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 Mike (Wilmette, Usa) on 01/08/2012
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've tried oil pulling for a few months with some short breaks. I'm using cold processed sesame oil. I've noticed a lot of benefits (reduced psoriasis, more energy--great substitute for morning coffee) but one side effect. My teeth seem to get more sensitive to cold and hot. Very noticably so. Anyone else have this problem? Would switching oil types help? By the way, I switched from Whole Foods brand to Spectrum and noticed a big change in freshness and taste.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rosemary (White Rock, B.c., Canada) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
I am a 55 y.o. female, blood type B-, and have only done oil pulling with sesame oil for about 2 weeks now and I am very pleased with the results. My teeth are cleaner, my skin looks youthful and my pores are smaller in the t- zone and am no longer struggling diverticulitis. I am also sleeping somewhat better. I experienced a small rash on my tongue from days 3 to 8 but it disappearred overnight. I love the information this site provides!
Coated Tongue
Posted by Miss. Burch (Brooklyn, N.y.) on 09/24/2011
★★★★★
I did the oil pulling with the sesame seed oil because I had a white coating on my tongue for years I could not get rid of and it worked wonders! I could tell a difference the same day I begin using it. I'm now on my third day and my tongue is nearly completely pink. I Love it! After I eat something, I check my tongue to see if the white coating has return and it have not. In the mornings, when I check it, it's still pretty in pinkish color! Again, I love this home remedy! So, thanks to whomever discovered this!!!
Safflower Oil
Posted by Hopeso (England) on 07/02/2011
★★★★★
Hi - Tried oil pulling a while ago but didn't have much wrong with me so only found the benefit of whiter teeth. A couple of years ago I went to my dentist about a bad taste in my mouth - he said he couldn't see anything wrong but gargle with mouth wash. I did try this but it didn't really work. Since then my tooth is very sensitive to cold and hot things and I have been restricted to eating on one side of mouth. Its been like this for well over a year and I have been thinking I must go to the dentist (but didn't really want to).
Anyhow bought some Safflower oil the other day and started to oil pull in the mornings. I have only done this for 3 days and I can now eat on both sides and don't have a problem with hot or cold. I normally don't believe people when they say "Oh yes it was amazing" but here I go "Yes it was amazing, and I'm telling the truth". I'm so happy I don't have to go to the dentist. I think I'm always going to oil pull now. NB A few of my friends have been put off oil pulling because of the 20 mins - but if you keep busy instead of waiting for the 20 mins to be up you find it actually flies by. Hope this helps someone. Jules
Eye Bags
Posted by Annie (Las Vegas, Nv) on 04/20/2011
★★★★★
continuing with the oil-pulling may indeed reduce the bags under eyes. I have been pulling 3-5 times per week for about 9 months and one of the most noticeable benefits has been reduced under-eye puffiness. I mostly use coconut and olive oil and both seem to produce the same results. its such a bonus! I dont even use makeup to mask this area anymore : ))
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Roanoke, Va,usa) on 11/06/2010
★★★★★
I started oil pulling 3 days ago. Using Sesame oil. Miracle of all miracles... My tongue had a thick white coating before op, now it is healthy and red. I had pain in my left tooth that the dentist said there was nothing wrong. I had trouble chewing on my left side for 2 years. Yesterday I was able to chew and the pain was 90% gone. I wake up feeling refreshed and am sleeping well. I have had insomnia and was waking up feeling awful and tired and grumpy... So I think op does work and everyone should try it.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by 818poochie (Grand Rapids, Mi) on 11/21/2010
★★★★★
This afternoon I oil pulled for the first time with about 1 tsp of EVCO and had an experience that I did not expect including a lot of mucus. This evening I read your post. You said that any water, oil or other liquid held in your mouth for twenty minutes would result in a mouth full of mucus. Because I do not like to be "fooled" about things I decided to test this before spending a lot of time oil pulling and fooling myself into thinking that the oil pulling was doing something special. My personal result is that after twenty minutes with a mouth full of water, all I ended up with was a mouth full of water and saliva. No other reaction even close to oil pulling with EVCO.
Dental Issues
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/13/2010
Hi Carly - I have several amalgam fillings, several porcelain fillings, two root canals and my husband has crowns but neither of us have experienced any problems at all with oil pulling. I've been oil pulling for over a year now, usually with sesame oil but I've also used coconut and olive oils.
Totally off the subject, but another thing I do for oral health is massage my gums (thumb on one side of the gum, forefinger on the other) - massage with light circular motion. It strengthens and brings circulation to the gums. I do it in the shower, because it can get a bit "drooly" - hope this helps! Cheers.
Dental Issues
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/14/2010
Hi Dee, no, as I used to be a photographer and travel writer I had my fillings changed to modern ones a few years ago as the dentist was afraid that I would get problems due to my many flights.
By the way, I want to thank all the advice I got here after losing my tooth. I have chose to do an implant but I will do it in a very good clinic in Switzerland since we found out that I lost my tooth (which had had a root canal and the filling replaced a lot of times) only because the dentist here in France didn't care to cap the tooth. We don't know why he didn't do it yet but we have written him a letter. All the dental treatments cost a lot of money, so did pulling the tooth and now the implant is going to be awfully expensive, all for no reason! Be careful and if you don't trust some treatment get a second opinion, it may be worth the money!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Iris (Los Angeles, Ca, U.s.) on 08/20/2010
★★★★★
I have been using coconut for oil pullin for 2 days. Today is 8/20/2010.
I was looking for a way to avoid root canals. I had pain in my teeth on both sides of my mouth and just did not want any more root canals. I read in a book written by a dentist that root canals allow bacteria to set up as soon as 24 hours after they are done. And that the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause pain and disease that the medical doctor won't make the connection that the problem is stemming from a root canal whether it was done years ago or just recently. I am happy I found this site. My goodness how can swossing oil around your mouth have such power and allow you to reap such benefits? Here are some of mine:
The first night I found out about oil pulling I just used a cotton swab to massage my gums and teeth with olive oil. The next morning my gums were so sore. I wonder if the oil stirred up the bacteria in my gums. I started oil pulling that morning with coconut oil as I read it killed bacteria. Over a period of some time, my teeth had become yellow, I do not know why as they used to be white, white, white. I oil pulled for 20 minutes. Immediatly I saw that my teeth lightened up tremendously. I was elated. I had used tooth bleach but the procedure would have to be repeated). Mucous began to released as I was doing the oil pulling and continued afterward for probably over an hour (I didn't time it). My teeth are so smooth now (and whiter), only after 2 days of this. When I drink water now, I feel so hydrated and the water taste good just hitting my mouth. This is something I had never even thought of. I didn't know what I was missing until now. The pain in my teeth has lessened. I can still feel a little bit. But it is leaving.
I had pain, first in my right hip, then got tremendous pain in my left hip. Now both areas are almost pain free. Also, I had pain in my neck and shoulders, it is gone. I am feeling twinges of pain I believe in my lung area. I used to wake up practically craving junk food and would have to force myself to eat the healthy organic foods that I always buy. The cravings seem to be gone for the time being. Now I feel stable and want the healthy organic vegetables with no problem. I woke up this morning with a lot of energy and couldn't wait to get out for my morning job. I had gotten to the place where I felt exercise was something I "had to do". Now I am back to the pleasure of taking care of my body. And not only that, my joy of doing things and new ideas are returning. The feeling I have now is: What can I do today. I love this. The relief of these symptoms tells me that bacteria can cast a dreary veil over your life. I am thankful for the founders of this site. Oh, one other thing. My doctor said, I have high sugar but not high enough to be on medication. Sugar is an environment where bacteria can flourish. I believe the cocunut oil pulling has killed a lot of bacteria in internal environment.
Dental Issues
Posted by Christel (Nolanville, Tx, United States) on 03/31/2010
★★★★★
Some months ago I had this terrible tootache (not the first time-always the same one) and tried several things, all of which where short lived relief. I searched the web and came upon this strange thing called oil pulling. Curiosity made me read up on it and since I had no sunflower oil (as mostly recommended) I decided to give it a try with extra virgin olive oil (which I keep at all times). It was almost like a miracle. The throbbing subsided almost immediately and after 3 days it was all gone, including the swelling. Since then I have not had any problems with this particular tooth, I just try to keep the area very clean, and since I have learned a thing or two about toothpastes I now brush my teeth with bentonite clay. I really wish I had known a lot of things a few years ago, I might have been able to safe the rest of my teeth (I wear a full denture on top), but now I want to at least keep what I have left on the bottom, and so far it's working.
Eczema
Posted by Jane (Cork, Ireland) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I read all the feedback and at my wits end decided to try Oil Pulling
I have suffered from excema for 10 years - quite bad to look at. Have Not itchy but goes quite red after spicy food/vinegar.
Tried Olive Oil first and found that I broke out in loads of spots. I have great skin on my face and the excema is only on my body. I never get spots on my face and the first day after oil pulling i broke out. I take a very tiny amount in my mouth and need to pull for about half an hour before it turns white. One of the things i have noticed since i have been doing it for a while, its quite easy to just leave it sit in your mouth. I think you have to swirl it round continously. I do it for 20 mins and get some results but a good half hour for me and i see such a reduction in my excema. Its not completely clear but when i think of the amount of money on steroids! Oil pulling is by far the most effective. I have done it over the 4 month, one month without and the oil pulling is definelty helping.
I also tried coconut oil and that excaberated my excema - flared up immediately.
Tried evening primrose oil - made my excema worse.
Have tried avocado oil as well but think olive oil is better. Hadn't done the oil pulling for a week and had drank soda drinks over the week end - pulled for 5 minutes and the oil had turned white.
So think oil pulling is improving my excema
Have bought some apple cider vinegar but don't know if i should drink it with the baking soda.
Have also tried the baking soda paste on excema and it worked a bit but burned and hurt a lot
Detoxification
Posted by Sydy (Staten Island, New York) on 07/14/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been doing the OP for a week today now with cold pressed olive oil --I noticed from day one so much flem coming from my throat as the days went on I now have lots of flem -a migraine which I always get and want to get rid of due to hormonal changes and a nausous stomach-- my tongue is coated with thick white stuff and my v----- smells exactly the same as my underarms like a metal weird smell--I know I am detoxing right now through my pores and all areas of my body= also my glands in my throat are swollen and my neck seems stiff--I have detoxed other ways before and have delt with the same symptoms--wow I say this is so cool --with me symptoms I have seem to get worse as the healing process takes action---people who do it for a couple of weeks and give up should just change oil and keep going--natural health take a longer time for healing to happen but when it does happen it is permanant unless you go back to the lifestyle that cause you feel crappy to begin with..good luck to all who cherish their bodies enough to heal----sydy
Bronchitis
Posted by myra (westfield, new jersey) on 06/25/2009
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with flaxseed oil yesterday as that was the most organic, freshest oil I had in the house. I used 1 T and did it twice yesterday. I really wasn't expecting any immediate results, but amazingly the bronchitis I have had for over 3 weeks (after a bout of flu) is starting to break up. I am experiencing looser phlegm and less wheezing and the heavy feeling in my chest is gone. I cannot wait to see what further results will bring. Today will probably switch to safflower or coconut as they have had such great reviews here.
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.
Gum Disease
Posted by Ari (Roswell, GA) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★
I'm so so excited. I posted a few months ago and want to provide an update. I had a sever case of gum disease. NO MORE! I started oil pulling a few months ago, daily. I use Sunflower oil and Coconut oil.
I went to the dentist today and I was told my pockets are normal, except for a few and my gums look great! He told me I didn't need deep scaling and a simple cleaning was all I needed! I'm over joyed.
I also use coconut oil in my hair, it looks great. I use it all over my body and I simply feel terrific. I have told tons of people about this site and will continue to do so.
Lots of Love, Ari
Insomnia
Posted by Vince (Enid, Oklahoma) on 04/12/2009
★★★★★
I have tried caster oil while oil pulling. It makes me very sleepy. After I pull.
Insomnia
Posted by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/11/2012
★★★★★
Hi pibbles I use VCO in the mornings for OPing and in the evening before bed I use Castor Oil and like Vince it makes me sleepy.... other benefits I noticed is that it usually helps my teeth if they have been aching and it's so darn thick that when I'm finished my jaw is usually to tired to 'grind' in my sleep which I have had a problem with on and off at nights, that leaves my jaw sore, and with a bad headache but with CO haha, no more.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Liz (Fairfield, CT) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
It's day two of my oil pulling. The first shot, I felt my sinuses start to drain down my throat while doing it! This after a 10 day round of antibiotics that did not work!I was just AMAZED! As a bonus: my teeth felt like glass...as if I had just had a professional cleaning! I'm waiting for the fountain of youth thing to kick in. It was also not as unpleasant as I had imagined. I did it on my commute, then spit in the parking lot! That will give 'em something to speculate about at the water cooler! Tee-Hee!
