Oil Pulling 101 | Earthley Wellness

Have you heard the buzz about oil pulling? Wondering what it’s all about and if it’s for you and your family? With all the trends that pop up, it’s hard to know what’s actually healthy and what’s just hype, which is why, at Earthley, we like to dig deep and uncover the truth. When it comes to oil pulling, it’s more than just a fad. It’s rooted in the ancient health system of Ayurveda and has been practiced for thousands of years. In this blog, we’ll explore what it is and how it may help soothe our gums, combat stinky breath, brighten our pearly whites, and even support overall health.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is pretty simple. It’s all about swishing oil around your mouth for a few minutes and then spitting it out. People do it to help keep their mouths clean and support overall health. It’s been around for over 2,000 years, starting in India, where it was known as ‘kavala’ or ‘gundusha.’ The idea is that the fatty acids in the oil attract bacteria and plaque, while the swishing action gets into the hard-to-reach crevices, and then you spit out all the junk that isn’t doing your mouth any favors. The most popular oil to use these days is coconut because it is known to have so many health benefits (and bonus –it tastes good too). (1) (2)

Some of the ways coconut oil is a good friend to have around:

It’s our body’s ally against bacteria.
It supports a healthy inflammatory response.
It can help clean out the bacteria that cause bad breath.
It soothes dryness and irritation in the mouth.
It's an affordable, gentle, natural alternative to harsh chemical mouthwashes. (1)

If you’re trying oil pulling, stick with cold-pressed, unrefined oils. Avoid anything that’s been overheated or chemically processed—you want the good stuff!

What People Love About Oil Pulling

So, why do people swear by oil pulling? While there isn’t a ton of scientific research (partly because you can’t exactly patent coconut oil), plenty of folks share positive experiences. Here are some of the things people say they notice:

Fresher breath – Swishing oil helps remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
Healthier gums – Some people feel their gums are less irritated and more comfortable. Some even report improvement with receding gums.
Whiter teeth – It’s not a miracle whitener, but many claim their teeth look brighter over time.
Overall mouth comfort – Oil can soothe dryness and leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Cleans hard-to-reach places -- Swishing action gets into those hidden spots where junk builds up.
Soothes toothaches – Many people report oil pulling helps ease tooth pain. (2)

The best part? It’s low-risk and easy to try.

Fun Fact: Oil pulling isn’t just about oral health. It was originally considered a full-body detox practice in Ayurveda. Ancient texts suggested that swishing oil could help “pull” toxins from the body, not just the mouth. Pretty wild, right? (2)

How to Oil Pull

Choose your oil. In addition to coconut oil, sesame oil has been traditionally used. We’ve added some gut-loving, mouth microbiome-supportive herbs to a blend of coconut and pumpkin seed oils in our Gut Health Oil for an extra potent oral health formula that makes the whole body happy.

Take 1 tablespoon of oil and swish in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. You may want to start with 5 minutes and gradually increase over time as you get used to it. Be sure to get the oil into all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. And be careful not to swallow it – the idea is that you’re pulling toxins into the oil, so you don’t want to send those into your gut.

Spit it out into the garbage can, not the sink (so you don't clog the drain).

Rinse your mouth well with warm water. Some folks like to add a pinch of sea salt for extra cleaning action.

Don’t brush your teeth immediately after. This gives your mouth microbiome a chance to naturally rebalance.

Traditionally, oil pulling is done first thing in the morning, when your stomach is empty. It's meant to be a complementary practice alongside regular brushing and flossing -- not to replace them. Our Remineralizing Tooth Powder is a great way to help brighten your smile and our Bamboo Toothbrush is an earth-friendly companion. Both are easy to pack in your bag to keep your mouth happy wherever you go.

Oil pulling is not a quick fix, but it’s a simple, time-tested practice that many people swear by. It’s affordable, easy to do, and low risk. Plus, it’s been around for thousands of years, which says a lot! Whether you’re hoping for fresher breath, healthier gums, or just want to add a natural boost to your oral care routine, oil pulling is worth a try.

Start small, be consistent, and see how it feels for you. Sometimes the simplest habits make the biggest difference. Ready to give it a go? Grab your favorite oil and start swishing!

Sources:

1. https://www.drkfisher.com/blog/coconut-oil-pulling-for-better-oral-hygiene 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5198813/ 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096522991630019X?via%3Dihub 4. https://journals.lww.com/dhyp/fulltext/2017/08030/oil_pulling__a_traditional_method_on_the_edge_of.2.aspx