Oil Pulling & It’s Benefits
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil (either using coconut or cold pressed sesame) in your mouth for about 3-5 minutes before spitting it out. At first it might sound unusual, but this simple ritual has been used for thousands of years to support not only oral health, but also overall wellness, hormone balance, metabolism, and detoxification.
Why Oral Health Matters for Your Whole Body
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. The state of your teeth, gums, and oral microbiome directly impacts your overall health. Harmful bacteria in the mouth don’t just stay there—they can travel into the bloodstream, contribute to inflammation, and place extra stress on your immune system, liver, and even your hormones.
Oil Pulling for Oral & Teeth Health
Reduces harmful bacteria – Oil has a natural ability to bind to bacteria and toxins in the mouth. Swishing helps “pull” these out before they enter your body.
Prevents plaque buildup & gum disease – Regular oil pulling helps reduce plaque, freshens breath, and supports healthier gums.
Strengthens teeth & may help cavities – Studies and traditional use suggest that oil pulling can help remineralize teeth by creating a cleaner environment where minerals can bind back to the enamel. This means it may not only prevent cavities but, in some cases, even help reverse small ones in their earliest stages.
Whitens teeth naturally – Because it removes stains and buildup, many people notice brighter, whiter teeth with consistent practice.
Hormone Health Benefits
When your body is overloaded with toxins and inflammation, hormones can become imbalanced. By lowering the bacterial load in the mouth and reducing toxins that burden the liver and gut, oil pulling indirectly supports hormone balance. A clean, low-inflammatory environment allows your hormones to regulate more effectively, which is key for energy, metabolism, and reproductive health.
Oil Pulling for Metabolism
Inflammation and toxin buildup slow the metabolism. By improving oral health and reducing hidden infections, oil pulling frees up energy in the body, supports better digestion, and allows nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently. A well-functioning metabolism is not just about weight—it’s about energy, vitality, and how well your body turns food into fuel.
Oil Pulling for Detox
Each night, while you sleep, your body detoxes and pushes waste products out—including through your saliva and tongue. That morning “fuzzy mouth” or tongue coating is evidence of this. Oil pulling in the morning clears out these toxins before they can be reabsorbed, making it a gentle but powerful detoxification tool to start your day. Tongue scraping and oil pulling together make a powerful combo for cleaning bacteria from the mouth.
How to Oil Pull
Upon Waking — Oil pulling is best done in the morning upon waking up before consuming any other food or drink or brushing your teeth.
Choose your oil – Use only either Organic cold-pressed coconut oil or cold-pressed sesame oil, do not substitute any other oil. Coconut oil is most popular, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
Swish – Place 1 tablespoon in your mouth and swish gently for 2-5 minutes.
Spit – Dispose of the oil in the trash (not the sink, toilet, or drain!!).
Rinse & brush – Follow up with warm water and then brush your teeth as usual.
Final Thoughts
Oil pulling is one of those simple, inexpensive practices that can make a huge difference. Not only does it improve oral health, freshen breath, and help prevent cavities, but it also supports your body’s natural detoxification, hormone balance, and metabolism. Adding this ritual into your morning routine can create ripple effects of health and vitality throughout your whole body.
