Your dental hygiene is directly linked to the health of your entire body. So, when it comes to looking after your teeth, you want to make sure you’re getting rid of the bad bacteria from all the little nooks and crannies for a deep, health-boosting clean. This is where oil pulling comes in.

An ancient technique to improve your dental health, oil pulling makes it easier to maintain clean, white teeth. Thinking of giving it a try? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling was originally part of Ayurvedic medicine, native to ancient India. After many centuries of use, it’s been tried, tested, and given our seal of approval as a natural option for modern dental care.

The concept is pretty simple. You take a little bit of oil and swill it around your mouth before spitting and rinsing. It’s essentially a more natural (and ancient) version of mouthwash.

How to Start Oil Pulling

We’ve made it simple to try oil pulling with our Natural Oil Pulling Mouthwash. Containing the ultimate bacteria-fighting duo of sesame oil and coconut oil, you get the best of both worlds for a deep clean. We’ve also added natural essential oils and menthol crystals to give you a fresh taste that lasts.

To start, scoop out a teaspoon of our natural oil pulling mouthwash. Let it melt in your mouth before a good swilling session of between 10 and 20 minutes. You want to really pull the oil through the gaps in your teeth, so get those jaw muscles working! Once your mouth is feeling deeply cleansed, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth well with water. 

Because it takes quite a long time to see the best results, we don’t expect you to start oil pulling every day and you don’t have to in order to see results. A good swill at least twice a week is a great place to start. 

What Are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is best known for its bacteria-removing abilities. By literally pulling the natural mouthwash through your teeth, it manages to pick up the bad bacteria hiding in places your brush didn’t reach for a more thorough cleaning than brushing alone. But, as with many holistic health approaches, people often wonder how true these benefits are. So, we’ve taken a look at the evidence behind the claims.

Research found that oil pulling has antibacterial properties that fight nasty bacteria in your mouth (coconut oil targets C. Albicans and S. Mutans, while sesame oil also targets S. Mutans as well as Lactobacilli). It was also discovered that people using the oil pulling technique saw a significant decrease in plaque and a reduced likelihood of developing gingivitis, one of the most common dental diseases.

If you suffer from bad breath, you’ll be happy to hear that swilling with oil could be the simple, fuss-free solution. It’s as effective for halitosis (another word for bad breath) as Chlorhexidine - a prescription mouthwash - and doesn’t come with the same side-effects.

So, does oil pulling work? We wouldn’t want to say for certain that it’s going to cure all of your dental concerns, but the evidence is looking good. Reduce plaque, prevent disease, and keep your breath fresh for longer, all with the peace of mind that your teeth-cleaning technique is backed by science.

Are There Any Side-Effects?

One of the big wins of oil pulling is that there are no reported serious side-effects. Unlike chemical-heavy products which can damage the oral tissues or lead to sensitivity, there’s no evidence that oil pulling does anything but good for your mouth.

The only thing to be aware of is that you shouldn’t swallow the oil. If you do that, you might experience an upset stomach thanks to the quantity of oil and the bacteria it’s collected from your mouth, so always be sure to spit and rinse. 

It’s important to note that oil pulling shouldn’t replace brushing your teeth. Instead, we recommend using it alongside our natural toothpaste for healthy teeth and gums.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re keen to start using an oil pulling mouthwash but have a couple more questions before you begin, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.

In the meantime, check out our plastic-free oil pulling mouthwash and plastic-free toothpaste to give your dental hygiene an all-natural boost.