? Can you please share how long you oil pull each time? I've heard 20 minutes is needed for full effects. Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Borovinka (Ireland) on 12/05/2014
★★★★★
Hey everyone. I totally enjoyed all the input about Oil Pulling over the years by you folks. Thank you so much for making me try it. It's time for me to share my experience.
I only started 3 week ago (3 times a day with coconut and sesame oil alternated) and I am in awe.
So far it's mostly about my mouth. It killed any sign of bad breath which happened during the day after eating, drinking lots of coffee or tea, or after I got up first thing in the morning, you know the feeling :) My solution used to be a chewing gum :) Now, for some magic reason my breath stays fresh.
My mouth feels so so good now I can't even describe it. I don't buy chewing gums anymore :)
My teeth are so much whiter, I can't believe it but I can see it and not only me :)
I have two very old veneers that have brightened up, I suppose they too took the toll of my bad habits over the years but the OP has freshened them up tremendously. The strange thing is that when I had my veneers put in, I first had a laser whitening of the rest of my teeth and my veneers were matched in colour afterwards. Everything was very white at the time.
Over the years, my veneers became the "whitest" ones in my mouth, talking about 10 years after the laser whitening but if I have to be honest the darkening effect happened not longer than two years within the laser whitening.
Within the 2nd week of OP my teeth matched the veneers and I was pretty happy and astonished about it. Right now after 3 weeks of OP, my veneers are the darkest just by a shade on day light, even took pictures myself to keep it as proof. If I go on with OP I may have a problem :)
I'd really love to know scientifically how does OP whiten teeth because the results are undisputable.
Additionally my gums stopped bleeding when I brush. It did take two full weeks for that to happen though and I didn't have bad looking gums to start with prior except my bottom molars. I was actually still bleeding two weeks into OP when reading comments online and still not believing them because it still wasn't working for me at that time, and that was the reason I had started OP.
But guys, be patient and try it for as long as you can endure because I am blood free right now as far as my gums go :)
I would guess it would take longer for receding or damaged gums but mine were at a point of receding. I had a few brown notches at the bottom teeth and the gums of my molars looked like an old man's belly, bottom of my teeth exposed and I could dig into them with my brush and it was painful, the gums were so low and literally hanging at the sides rather than being attached to the teeth. They've crept up now and they've attached themselves back up which is pretty amazing and I feel no pain when brushing at them at all anymore. The brown parts near the gum line have disappeared too. I can't measure it by a gum probe as I never did ask at the dentist and he never bothered saying anything but I can see my gums literally growing up so it's a proof good enough for me. The only worry I have is if I have to dig into the gums now when I brush to clean those notches because they were like a tiny cut and may hold bacteria. I am going to have to see what happens but I have no fear because it used to be worse than that :) And I'll let you know one day :)
I want to mention that the sensitivity of my teeth increased tremendously at first with OP. I was pretty much scared for a few days that the oil is doing something bad for my teeth. I could feel it like you could feel alcohol on an opened wound. It felt like an extensive dental cleaning or when you have your teeth whitened professionally. However, after two weeks this absolutely stopped all of a sudden and I felt absolutely better than I could ever remember. I have 0 sensitivity now to anything at all, so don't let similar experience scare you. It's seems like a healing process.
And on top of all that, my nose is clear of any stiffness. My nose used to start running like water after the morning OP session, I had to spit the oil out midways and get another dose. I didn't have a sinus problem, at least I didn't think so, but I had a problem with liquid from my nose going down my throat when I went to bed which caused breathing problems while I sleep. The OP, whether because of the movement of the face muscles or something else causes a drainage almost like a water flow after OP. Right now I actually breath a lot better and I hadn't realised before OP how much my nose is a part of that.
So I totally, totally recommend OP to everyone that is not a sceptic, can incorporate it into their routine and cares at least about their mouth.
I've been calling my relatives and my friends and telling them to try it, sounding like I've got an Oil Pulling disease :). They may think I am crazy but whoever tries it will be thankful in the long run for one reason or another:)
And on a side note, because I am still a sceptic about detoxifying effects, I need to mention I got quite a few headaches at the start and I am not a headache person, hence I noticed. It could have been a coincidence but I want to mention it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by K Hagan (New Jersey, US) on 12/01/2014 1 posts
★★★★★
I read about oil pulling about six years ago. At that time, I oil pulled with sesame oil for a few weeks but stopped because I read somewhere that it messes up your tooth enamel. I had a post nasal drip. It cleared my nasal passage and I coughed up mucus. About four months ago, I started experiencing joint pain in my hips. I considered going to the doctors but decided to explore earth clinic once again. I have been oil pulling for the past two months with organic coconut oil. My nasal passage is clear, I coughed up mucus, (my mucus went from green to clear in color), fresher breath, whiter teeth, gums are not as sensitive, joint pain in my hips is 90% better and I less back pain too. I plan to continue oil pulling and try different oils. I am so thankful for this website. It has saved me and my children money and time spent at the doctors office.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Suchitra (New York, US) on 12/01/2014
★★★★★
Oil Pulling is best if made into an everyday morning routine just as brushing. Start it with little oil for less duration to get used to it .. then gradually increase the oil amount to a full table spoon and duration to every morning. You may even want to do more often in a day, let's say 3 X 7 minutes each if you can't do for the full 20 minutes .. as this will help your body to start working the toxins.
Dental Issues
Posted by Maria (Boulder, Co) on 11/30/2014
Hi, I was wondering if it is okay to do oil pulling with lots of golden fillings and a crown? No more amalgam fillings left though! Thanks!
Dental Issues
Posted by Timh (KY) on 11/20/2014 2048 posts
I have found that walking around or even sitting upright in a vertical position is not ideal for Oil Pulling. Recline your body 45 degrees and the pull is much more effective.
Dental Issues
Posted by Rama (India) on 11/19/2014
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I had done OP off and on from the time I heard about it, which was more than 20 years ago. Sometimes , due to certain reasons I might have stopped for a short while , and would have totally forgotten about this therapy.
Then few years back again I started it, and did it regularly 3 times a day, and that was the time got so many blisters in my mouth. I still continued with great difficulty , thinking it was okay, as it must be all the toxins coming out and they would go away, as Sesame oil is also good for treating ulcers anyway in India.
But then I could not even open my mouth it was so painful, that I had to visit a doctor and get medicines to get rid of the blisters. After that, I decided I will not try OP.
Now again I suddenly remembered it and as I am in my 50s with all the associated problems related to this age, I thought I would start again.
So I started with once a day early in the morning and slowly as the week progressed I have started doing it twice a day.
Till now I have had no problems and I really like doing it.I also have not noticed any positive changes in me, but that is okay, we have to give time to healing to see results. I am willing to wait. I feel I must have got too excited and had started doing 3 times previously, that is why too many toxins were released and caused the blister problem. This time I am more sensible, if I see some problem, I would reduce it to once a day, and see when I can re start it to twice a day, or even stop it for a while I have no doubt in my mind regarding its goodness. I have done it both with sesame oil as well as coconut oil. I don't like sun flower and olive oil. I would keep alternating between Coconut and sesame oil.
I will soon get back with my updates.
Detoxification
Posted by Gail (Defuniak Springs, FL, US) on 10/02/2014
I guess I have a yeast problem and heavy metals . I'm looking forward to feeling better I just hope it doesn't take a month . Thanks for the encouragement and I hope OP continues to help you too.
Detoxification
Posted by Bee (New York, NY, US) on 10/02/2014
★★★★★
Hi Gail ;; (U.S.)
I am oil pulling and the first few days I felt like I had the flu.... Its def. detox or die off symtpoms.. They are less now and I have been oil pulling for a month....A lot of plague came off my teeth... gums are better and teeth are whiter. I use organic safflower oil.
Detoxification
Posted by Gail (US) on 10/02/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with coconut oil 5 days ago . After my first pulling, I was nauseated, but my teeth were whiter and less sensitive . The next morning I awoke with a dull headache that lasted for 3 days , and I was nauseated again after my second op with co . The 3rd day I broke out with blisters around my mouth and I felt very hot but not like a hot flash kind of hot also the third night after I did the op I was getting ready for bed and I started feeling very stressed and depressed . The next morning when I woke up I felt okay . I then read on this site that it could of been because I was detoxing copper from my brain which made me feel relieved . Also on the 3rd day my jaws started hurting and on the 5th day I notice my tongue has turned white not coated white but actually my tongue is white . My jaws still hurt . Will continue although I think I will try sunflower and olive oil I will still use co too . Like this site so very informative . It's nice to hear from people who have some of the problems I do .
Teeth and Gum Health
Posted by Bee (New York, US) on 09/14/2014
★★★★★
Hi Yuko... oil pulling
I have been oil pulling for almost a month now and have seen a significant difference in my teeth and gums... I can actually see the plague that came off of my teeth..My gums look better and I do believe toxins are coming out of my body as some days I have flu like symptoms and a rash... I love it because yes again I can see the plague off of my teeth.....and they are whiter..
I am using organic safflower oil
Insights and Theories
Posted by David (California, US) on 08/22/2014
★★★★★
Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees (F), so the solidified oil quickly liquifies inside mouth.
Side Effects
Posted by Holly (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/16/2014
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for almost 5 days now. On the evening of the second day I started a dense headache that has increased slowly and has now turned into a full blown migraine by the 5th day!! All week I did not take any OTC pain pills but I had to take something for the agonizing migraine. My question is, is this normal? My detox is horrific! I hear and read all these stories of how great people feel, I feel I've been hit by a bus! I want to continue OP, I'm am seeing positive results with skin and teeth but this detox is killing me. Do you have any words of wisdom?
Dental Issues
Posted by Nora (Kentucky, Usa) on 08/10/2014
★★★★★
I tried organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling which I had never heard about until now and I love it! It actually solved my oral issues when not even commercial mouth wash would, including my toothpaste! Unbelievable, if I hadn't tried it I would not have believed it, but I told myself, (what can I lose, so , I tried it and after about a month to a month and a half, great results, my mouth has totally healed! ) . I even read the website "wellness mama" and the other health benefits of extra virgin organic coconut oil and wow, even changed my toothpaste from flouride to the same mixture on this lady's website to try it out and it works! I am also looking into anti-inflammatory foods and detox foods to aid in better over-all health and flush out the toxins for myself and my family. I've always tried to watch what I eat and eat healthy, but there's always room for improvement. I do what I can, though, given a very tough economy still right now, so this coconut oil pulling is really helping and I think I'll stick with it.
