The Idea
Oil pulling means swishing a tablespoon of oil, like coconut oil, in your mouth for several minutes, then spitting it out and brushing as usual.
It can feel strange at first, but the logic is simple. The fatty acids in coconut oil, especially lauric acid, have antimicrobial properties. As you swish, they are thought to bind and dissolve bacteria and plaque, which you then spit away.
If oil pulling does what it's believed to do, you're physically removing harmful bacteria and plaque before they can settle in.
The Potential Benefits
Less plaque
Removing plaque helps prevent tartar, cavities, and gum disease.
Healthier gums
Clearing harmful bacteria can reduce gum inflammation.
Fresher breath
Many of the bacteria behind bad breath get swished away.
Brighter teeth
Anecdotally, it may lift some surface stains over time.
How to Do It
Use good oilChoose a high-quality, unrefined, organic coconut oil.
Do it first thingPractice in the morning, before any food or drink.
Swish, don't swallowMove a tablespoon around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes.
Spit in the trashCoconut oil solidifies and can clog your pipes, so never spit it in the sink.
Rinse and brushRinse with warm water, then brush your teeth as normal.
A strange-feeling habit with a simple payoff: a cleaner mouth before the day even starts.
Atomic Ideas From This Page
Oil pulling means swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes, then spitting it out, never swallowing.It's done before brushing, as a morning oral-care ritual.
Lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, has antimicrobial properties.During oil pulling it's believed to bind and dissolve bacteria and plaque as you swish.
Oil pulling is thought to work by physically removing bacteria and plaque.The harmful material binds to the oil and leaves your mouth when you spit it out.
Clearing plaque and bacteria through oil pulling can mean fewer cavities and calmer gums.Less buildup also means less tartar and fresher breath.
Oil pulling works best first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking.Starting on a clean, empty mouth gives the practice its best shot.
Spent coconut oil should be spit into the trash, not the sink.Coconut oil hardens at room temperature and will clog your pipes.
An old habit, a clean mouth: swish, spit, brush.