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.
Side Effects
Posted by Liz From Atlanta, Usa (Atlanta, Georgia, Usa) on 05/10/2014
I have a question about oil pulling. The benefits sound great and I really want to do this, but I can only hold a teaspoon of oil in my mouth for 1-2 minutes and then I start gagging and retching. I'm so glad I followed the advice to do this on an empty stomach! For the first week I used olive oil because that is what I had in the house, but then I bought some organic unrefined sesame oil and still I gag and retch. I've now tried 12 times and can't get beyond 2 minutes. I busy myself with with getting ready for the day to take my mind off the swishing, but that has not helped. So my question is, how can I overcome gagging and retching? Please advise.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/10/2014
Liz, don't try too hard: 1. Two minutes is also useful! 2. You can also do it with plain ol' water!
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Alexa (New York) on 02/02/2014
Is oil pulling safe during pregnancy?
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 02/04/2014 2048 posts
Alexa: To improve the body's detoxification and ensure the health of the baby, substantially increase cruciferous vegetables in the diet (in the least); in the most take extracted supplements of DIM, I3C, Sulforaphane.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Yve (Taunton, Ma) on 01/30/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've been oil pulling over a year. Using varies organic extra virgin oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, evoo, 20 minutes in the morning everyday. The result is great! No more bad breath, aches and pains. sleep better (used to be a light sleeper). No more cracked heels. Overall health improvement except my hair. I have very fine, thin hair and short, and used to be able to shampoo when needed, about twice a week. But after two months of oil pulling, I noticed my hair gets stringing and oily next day after wash, it wasn't dirty, smelly or itchy. it looks awful. my scalp is normal. I've tried all the remedies online recommended. that includes baking soda, acv, and dish detergent, nothing works. it only makes the scalp and hair dry because of the stuffs I used. I use rinse just to help smooth the hair for easy combing, not on the scalp. Does this happen to anyone? Any suggestion?
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Krysten (Usa) on 10/25/2013
Hi, so I would assume oil pulling would not be a good idea to do while breastfeeding in case toxins and other gunk might start leeching their way out through my breast milk?
And another question, is there any way you can overly cleanse yourself through oil pulling and rid your body of the good bacteria inside? especially when some. Of the people on the forums of oil pulling are talking about cleansing your body out with apple cider vinegar first for about 2 weeks before starting oil pulling to have a lesser chance of having a herxheimer reaction. Soo idk how and when to jump into oil pulling.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 10/28/2013
Dear Krysten,
You asked about oil pulling and detoxing while breastfeeding. Is there something specific you wish to detox from, or just general detox? How old is your baby? With a young breastfeeding baby, I would be more cautious about detoxing. No matter what the age of your baby, you will want to take detoxing slowly and gently.
I think some gentle detoxing is okay with an older baby. Your body is detoxing in sense all the time. Your blood, kidneys, and liver are all working to keep your body clean. Drinking water is a form of detoxing and we do that daily.
I would say that no matter what you try, if you start having a strong reaction to stop or slow way down. Better yet, just take it slowly. If you start with Apple Cider Vinegar, take 1 teaspoon in 6 oz. of water for a few weeks. Gradually work up to 1 Tablespoon in 8 oz. of water each day. At some point, if you add oil pulling, try it with 1/2 Tablesppon of oil for 5 minute a day. Maybe move up to 1 T. for 10 minutes a day.
I have used Apple Cider Vinegar all through pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have done oil pulling while nursing a toddler. I have never noticed any reaction in my children. At the same time, I have never done any detoxing during pregnancy or breastfeeding that have ever caused me to have strong (herx type) symptoms.
Hope that helps!
~Mama to Many~
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Rhonda (Paducah) on 03/11/2014
I did oil pulling for 20 minutes for my first time today. Was this too long and should I notice any side effects?
Loose Teeth
Posted by Elsa Easterly (Elsewhere) on 09/13/2013
Billie,
Great to hear of your success! I am interested in what you were taking for menstrual issues. Could you please be specific about the amounts of chasteberry (and any other herbs), serrapeptase, and ACV that you used? Thank you very much. Elsa
Side Effects
Posted by Baaarb (Sumter, Sc) on 07/20/2013
My daughter and I started oil pulling about a week and a half ago. I have various health issues. Interstitial cystitis (aka painful bladder), heart disease, high BP and high cholesterol, allergies and arthritis, migraines. We use coconut oil to pull and I was hoping to feel better... Instead I have been really sick with the worst migraine ever and we both have this itchy rash. My daughter said she is stopping the oil pulling and I am wondering if I should do the same? My sinus did seem better, but now I have even more medicine to take (benedryl) because of the itching. Can you tell me what to do?
Oil Pulling and Tooth Pain
Posted by Aq (Oakland, Ca) on 04/25/2013
Hello, I am an extremely healthy 39 year old (I'm an acupuncturist and herbalist) with terrible gum recession (but no redness, swelling, or inflammation, and perfect hygiene). I had braces as a teenager, and my recession started shortly after. A month ago, I found out I had two deep pockets (one 7mm and one 8mm) and the periodontist scheduled me for surgery on May 24th. I'm trying to close the pockets and reverse the recession in order to avoid surgery and heal my gums. So, I started oil pulling (just under one month ago). 20 minutes twice per day. I also started brushing and flossing after each meal, instead of flossing only once per day and brushing 2-3 times per day.
After week 1, I started having some tooth pain, deep in the roots. After week 2, that pain got more severe. By week 3, I started feeling very upset... That something is wrong... I should not have 24/7 tooth pain for two weeks! I had never had that kind of tooth pain before. So I stopped oil pulling and went back to flossing only once per day and brushing twice per day (I am using Ecodent natural tooth powder), thinking maybe I was over-treating.
The pain is unrelentless. Although I have not oil pulled for 3 days, my teeth still hurt (the upper and lower front teeth). They have hurt pretty much constantly for two and a half weeks. Also, it seems like my recession is worse. This has me extremely upset, and depressed for the first time in my life.
Can you help explain what is happening? It feels that oil pulling has made my condition worse and caused unrelentless pain that I never had before.
By the way, I have one amalgam filling in a molar towards the back and one non-amalgam filling in a molar on the other side (I have had two cavities in my lifetime).
Thanks in advance for your insights.
Oil Pulling and Tooth Pain
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/25/2013
Dear Aq from Oakland, I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I have treated gum swelling and pain from wisdom tooth movement successfully with pure peppermint oil or pure clove oil on numerous occasions. I apply with Q-tip to all my gum lines and especially to the affected area.
However, I don't have a pocket, amalgam fillings or do regular oil pulling so I cannot speak directly to those concerns. All I know is the pure essential oil application takes away my pain within 15-20 mins. Also if you have an infection I believe both of these oils are good anti microbials. I brush with baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide and my gums seem much happier for it. I see new enamel growing since switch away from regular toothpaste.
I hope this helps and you feel well again soon!
Oil Pulling and Tooth Pain
Posted by Kajned (Takoma Park, Md) on 04/25/2013
I don't think new enamel grows back..... You've got what you've got.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Grannyof4 (Hobbs, Nm) on 05/13/2013
Hi Tbs from London! Your writing indicates that you are very cautious about what you use and what you ingest, so I'm positive you're using Organic Sesame oil. Have you tried other oils? Is it possible you're allergic to the sesame oil?
I've only just begun my OP-ing (my first 'swish' today! ) so I am by no means an expert on this topic, "I'm just it out there."
I hope you're doing better!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
Hey All! Been awhile. Here's a suggestion! As far as getting rid of the oil, make a point of keeping the plastic bags from the grocery store to spit the residue into after oil pulling. I knot the bag closed and toss into a trash container. This keeps the oil out of the pipes and the bagged oil avoids smelling up your container as it would if spat directly into it.
As far as oil-pulling goes, it is fantastic. I had stopped for a while and restarted. I must say, what a differance only 5 days has made! The grayish palor and lines on my face, forehead, and under-eyes are disappearing again. My face and body feel smoother and look less tired. Also, my bones don't crick when I roll out of bed each moring. My tongue is turning a beautiful shade of pink. Also, the oil-pulling's natural jaw exercise is refining and prominating my Indian cheekbones. The oil-pulling soothes my tummy and I'm also happier, calmer, and sleeping well after 2 months of insomnia. At the same time as oil pulling, I've up my water intake and I believe that is helping a lot, as well. As water drinking is hard for me for some reason, I went and purchased an extra large, tall beer mug from Walmt which I fill to the brim with filtered water and 1 TBLsp of ACV. I drink this 3 times a day, sipping with a straw. The jug is so large, that I barely taste the ACV. But, it is doing wonders for regulating my bowels and moistening my skin which usually stays on the dry side (DUH!).
Side Effects
Posted by Farra (Duncan, Oklahoma, Usa) on 12/27/2012
I tried OP for the first time yesterday with pure virgin olive oil. Healthy with no known disease just wanted to try it. I was only able to do it for 5 mins. My partner said my breath was terrible the rest of the day, into the night. She even claims that when we woke up the whole room smelled a little "rotten". This morning I did more research and tried again, 20 mins. I rinsed with salt water after and brushed (I did neither the day before). I read through so many post and seems no one experienced bad breath AFTER, is this strange? I could only think it must be doing something if a tiny bit of olive oil is making that big of difference. Any thoughts or suggestions, should I discontinue use?
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 12/28/2012 2048 posts
I too get bad breath from O.P. It must represent the condition of some type infection or toxin in the body. I use mouthwash before and after O.P. , and also take 1 grm Vit-C before and 3 grms MSM after O.P. I also swish H2O2 occasionally to reduce the yellowing of the teeth.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/28/2012
Farra, there are 2 things you can do: 1. continue just as till now and within a week, it should clear us IF the oil is "doing something". 2. Switch to a different oil and see if you get other results.
Side Effects
Posted by Cameron (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 12/29/2012
Do not brush your teeth after Oil Pulling!!!!!! If you just use the Oil and then rinse your mouth after you will not have bad breath, if you really need to brush do so before Oil Pulling. Try using Sesame as it is the most highly recommended and best tasting(to me) my breath is great the following morning after OP the night before and no plaque or yuck taste first thing.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Robertapate (Port Orchard Washington) on 01/08/2014
You may want to look into taking Iodine . I take Iodoral. It immediately took care of ALL breast tenderness, soreness, fibers, cysts, everything. It was so bad before that I could hardly stand under the shower. Amazing product and another sad "Natural" healer that has gone from our diets. Check it out. Dr. Abrahams
http://www.westonaprice.org/metabolic-disorders/the-great-iodine-debate Hope this enlightens you on breast tenderness and health. =)
Side Effects
Posted by Oilpuller (Toronto, On,canada) on 12/03/2012
I have done oil pulling in the past, but never was a regular oil puller... I have been in good health, with no major complaints and had excellent immune system.
Since beginning of this year... Life has kind of been on roller coaster ride, fractured bone, death of family member, a miscarriage... Kind of have taken over my health and to add to that, something I kept ignoring until last week, white discharge from gums from couple of places... I was hoping it will go away on own.. but it persisted.
After visit to dentist... He said, most likely one of the lower front tooth will have to come out and I did not like hearing that, Came home and started oil pulling with coconut oil with few drops of oil of oregano... Feel my gums are bit better but the infection is still there, going to dentist tomorrow for cleaning (after 3 long years) and hope he will see some improvement.. plan to pull after the cleaning.
The biggest concern now is... I woke up today and felt like I was hit by a bus... Extreme fatigue.. Forced myself to work... Not able to concentrate... Want to sleep. With a toddler at home, hard to get any rest until its time to hit the bed... I had flu last week... And the cough and cold are still there. Should I switch the oils or continue and hope things will improve...
I want to know if someone had similar symptoms which subsided and got benefits...
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 12/04/2012 2048 posts
Oilpuller: I Oil Pull for whole body detox, which requires some additional cleaning as a result. I use otc mouthwash before and Hydrogen Peroxide after O. P. Also I experience symptoms of Esophagitis that causes extreme fatigue; treatment for this is burst Vit-A or Vit-E softgel in mouth and slowly swallow fallowed by Zinc Lozenge.
It appears you need any level of detox, but to stay specific, I personally do a Baking Soda/Sea Salt buffer, wait 15 min. take one grm Vit-C, Oil Pull, H2O2 wash, take 2 grm MSM.
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/detoxification.html
Dental Issues
Posted by Effleurage1 (Aurora, Co, Arapahoe) on 11/17/2012
★★★★★
Hi! LOVE this site! Just wanted to share that I have been oil pulling, sunflower oil, for a week now to help with my dental pain and it has REALY helped me. Im so greatfull! Thanks again for this great site - Aurora Co
Dental Issues
Posted by Victoria (San Diego, Ca) on 09/12/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello. I started oil pulling one week ago, mainly due to a massive toothache I had. I've had work done in the area, but with no insurance, a trip to the dentist was definitely not happening. So I looked for everything. I'm happy to say that I no longer have the sharp pain in that side of the mouth. But the area, my jaw, and my mouth in general still feels sore, almost like when I got my wisdom teeth pulled. I've also been experiencing general fatigue and body aches that I assumed were just detox symptoms. But aren't they supposed to last just for a few days? I feel like I've been sick for a week.
Another curious thing is anytime my head is upside down (I practice yoga), I feel pressure at the top of my nose and smell a strong scent that reminds me of tooth decay. I know this is disgusting, but it seriously reminds me of when I got my last root canal... The smell when the endodontist was removing the decay. What can be causing this? I do, unfortunately, have a mouth full of amalgam fillings. I've read about the concerns about pulling with these, but I've also read the arguments. Like wouldn't you want to draw out the mercury if you're able to spit it out? And if your fillings do fall out, oil pulled the decay from under it, and it's time to get them refilled anyhow. I don't know how true any of this is. I've read everything online, but there definitely isn't much on the topic. I pull for 20 minutes in the morning every day and some days in the afternoon a second time. I started with coconut oil since that's what we had but have bought sesame oil to use instead now. Should I continue pulling? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Kerri (Florida) on 07/31/2013
There is no cure for tinnitus. Cut salt, caffeine, smoking, alcohol and the #1 cause is stress. There is a hearing aid that I have been fitting on tinnitus patients that is helping to cut if not eliminate the ringing in the ears.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Tammee (Somewhere, Oregon) on 07/31/2013
I too suffer from tinnitus and have found that coffee, alcohol, asperin, gluten and sugar all cause it to temporarily get louder. I now drink yerba matte (yes it has caffein but does not affect me like coffee and does not bother my intersticial cystitis). I read the other day that diatomaceous earth (food grade) can significantly reduce the noise. Will try on payday and let you all know if it works.
Side Effects
Posted by Stella (New York) on 08/07/2012
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with organic VCO. I followed the procedure and even did the 5 minutes ted recommended instead of 20. My skin looked great and my gums started to improve but about a week after, I noticed that my teeth were sensitive. It was as if my fillings were loosening. I had to chew slowing and avoid sugar, even xyitol. After I stopped pulling, most of the sensitivity went away. Has anyone else experienced this? I'd like to continue but not if my fillings are going to loosen.
Root Canals, Crowns and OP
Posted by Donna (St. Clements, Manitoba, Canada) on 05/26/2012
Hi Ted: I'm curious what your opinion is on my situation. I started oil pulling a week ago, and have not noticed any significant changes. I have 7 root canals and 14 crowns. I suffer from osteoarthritis of the knees and shoulders mostly, but also fatigue and depression. I eat gluten free, sugar free and very low starch, mostly organic; no packaged food, pop or even juice. Just quinoa, flax and chia seed, organic vegetables, and some local fish, and free range chicken with an apple here and there. I am wondering if the op is going to remove the bacteria at the base of the root canals, and as I have read recently, could be the cause of my arthritis. I'm thinking of having all the root canals pulled, but I can't afford all the bridge work to replace them. Any advice from you would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time, Donna
Root Canals, Crowns and OP
Posted by Marilyn (Victoria, Bc) on 09/07/2012
★★★★★
Side Effects
Posted by Betsy (Northampton, Northants, England) on 05/23/2012
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am on my fourth day of OP with Coconut oil and since day 3 I have had a really dry mouth. This is not something I have ever suffered from before. I am drinking about 4 litres of water a day. I am ok when I eat something but about an hour later I am really dry again. Has anyone else suffered from this because I have read a lot of posts and not come across this side effect. I have also come out with a very spotty face which I am hoping is just my body detoxing. On the plus side I have much less hunger and don't crave any sweet food at all, most unlike me.
Side Effects
Posted by Mgws (Dover, New Hampshire, Usa) on 05/23/2012
I tried it for awhile and found the same dry mouth thing and took it for a "yes, I should be drinking more water" phenomenon. I stopped OP because it was inconvenient--shame on me? I only personally knew of one person doing it and I suppose I needed more encouragement/confirmation.
Side Effects
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 05/24/2012
Hi Betsy, you are drinking too much water and washing away your minerals eg: potassium and magnesium. If you cut back your water intake your thirst will eventually go away but you have to persevere. The recommended amount of water is 2 litres a day. 4 is far too much. I take in less than 2 litres in the winter. You may need to supplement with magnesium tablets to stop your thirst faster. Potassium is in many foods, you can look up potassium rich foods on the net. Hope this helps. Lily.
Side Effects
Posted by Tony (Church Hill, Tn, Usa) on 05/24/2012
This is a reply to Lily from Australia. Where did you get that 4 litres of water is too much intake? I'm not a health professional at all but when you detox the body you're supposed to drink as much water as possible. Just look up other responses about detoxifying the body on here. Bill & Ted both will say in wouldn't hurt to drink a gallon of water a day. Of course, that would be purified water only. We need to rid the body of these toxins so flushing them out with plenty of water is the way to go. Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Betsy (Northampton, Northants, England) on 05/29/2012
★★★★★
Just wanted to update you. My dry mouth has stopped without me making any changes, so it must just have been my body getting used to the oil pulling. I maybe should have mentioned I exercise a lot with respect to the amount of water I drink, twice a day most days so I need to keep hydrated. I also take multivitamins because of the goodness I lose in my sweat as recommended by a fitness trainer.
My spots on my face seem to be going and my skin is looking nice. I still have a decreased appetite and don't crave sugar at all.
Sensitive Gums
Posted by Patsy (Stockton-on-tees, Uk) on 05/21/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Rice Bran oil for about 4 weeks now. I have seen no other comments about the use of this oil so would like confirmation that it is ok to use (all I had in the store cupboard when I began). It seems to have cured my gum problem - I can safely rinse my mouth with cold water without pain - something impossible to do before. There doesn't seem to be any other improvements so far, however I think I have a cleaner tongue. How long does one keep going with this?
