Oil Pulling for Dental Issues

5 star (81)		88%
4 star (4)		4%
3 star (1)		1%
1 star (2)		2%
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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.

Cassie (Boston, Ma) on 10/20/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

I tried this for 3 weeks before I had to go to the dentist on a lark because I hadn't been flossing and I was dreading the blood, pain, and lectures I'm used to at the dentist. I oil swish coconut oil while I'm showering every morning for about 10-15 minutes. Just got back from the dentist yesterday--she said, "Wow. You have really been trying hard! " She said there was virtually no plaque. Plus, when she flossed for me and cleaned and scraped what little plaque there was there was no pain and no bleeding! I'm never stopping! First pleasant trip to the dentist ever.

Noelle (Denton, Tx, Us) on 09/15/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

I found this site after researching ACV and am very glad to have found it. After reading for a few days, I decided to try OPing. All I had in the house was EVOO, so I did that for 2 days and then got some organic sesame (not sesame seed) oil. I found the sesame taste very pleasant, although I see some posters have found it too strong for their tastes. What amazed me was how clean my teeth and mouth felt after 20 minutes of the sesame oil. The yucky "dragon mouth" I was used to having upon awakening was not there, nor was the scummy residue on my teeth. I didn't even feel like I really needed to brush my teeth afterward (but did). I have very soft teeth enamel, to the point that I have left brush marks on my teeth, and I wish I'd known about OPing years ago. Can't wait to see what other benefits are revealed.

Bart (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/19/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

I've had a really bad tooth infection for the past couple days, so after scouring the internet for solutions, I found oil pulling. I'm a bit skeptical, but my good friend is currently on the regime, which seemed harmless to her. The only thing I had on the pantry was Extra Virgin Olive Oil.... Swished around 2 tablespoons worth for approximately 15 minutes, and the pain was leaving me! It kind of blew my mind. The next morning, the swelling in my gum went down slightly. It was pretty much gone the day after. I haven't noticed anything else with using it. The infected tooth is chipped in half from an accident awhile ago, and I've been waiting for a root canal. Luckily this will hold me over for another week.

Rachael (Georgetown, Ohio) on 05/12/2010:
0 out of 5 stars

Danielle from Toronto, did your teeth every improve? I OP for two weeks and my teeth became so sensitive that I could not eat. I haven't OP for 2 weeks at all now, and my teeth still hurt. Never had these symptoms before OP. Just wondering if i should have stuck it out!

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Lisa (Port of Spain, Trinidad) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I began oil pulling 3 weeks after I suddenly developed very horrible bad breath. I have no cavities, am not a smoker, dont drink alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages and I'm a vegetarian. I used EVOO as i couldnt get Sesame or Sunflower oil. The oil pulling has done wonders for my gums and teeth, my gums are more pink and my teeth are now a lot whiter. A gap i had between 2 teeth has closed up and there is no 'gap' anymore. However the bad breath remains and it is driving me crazy as i have to interact with lots of people. I keep wondering if i should continue with the oil pulling: will the bad breath go away eventually or do i need to use other 'remedies' as well, am I suffering from the herx effect or is my body too acidic? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.

Christel (Nolanville, Tx, United States) on 03/31/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

Some months ago I had this terrible tootache (not the first time-always the same one) and tried several things, all of which where short lived relief. I searched the web and came upon this strange thing called oil pulling. Curiosity made me read up on it and since I had no sunflower oil (as mostly recommended) I decided to give it a try with extra virgin olive oil (which I keep at all times). It was almost like a miracle. The throbbing subsided almost immediately and after 3 days it was all gone, including the swelling. Since then I have not had any problems with this particular tooth, I just try to keep the area very clean, and since I have learned a thing or two about toothpastes I now brush my teeth with bentonite clay. I really wish I had known a lot of things a few years ago, I might have been able to safe the rest of my teeth (I wear a full denture on top), but now I want to at least keep what I have left on the bottom, and so far it's working.

Atul (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 03/11/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi, I'd like to provide some background info first. My grandmother died at 90, all her teeth were intact and she never visited a dentist in her life. My father at 65, one tooth had to be removed otherwise no dental work. Both of them rubbed a mixture of mustard (rapeseed) oil and white rock salt on their gums. Besides this like all hygenic Indians they rinsed their mouth after every meal. This meant the the tiny bits and pieces at breakfast seldom rotted till night.
I on the other hand have had severe problems with teeth and gums. I took to the grandmas recipe, but found my gums were feeling inflammed so I stopped it.

I tried OP using sesame oil and have found that it does not irritate my gums.

Eveline (Toronto, Canada) on 02/14/2010:
1 out of 5 stars

I have been oil pulling for about a year now, switching oils between sunflower, olive, grapeseed. Sometimes it's only about which oil is at a better price. I was quite dismayed to see my dentist this week to find I have an infection in the gum around one tooth. There is a gapping there larger than they like and she said there is some pus in there. She also said that I have less plaque than most people. I would hope that is from using my special toothbrush that I bought last year that is supposed to zap the plague . But this infection thing has me really bothered. I would think that with my religious o/ping there shouldn't even be a remote possibility of this happening. I have been following another famous health practitioners advice and spitting the oil every 4 mins. He feels that keeping the oil in longer will allow the toxins to reabsorb. But reading all the testimonials here and seeing that most everyone pulls with the same Tbs. of oil for 15 - 20 mins. I think I might change that practice. Having been out of work now for 3 months anything that will help save money is a bonus. Using 3 - 4 Tbs. a day makes a bottle of oil go rather quickly.

On an unrelated note, I have been working with a Naturopath to deal with stagnant blood in my system. Not with much success yet but it's been hard to see the Naturopath consistently lately. There are indications on my tongue of liver stagnation. I desperately want to clear that up and since having a very stressful two months moving my aging parents into a seniors home I have had a relapse with very bad pain in both knees (seems to happen whenever I work too hard lifting and schlepping boxes as in a move). They hurt standing from sitting, going down stairs, and when I walk it just feels like the knees are not connected properly and are wobbling all over the place, like a broken marionette. Long walks make it worse. I have tried castor oil packs, take D, E, Omega 3's, ACV, bentoninte clay, drink a green drink every morning with aloe juice, eat lots of raw. I have a suspicion I need to get back off wheat products. I was doing really well on an alkaline diet before Christmas and avoiding wheat but since Christmas have been off the regime there.

Mostly I would wish to have the success many people write about. They oil pull for some weeks and now everything seems cured. As I said, I was shocked and dismayed to find this infection in my mouth. I told the dentist I would work on this and see her again in 3 months. They, of course, wanted to do costly laser repair including freezing etc. I like to have as few "procedures" as possible. But about 2 years ago I lost a back tooth to infection. The dentist was amazed that I wasn't sick from how bad it was when she went in there to extract it. So I was happy to have that out and thought I was on my way to full health. Now another area has got an infection. I just don't get it.

Thanks for any helpful hints. I love this website and have recommended it to many people.

Mike (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 01/05/2010:
5 out of 5 stars

Cure for the dentist!

I've been oil pulling off and on for over a year with sesame/sunflower oil. Extreme tooth sensitivity (hot, cold, and warm) completely gone, toothaches from 1 troublesome tooth completely gone, teeth ridiculously clean smooth (stains tartar are gone). I dont think im ever going to the dentist again! I use in combination with a few drops of oil of oregano as i no longer use toothpaste (tried every brand/type of toothpaste, they all aggravated sensitivity and toothache and don't do squat for healthy teeth (in my opinion)).

Lindaa (Chipley, Fl) on 12/30/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Better But With Side Effects

How do you hold coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes?

Yesterday I lasted 2 minutes, but it really worked for plaque on my teeth and the white coating on my tongue was gone.

This morning I used the same amount (about a teaspoon) and I had the same problem as yesterday. Saliva poured into my mouth. I lasted 3 minutes. I had to stop and breath through my mouth frequently (I must be a mouth breather) I was a coughing, gagging, spitting mess, but it worked again:) My teeth looked better, my gums are getting a health pink already.

Cajun62234 (Opelousas, Louisiana) on 10/31/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

As a proven believer in Castor Oil, the other morning I awoke with a very sore gum in the vicinity of my right canine tooth. A look in the mirror indicated it was blood red, very tender, but no blood excreted when massaging. I generally 'oil' with Sesame Oil, but thought 'Why not try CO?'... Two 20 minute sessions [about 3-4 hours inbetween] and a session at bed time. I excreted all of the 'oiling', but let the CO coating remain in my mouth over night...the next morning it was 95% better; a repeat of the previous day's treatment produced a 100% recovery by the following evening...no redness, no tenderness and a normal, healthy gum..

Danielle (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/15/2009:
4 out of 5 stars

Better But With Side Effects

Hi. I have been oil pulling for approximately three weeks with coconut oil. At first with a little more than a tablespoon, more recently I have been measuring a tablespoon exactly. I do it in the morning once I get up before brushing teeth or eating breakfast. I rinse my mouth out afterwards and spit a few times.

Although it seems to be draining my sinuses, and the health of my gums have improved (better shade of pink, no more bleeding) and the white coating on my tongue has disapeared, my tooth sensitivity has been getting worse and my teeth have been turning more yellow. I can also see a line in one tooth now that looks almost like an internal crack and it feels like the outer layer of another tooth, near the base of the gumline has been scraped off. This seems to be the opposite of what most people experience.

I know that sometimes there is a worening of symptoms for a bit, but I haven't read any accounts of this happening with teeth, usually more with rashes, sinues etc.

Has anyone else had this problem? Did it get worse or better in the long run? Did your teeth become damaged? Should I stop oil pulling or continue on? I am afraid that my teeth are deteriating in front of my eyes due to some strange reaction that a rare few may have.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Teresa (St. Augustine, Florida Usa) on 09/20/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Sesame Oil Pulling Reversed My Periodontal Disease

I have always brushed my teeth regularly but I have not been so good at flossing. A year and a half ago I went to the dentist for a usual check up and cleaning. My gums had started bleeding when I was brushing my teeth so I wanted to get them checked. I was especially worried about my 2 front teeth which are implants I got after an accident years ago.

I was told I had gingivitis and pockets in my gums indicating the onset of periodontal disease. They gave me a dental rinse to use at home and had me come back in 3 months. After 3 months the bleeding gums cleared up some but not much. After that, I did not go back to the dentist for a year. Of course my teeth and gums continued to grow worse, bleeding and causing me problems.

Then about 8 months ago I was searching online about bleeding gums and discovered oil pulling. I became curious and figured it was worth a try. I bought some organic refined sesame oil. Within about 2 weeks I noticed a remarkable improvement in my oral health. My gums stopped bleeding and my front teeth quit bothering me.

I stopped oil pulling as an experiment just to make sure it was indeed the oil pulling that was causing the improvement. When I stopped for a few days my front teeth started bothering me and my gums got red and puffy, looking like they were going to bleed again. I resumed the oil pulling and noticed immediate relief and improvement.

I just went back to the dentist last week (this would be a year between visits). They took xrays and did the cleaning. They discovered that my gingivitis/periodontal disease was almost completely gone! No cavities either. The cleaning was a breeze. They were surprised. The dentist verified that my oral health has greatly improved. I am delighted!

I am convinced it is the oil pulling that improved my oral health since I did not change anything else in my lifestyle or hygiene habits. I will continue to oil pull for the rest of my life. I am using refined Sesame Oil every morning before breakfast.

Hadessah (Charlotte, Nc) on 09/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I use 1 teaspoon extra virgin Olive Oil for 15 minutes every morning, first thing.

Oil Pulling has made my teeth stronger and whiter and it is healing a disorder I was going to doctors for nearly 20 years. I've tried all kinds of antibiotics to cure sinusitis. Now after oil-pulling, I feel the pressure in my upper gum, above where a tooth was extracted. Above the bony part of the gum. So I 've had an abcess for two decades. No wonder people stepped back when talking to me. My breath smelled like 20 year old decay.

I developed tinnitis and oil-pulling may eventually clear up all the abcess right at the base of my maxillary sinus, BUT actually above the bony part of my gum where a tooth was extracted in the 80s.

Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, Karnataka) on 08/17/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I took a couple of teaspoons of raw honey in my mouth and kept swishing it around for 20 minutes (procedure same as oil pulling), and the spat it out and rinsed my mouth. Voila! Toothache gone immediately!!

Victoria (Sacramento, CA) on 07/24/2009:
4 out of 5 stars

I started OP with VCO for 2 weeks ago; 1 tbls, 20 mins, twice per day (first thing in the morning and before dinner). I have been keeping a log of when I OP and how I feel about the experience of this. Reading peoples comments about this OP thing has been wonderful and helpful however I have not had these "remarkable" results as many have claimed. After doing much reading about the positive healthful results from using coconut oil and palm oil, I am convinced that using these oils is better than not using them. I am obese, diabetic and will be turning 54 this November. I have not seen any changes in my blood sugar levels but I do love the way my mouth feels after OP. The small amount of gum bleeding after flossing has completely disappeared and I do believe the OP has corrected this condition. I will continue with this form of treatment and keeping my log of experiences with it and I think I will try another type of oil after about a month of doing this. Does anyone else have similar experiences such as mine and can you tell me what other results you might be having? Are there any other suggestions people have?

Allen (Austin, MN) on 07/20/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I've tried several kinds of oil for oil pulling and I find olive oil to be the best by far. My dentist is impressed with the results too... as my gums have reattached to my teeth. I use 1 tsp twice a day for 15 mins. When I first wake up and right before bed. It doesn't taste very good at first but after 15 mins. by mouth feels very clean. It's very soothing for a tooth ache or cut inside your mouth too.

redd78 (Plymouth, Indiana) on 07/10/2009:
4 out of 5 stars

Better But With Side Effects

I started oil pulling about a week ago.I used safflower oil the first 2 days , then switched to sesame seed oil. I have had a terrible pain in my upper left teeth for over a year. had all kinds of dental exams, x-rays, panorex x-rays and a c-scan. Nothing could be found that was causing the tooth pain.I have also have constant sinus drainage on the left side for several years. I am extremely sensitive to almost all allergy medications, anti-biotics, medications of any kind.I am also hypothyroid, and have a lot of problems regulating my thyroid dosage. I started the oil pulling in desperation to try and find some relief from the tooth and facial pain. I am using 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil 3 times a day. Morning, at 4 p.m. and at 10 pm. I follow the oil pulling treatment with a netipot treatment using purified, boiled salt water.I have had copious sinus drainage, it is milky white , thick and foamy. No sign of infection, just the foamy white color. The pain in my face and tooth is about 80 percent improved. this is the first tme in over a year that I have not been in constant pain from the tooth. I have had some side effects, have had spells of dizziness and some nausea. my appetite is not good, and on the 4th days, I had colon cleansing.This morning I am having some dizziness and nausea. anyone else doing this that is hypothyroid and on medication? I would love to hear feedback from you . Did this interfer at all with your thyroid medication? I am hoping to get past the dizziness and nausea, hoping this is just temporary.....Wanda

Linda (Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies) on 07/06/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Oil Pulling Cured My Gingivitis. About 1 month ago I began experiencing very horrible breath. So I began to search for remedies that were 'natural' as opposed to prescribed medication. I discovered your site and started oil pulling about a month ago, using cold pressed olive oil (couldn't find any other cold pressed oil). I used 1 tablespoon each morning before eating breakfast and before retiring to bed at night. After a few days I began to see my teeth whiten and my gums become very pink and healthy looking. A gap between 2 teeth closed up totally so that now there is no 'gap' anymore! Last week I visited the dentist where I was told that my gums and teeth were so healthy and clean that I can visit the dentist once per year instead of every six months! My previous visit to the dentist 6 months ago was not so good....I was told I had gingivitis and that my gums were receding from my teeth, my gums were also very dark purple instead of bright pink. So thank you Earth Clinic, with oil pulling my oral health was restored beyond my expectations! Oil pulling did so much for me, I will continue as long as I have life. I told a colleague about it and she too has started oil pulling! However I still wait for my bad breath to clear up. Any suggestions for elimination of this chronic bad breath?

Andy (Burnley, Lancashire, England) on 06/24/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Yesterday, I was in excrutiating pain from a tooth I broke and had filled about a month ago. Could'nt get an appointment for a week at the dentist. I looked online for anything that could possibly help with the pain (strong painkilers did not even touch it).

I tried raw garlic, garlic mouthwash, cold water with salt (hit the roof with pain) warm water with salt (hit the roof again) nothing worked. I had read about oil pulling but discounted it as I needed an instant fix. At 3.00 am (3 hours before going to work) after 16 hours of constant pain,In desperation I decided to give OP a try with extra virgin olive oil. Five minutes after swilling and cleaning my teeth I was asleep.

I woke up with no pain at all. Another thing I noticed during the day was when I had a drink of water from the cooler, although I did feel a slight throbbing after, there was no sensitivity to the cold water at all. (I have always had sensitive teeth even before the toothache)

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. CONVERTED. I am going to carry on with OP and see what long term benefits I get.

Also I have not had a cigarette today yet and its nearly bedtime ! not even thought about it until now.

Ophelide (Montreal, Canada) on 06/21/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

After a night of web-search to avoid antibiotics for a dental abscess, found this site ! In addition to ingestion of a few drops 4xday of oregano essential oil, I started Oil pulling with coconut oil. Within 3 days, the inflammation was reduced by 80 % and no more sensitivity - The 4th day it started again to pulse and I switched to Sunflower oil, twice a day during the week-end. It has been now 2-weeks I began oil pulling and all seems OK by now - I have a dental appointment next week and I hope not to need a root treatment ! In addition my gums look healthier as well as my skin. Very grateful for the helpful information and testimony.

Dorett (Lima, Ohio) on 06/07/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I was searching on the web for more information about castor oil after reading Kaycee's book on The Oil That Heals when i came across oil pulling. i also wondered how oil pulling that would work. Anyway i decided to give it a try, because I was having problems with gum disease and other problems, I started oil pulling about two weeks ago, and i am truly seeing some changes in my mouth, first of all my breath is so fresh, my teeth has gotton three or so shades whiter.

When I was younger I was able to bite a piece of thread because my teeth was in great shape, but i got to the place that they began to shake, and i could'nt grit the top and bottom togather, My dentist wanted to extract some of them, i would bite the inside of my jaws and lips when i eat. But now my teeth is getting closer together so much that i am able to bite a thread and chew well without biting my lip and corner of my jaws. Oil Pulling is the bomb. I am going to continue this for the rest of my life. there are othe benifits I have notice and i am glad to find out about this site.

Rainidaze (Lakewood, CA) on 05/11/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Coconut Oil Pulling: I used 1 tbl of CO 20 minutes in the morning first thing for a week straight then on and off for 2 more and I am amazed that I have no more morning breath or mid-day yucky mouth any longer after 2 days and my teeth are even whiter than before. My mouth always feels fresh teeth very dentist clean. So glad I found this site. Thanks so much!

Renate (Parrish, FL, USA) on 04/24/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Nancy, Change your oil. Try cold pressed organic (or expeller pressed) sesame oil or Safflower oil. Everyone can react differently to different oils. Our (my husband) gums are much better from OP. My husband's previous dentist (we changed) would not do a cleaning and told him he needed $1,000 in root planing etc. I told him he had to do the oil pulling for 3 months and then go to a new dentist and see what they have to say. The new dentist did the regular cleaning and they could not believe how clean his teeth were. He has to have a little gum work done, but all in all I was very impressed with the results. It was 10 months since the last cleaning. My dental checkup showed a lot of improvement with my gums as well showing pockets that are now 2 and 3 and a few 4. Big improvement. Thank you Earth Clinic and everyone who took the time to write about their experience.

Scooter (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/16/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I started OP almost 2 years ago and no immediate effects except my teeth feeling like they were just cleaned by a dentist. Over a month into it (daily routine), teeth tightened up even though I never thought/felt them being loose. Give it time but be routine.

Lynn (San Francisco, ca) on 04/09/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I started oil pulling 3 weeks ago with Sesame Oil. At first I was absolutely disgusted by the consistency and could barely keep it in my mouth for 3 minutes. The next day I tried again and was able to swish for about 7 minutes. Everyday the process became easier and easier and now I'm up to 15 minutes. It has not taken away the dark circles under my eyes, my allergies are the worst they've ever been, and my energy has not improved BUT I have definitely noticed that my teeth are extremely clean and feel absolutely amazing. The horribly bad breath (which I attribute to several years on antibiotics) that plagued me has completely disappeared. Clean teeth and fresh breath are reasons enough for me to continue oil pulling and hopefully after a few months I will reap the benefits that others speak of.

David (Brooklyn, NY) on 03/18/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

We can hardly praise your efforts enough. Came to EarthClinic for natural approaches to abcess, and have come away with so much useful information.

Again and again, you are applaused for promoting natural answers in the manner you have.

Used a generous tablespoon of raw virgin coconut oil the first time, then an hour later used extra-virgin olive oil. Four OPs so far since last night, with at least eighty percent reduction in pain, fifty to sixty percent reduction in swelling. I confess I've slipped a few drops of clove oil onto the gum area, which virtually erases the pain, but only for a half-hour or so. The oil-pulling is so surprising. Fast, simple, inexpensive.

Bless every one of you a million times. Looking forwarding to incorporating links to your site into my many sites. So MANY great stories. Thanks to you all.

Sonia (Charlotte, NC) on 02/05/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Hi, I have been oil pulling for 10 days now since my dentist told me some of pockets are 6. I do see it removed some plaque in just few days from 1 tooth. My teeth are little bit whiter too. I do see benefits and will continue this.

Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/25/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

Oil pulling got rid of my tooth pain in just 3 days. I had a very painful toothache, my whole jaw and ear hurt from the pain. I could not get into see a dentist for two weeks. For several nights I could not sleep due to the pain. I tried several things first like splitting raw garlic and applying to both sides of tooth and gum area, it relieved it somewhat. I also tried rubbing with oregano oil I had in the medicine chest. I then found info on oil pulling on earth clinic. I was disparate, and tried it. I'm not sure if the garlic kicked in or the oregano....but soon I drifted off to sleep in much less pain. I used organic pure extra virgin coconut oil, unrefined, unbleached. I remember reading that this oil has antibacterial properties somewhere. I woke up the next morning and did it again. I also rubbed raw honey on he area, as I have read that has antibacterial properties as well. It was still hard to chew food for two days...but the pain was subsiding dramatically. By the fourth day I stopped oil pulling. And the pain continued to diminish and go away. I can chew good now and absolutely no pain. I am amazed! I'm curious as to what the dentist will find when I go to see him next week. Now today I did oil pulling again...going to do everyday to see if it whitens my teeth. Will keep you posted!

Louise (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) on 01/15/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

hello, i staretd oil pulling 3 days ago,all i can say is WOW, my teeth are whiter already and the black streaks on them disipated, by the way i still drink coffe,presently i use Siberian cedar nut oil (cold pressed)and only use a sip of it for pulling and 1Tsp, internally for tonifyng the organs. amazing !!!

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