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.

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157 User Reviews
5 star (151) 
  96%
4 star (5) 
  3%
1 star (1) 
  1%

Posted by L (San Antonio, Tx) on 08/30/2010
★★★★★

This is my 4th day of oil pulling 2x a day. After the 3rd day my bad breath was gone. Ive been suffering with this for 2 years despite flossing, brushing and using mouthwash regularly. I had hemorrhoids and the itch and yellow discharge is almost completely gone. I felt the clearing of sinuses and I've noticed a distinct diminishing of the taste for cigarettes. If this were all there was to gain it would be fine. But I'm looking forward to seeing benefits from oil pulling in my neck and low back spine injury as well... Yea!


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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.

Replied by Reefkeeper
(As, Ore, usa)
03/21/2012

I am not sure what this is about there seems to be no empirical proof of this, so like the nurse that I am, I saved the rements, took it to my favorite lab tech, they checked it and found a few normal oral flora and epithelas, so what are these toxins other than in people's mind. Mine and a few friends did not even have electrolyte changes???

Replied by Jan
(Harper Woods, Mi)
03/28/2012

Your reply is a bit confusing, maybe explain what your lab results were.

I too have tried oil pulling in the past, I used Sunflower oil since it had a very mild flavor and it seemed less strong in taste then the sesame seed oil did. I didn't stay with it long enough to experience results. But after reading through many of these posts I have decided to give it another try. I chose to use Coconut oil this time, since the taste is milder. I'm on day 2 now, and will commit to doing it twice a day for 20 minutes. I have gum issues with my teeth and have a continous bad taste in my mouth, so I'm hoping the oil pulling will resolve this.


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Posted by Nicole (New Jersey) on 06/25/2010
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

This really works - sunflower and sesame oils tried!

I found this site just a week ago after coming home from the dentist extremely frustrated (on top of having a 1/2 numb face for the next two hours). Over the last few months I've been drawn to natural cures actually for my spouse, not myself, to help cure her polymyositis and fibromyalgia (off topic, but magnet therapy is helping). Anyway, after that trip to the dentist I said, "there HAS to be a better way!" Briefly, I'll state my history as having struggled with gum disease for at least the last ten years. It has gotten much worse in the last year. Unfortunately, I had an accident last fall that further irritated two of my teeth that were already slightly loose. When I went to the dentist last Thursday to see what could be done I was really upset that 1) my insurance wouldn't cover a deep cleaning because I'd had one within the last three years 2) I needed to get that cleaning (I agreed) to help keep my teeth clean and 3) that it would cost me ~$500 for just ONE side of my mouth ~ and the total would have been ~$1,600 out of pocket (includes injecting antibiotics directly into eight teeth/gum areas at ~$40/tooth)! Because I thought I *needed it,* I bit the bullet and got one side done but when I got home I was determined to find another way. It was too much discomfort and I didn't want to pay for it if I didn't have to. That's when I stumbled upon oil pulling. I thought it sounded absolutely too good to be true but with all of the testimonials and the fact that it had very little risk why not try it? Well, last Friday morning, 6/18/2010, I started with Sunflower oil. I lasted about 12 minutes. I thought it taste rather bland so I switched to organic, virgin sesame oil the next day and have been using that up until today, Friday, 6/24/2010. My results are as follows:

1-After day one I immediately noticed that my teeth became a little whiter
2-After day two I became really congested and had to blow my nose a LOT. I also had a couple of pimples pop up, which have since cleared. I think the sunflower was better for whitening quickly.
3-After day three I noticed that I was sleeping a lot deeper and had a ton of energy during the day
4-As of last night I noticed that both of my loose teeth are secured. I would say that one is 95% while the other is trailing at 90%!
5-My skin seems a little clearer.

I am ASTOUNDED by these results as I'm 29 years old and was worried to death about losing them. My own sibling who is a dentist in another state told me that something drastic needed to be done or I would lose them. :( Also, a dentist that I was going to every three months up until earlier this year (I've recently relocated) wanted to do a LASER procedure to penetrate the gums and fix the problem. I'm SO glad I didn't do that! The only reason I didn't do it is because the timing was bad with me preparing to relocate and that procedure would have also been ~$1,600 out of pocket. (My sister did tell me not to do laser because it was too invasive and not necessary).

At any rate, that's my report after a full seven days. I'm grateful to not lose my appetite like some others here because I'm underweight and am consuming a lot in order try and gain 10 pounds. That is another journey in itself, but it's coming along now that I'm tracking my caloric intake. OP has made junk food less appealing, which is a good thing. My process is to brush and floss as usual, OP for 5-10 minutes, spit, rinse, brush with water and baking soda and rinse one more time. It sounds like a lot but it's not that bad. Fifteen minutes go by quickly if you just fill it by checking your email. Besides, 15 minutes a day to save thousands of dollars and unnecessary pain is worth it! Oh, I also cut down on sodas tremendously over the last week. I had about three rather than one a day. I drank mostly water - had no desire for soda.

I'm so excited about this I want to tell my family and friends but I'm going to wait until 30 days go by. I know they're going to be skeptical, especially the dentist, but if she can get a hold of my dental records then there will be proof! My wife has now decided to try it. Yesterday was her first day and not more than ten minutes after doing it she felt "different" and had to release phlegm. This morning she woke up with me at 5:00 as chipper as ever, very energetic without the aid of coffee, an energy drink or Adderall. We're both amazed. I do worry that her healing process may be unbearable as she's been struggling with chronic illnesses for at least eight years, but it would worth it if she no longer had to deal with them or prescription drugs with horrific side effects.

Sorry, this post is a lot longer than I intended it to be.

Replied by Joyce
(Indiapolis, In)
02/04/2016

I suggest for you to look up Candida infection it is cause of chronic illness. Earth Clinic has a good write up on using borax to detox from it. Candida is liked to ms, fibromyalgia , and a list of numerous other issues. I had issues from antibiotics and chemo. Started having joint pain head pressure and panic attacks I went to ER 5 times within 2 months to be too nothing wrong. Then I found an article on borax and using it to flush it really helps. I was real sick for a week. It was the die off, I later learned.I'm beginning to feel better. Just read about Candida and the antibiotic syndrome.you will learn a lot.


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Posted by Sabrina (Talking Rock, Georgia) on 05/14/2010
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started oil pulling with sesame seed oil last week. I saw changes in my gums and whiter teeth. I also had great results with my joints. On Wednesday the 1 week anniversary, I got the worst headache of my life. I haven't oil pulled since. So only 2 days. Could it be detox?

Replied by Map77
(Grand Prairie, Tx)
09/22/2010

Hi Sabrina, I also got a BAD headache.. However, I do believe that it's the body "detoxing", I have continued, and the headache went away.


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Posted by Amy (Sugar Grove, Va) on 05/05/2010
★★★★★

I've been taking the Virgin Coconut Oil softgels for about a month now. I am type o blood type & have had no problems at all. I also use the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as a mosturizer, my skin looks great! My cellulite is all but gone my spider veins are even disappearing! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a mosturizer for my face though because I suffer from bad adult acne. The Olive Oil cleared up my acne , took away the begins of all wrinkles & almost all of my acne scars I've had for years are gone. I love it! I'll be 36 next month & I look 10 yrs younger! I love this site! I wash my face with baking soda & water & use Lemon Juice as an astringent.


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Posted by V.srikanth (Bangalore, Karnataka-india) on 04/19/2010
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started oil pulling almost two months back.The following advantages are seen.

1)No bad or sour from the mouth
2)Sleeping habits has improved
3)Frequent urination stopped during night times

Following disadvantage is seen
My eye sight has become dull
We use multiple oils for oil pulling


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Posted by Maria (Clarkesville, Georgia, Usa) on 02/27/2010
★★★★★

Hi there,

I used to use triple refined sunflower oil to oil pull with outstanding results for about 2 years. I recently moved to the US and couldn't find sunflower oil at the grocery store so I tried triple refined Peanut oil instead. I read one of the posts that said that peanut oil was dangerous since mold often grows on the peanuts that are used to make the oil. Is this true? I must say the quality of the peanut oil is really good and it has a clean, neutral taste.

Also, I quit oil pulling for about 3 months last year and all the symptoms of my ailments like stiff joints, yellow stained teets etc, returned 10 times more intense than before. So, just remember, once you start oil pulling, there is no turning back!

Kind regards,
Maria


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Posted by Paige (New York, United States) on 12/25/2009
★★★★★

I was using organic toasted sesame oil unrefined and I've stopped having lower back pain, I was suffering from a chronic muscle spasm that has stopped and I dont recall ever having headaches since I started oil pulling or having trouble with my vision, when I would read I see the words do this weird thing, I dont know how to explain but when I concentrate the words seem to do this 3d'ish thing its weird its like the words pop out of the background and it would happen more when im tired out but no more.

Thank You So Much For Your Time. Paige


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Posted by Jagadeesh (Bangalore, India, Karnataka, India) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★

I have been doing oil pulling for 3 days now and I feel freshness. It seems to be helping in my general conditions too.


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Posted by Mickayla (Blue Springs, Missouri) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★

I pretty new to the whole oil pulling. I started about 2 weeks ago. I've seen such great feed back on sesame oil and decided to try it. and WOW im impressed. not 100% sure on what it's doing exactly inside, but the things I can see are amazing. I typically take about 1 tblsp in the morning (not consitently) but before I consume anything. so far my results have been, My Breast are fuller and perkier, better sleep, wake refresh, amazing energy, discharge decreased but not gone, so far I have lost 3 1/2 pounds, appitite totally supressed! and a major thing, my depression systoms are pretty much gone ( im Happy). My only question is, is it safe for my little brother to use it? he is 13 and he notices the change with me and is eager to try some!


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Posted by Peanut (Sebring, Fl) on 08/14/2009
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started oil pulling about a month ago. I've noticed my sinuses are a whole lot better and I sleep better at night. The changes I noticed were fever blisters on my lips and my eyes are having that crusting over thing going. Something's definitely happening.


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Posted by Jerry (Florida) on 08/01/2009
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hi. I recently started Oilpulling, (EVOO) before breakfast. For the first 2 weeks it was fine, I felt, more energetic, my skin started looking new, dewy, soft to the touch. Plaque started falling off my teeth, which looks whiter, gums healthier. I started to sweat, (which I havent done in years, no matter how much outdoor work I did.) I wasnt aware the sweet cravings had gone away, untill I went to my snack pantry and saw it filled.

After that I started getting chest pains, (I do have a mitral valve prolapse, which I was told, will repair itself after a period of time.) The first night with chestpains, I just laid down and waited to die, the pain being so severe. I stopped the OP because I was scared to try it again. I do want it to work because of all the positive results Ive seen so far.

Do you think that the pain was part of the detox process, or should I switch oils, or do you think its not for me.

Replied by Qwert
(Awesome, Ma, USA)
08/22/2009

It might just have been a coincidence that you had chest pains when you were doing your OP. You can get chest pains for no reason, maybe you had a stressful day or maybe it was humid, or maybe you ate something that was giving off referred pain to your chest. but ask your doctor and maybe he can help with why you were having chest pains. usually OP wouldnt cause chest pains, but if it does, it would probably be due to detoxifying reasons. good luck.

Replied by Luckyverdure
(Portland, Or, USA)
09/19/2009

I've heard that the presence of dental plaque is a good mirror for the cholesterol plaque that may build up in your arteries, so whatever process your mouth was going through may have also occurred in your chest.

Replied by Kathy
(Dubois, Pa)
09/20/2009

For what it is worth, I cut all sweeteners and grain products (whole grains, all flours, pasta, etc) out of my life about 6 weeks ago, and besides dropping about 20 pounds with no effort and no hunger, I have noticed that the film on my teeth has gone away almost completely. Even in the morning or at night before brushing, there is very little plaque. I think that this must be a good thing! I still eat some starches from sources like beets and carrots, etc., but they don't seem to create plaque like the grains do.


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Posted by Patricia (Gatesville, Texas) on 06/12/2009
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I've been OPing for about four months now. I've noticed some definite improvements, such as clearer skin and less hair shedding. But I'm having a problem with my tongue. For the last month or so, I've been aware of deepening fissures radiating from the middle of my tongue. Also my entire tongue seems to be somewhat raw (I made some popcorn tonight and the salt stung it a bit). I've been using EVOO [extra virgin olive oil] and Flax oil, both recommended for my blood type, twice a day. Has anybody else had this problem? I've heard that cracks in the tongue can be an indication of vitamin deficiency. Could the OPing be leeching vitamins and minerals from my body?

Replied by Cc
(Brooklyn, Ny)
01/30/2011

Hi the cracks in your tongue is definitely fissured tongue. The sensitivity/raw tongue could be geographic tongue. Are you a smoker? Or do you have allergies? I would cut back on the op a bit Also I would take some probiotics. That always helps me with my geographic tongue. Oh stay away from salty spicy foods until it clears up.


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Posted by Michael (Grand Bay, AL) on 06/05/2009
★★★★★

I recently have started oil pulling with coconut oil(6th day) listed below are my problems and the effects so far. I would like to mention that for me oil pulling is relaxing so I do it several times a day while I am going about

1.obese(400lbs) cravings for continual eating gone. Appetite suppressed, eating much lighter meals, energy levels up
2. pinched nerve in neck. pain reduced by half
3. knees pain in knees reduced while walking reduced
4. lungs (have three inorganic spots in lungs,asthma symptons)
5. breathing easier while laying down less snoring

will keep informed on progress

Replied by Michael
(Grand Bay, AL)
06/05/2009

I forgot to mention

5. high blood pressure down. went cold turkey 2nd day, just to see if this works, blood pressure stabilizing and strange as it may seems the oil pulling seems to have a diuretic effect. The edema has gone, in just six days(wow). cant beat this

Replied by Robin
(Atlanta, Ga)
09/14/2009

Hey Michael, just curious about how the coconut oil is still working for you and how much do you use on a daily basis?


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Posted by Steveplc (London, UK) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have been oil pulling once a day for 4 months now. I feel on the one hand it is doing marvels. I am a smoker and drink a bottle of wine most evenings, but i feel oil pulling is really giving my lungs a clearout. The first thing as i spit out, is a really good loose cough 9sorry disgusting i know). I never used to cough and i had a tight chest (part anxiety), i think the cough is good as better out than in. As with most on here the teeth are whiter, skin etc. but as i've been doing so long now i am noticing it reaches other part. I have felt a sensation where i used to get stomach ulcers when i am pulling, not pain, just a sensation that tells me its kinf of "massaging, curing" that bit.

On the down side, my thyroids (well i think they are thyroids, just below jaw)and other throat glands are swollen and i have a permanent sore throat and almost feel i've had a cold for 3 months. I realise OP is mucous related so its natural all this mucous areas are sore or swollen. And i've noticed my thyroids during and after pulling are rock hard. They soften a bit after but remain swollen. No pain though, the only pain is sore throat which developed 4 weeks ago and comes and goes. Also getting very gunky eyes everytime i wake up. I thought i may have hay fever, the pollen this year is enormous, i've never had problem with hay fever but they say many this year are getting it who didnt before.

I am going to stop for a few days now just to see what happens. In some cases i've read, if you get a problem with OP, pull through it, keep going. But i just feel a few days off for observation will be good.

You are welcome to email me direct re your comments. Thanks



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