Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

What happened is that ideas started coming to me, and one of them is honey, I decided to try honey on my acne face, I had half a jar of manuka honey at home so I started using it along with baking soda and lemon juice, and imediately I could see a glow. I also had pain in my gum, and have been using OP with some results, but still had soreness with brushing, then today I DECIDED TO USE THE HONEY in place of oil, put a tsp in mouth for about 5 to 10 minutes, then spit it out and brush, wow! no pain or soreness, I also had a bump on my face, i put a dab of honey and went to bed, this money bump gone. I took the honey jar and spoke into it, thanking all the bees that gave me this wonderful product, I thanked the farmers, the store keepers and last but not least this wonderful site, earthclinic. thank you for taking us back to earth, now i know everything works, at the right time with the right attitude. Love always.

I would add that the emulsifying effect of the oil being broken down into tinier globules is probably also trapping any loosened material (food particles, bacteria, sugars, dead cells, etc... ) so it is removing a lot of the non-mucous membrane matter from your mouth. This also includes good bacteria, but by lowering the overall population of all types of bacteria, I think it levels the playing field allowing the good bacteria a chance to take hold to maintain the necessary balance for a healthy environment.

I also think that the body may be much more specific in which EFAs it absorbs there so it could pull just the ones it needs instead of everything that passes through the digestive track. These EFAs are also pure and not first acted upon by stomach acids or other digestive processes.

So, I searched for a remedy and found oil pulling. I decided to use coconut oil because of the added benefit of the antibacterial and anti fungal properties. I've been oil pulling with coconut oil for three months now and not only have my teeth started to whiten again, but I have noticed a decrease in eczema symptoms (which is probably also related to the smoking).

What I do is add a few drops of clove oil and lavender to help fight off any bad stuff (including germs that cause colds) and then before I use pop it into my mouth, I rub it on my face. My skin is looking amazing too!!

I have been doing it with coconut oil for nearly one month, and while I do not have any miraculous things going on, there are a few major differences I noticed after a couple weeks of doing it, and if I miss a day, I notice things start to regress in some areas.

Being that I am a singer, the biggest change I have noticed, though I didn't realise until a few days ago it was related, was the regaining the lowest parts of my low register. I lost it some time ago due to allergies, occasionally I'd get glimpses of it, but it never quite came back for good.

Over the last few weeks, I noticed my voice deepening a lot. Now, I have a huge vocal range spanning close to 4 octaves, but I lost a good octave due to the allergies, maybe more than that. I still haven't regained the highest parts of my upper register, but we'll see if over time, oil pulling helps that as well.

It has certainly helped with gum inflammation, I had some inflamed areas, and they are now normal and my gums don't look red anymore either, but healthy and pink. :)

I got frequent sinus infections, and while I may get some sinus pressure every now and then, for the most part, my sinuses are pretty cleared up and I don't get massive sinus headaches anymore.

For me, those 3 things are enough to keep oil pulling, even if I never see any new benefits down the road.

God Bless ~Amy

I can personally attest to the benefits of oil pulling. Definitely whiter teeth, at least two shades whiter and the oil removed the majority of stains within the first two months of use from a past history of having smoked for many years. No tartar ever since I started. The other thing it definitely does is remove particles of food which become lodged at the back of the mouth and tongue which can be missed when brushing the teeth and tongue .. oil pulling can also dislodge tonsil stones which you never knew you had. All these things can be missed and contribute to bad breath. Other things to note, while oil pulling, it will bring up phlegm which can also contribute to bad breath.

If oil pulling is done regularly and consistently with diligence .. properly .. swishing around the mouth for at least 15 - 20 minutes every night before bed you never wake up with bad breath in the morning. Gums are definitely healthier and pinker and has relieved mild tooth pain every single time.

My oil pulling regime has been done while I shower in an evening before bed and every morning when I wake up. Alongside oil pulling I have been using my homemade toothpaste. Sometimes I take my home made toothpaste and add it to my swishing mixture in my mouth which further adds to my oral hygiene routine. I am sure there are other things which have improved or that I have benefited from since I have been oil pulling which I have forgotten to add, for now this is my year long experience.

Note .. tongue brushing must be included in oral hygiene routines for good oral and dental health.

Thank you also earthclinic for having such a wonderfully diverse and informative site which helped me immensely in my journey towards better health.

Since a week I have been trying this and I experienced these things. oil pulling reduces leg cramps, cracked heels and also gives great energy.

In the meantime, I do have some thoughts about your routine that you might consider.

You said that at the same time you started oil pulling that you also started to brush your teeth and floss after every meal. This may very well be the problem. This is a common issue, especially here on EC, where most people think that brushing immediately after eating or drinking something acidic (like the popular remedy Apple Cider Vinegar) will protect their teeth from the erosion of the acid. Wrong! It's actually the opposite. Acidic foods and drinks will actually soften your enamel, so that when you brush your teeth you then brush the enamel away. Kind of the worst thing you could do if you're trying to protect your teeth!

The remedy is to make sure that you alkalize your mouth before brushing to ensure that the enamel is protected. You can do this by swishing with a solution of baking soda in water, eating or chewing a mint/gum sweetened with 100% xylitol (or dissolving the pure crystals in your mouth), eating a piece of cheese, or swishing with a commercial product like closys mouth wash. Brushing with an alkalized mouth is very different from brushing with an acidic mouth. This might also happen even if you haven't eaten recently because things like overall diet, stress, medications, toxins, candida, mouth breathing, and hormones that affect the acidity of the mouth. You can buy pH strips to test this easily.

Another issue might be how you are brushing and flossing: it could be a case of doing too much rather than too little. Most people use too hard of a toothbrush and put too much pressure on it, thinking that they have to scour their teeth to make them clean, much like cleaning a dirty, caked on dish. This actually can do lots of damage to teeth and gums. Instead, you should use a soft toothbrush and gently brush the teeth while focusing on massaging your gums to bring much needed circulation to your gums (and letting your body help you fight infection this way).

Secondly, most people have never been taught to properly floss either, so they tend to mangle and cut their gums rather than wriggle food particles out. Your dentist or dental hygienist should be able to show you how to correctly apply both these methods without damaging your soft tissues with heavy-handedness.

My next point was a hard pill for even me to swallow. You see, I have been using baking soda and peroxide as my "toothpaste" for the past 5 years, trying to be as natural as possible and throwing out chemical, commercial toothpaste. I liked it and didn't like the alternatives. Even so-called natural toothpastes have unnecessary or unwanted ingredients (like glycerin, which prevents your teeth from remineralizing with your natural saliva). I, too, practiced good hygiene; brushing and flossing every day and eating a healthy diet, but my oral health still wasn't where I expected it to be.

When I stumbled onto Dr. Ellie's blog I was disappointed to see that she does NOT recommend baking soda because of the effect she's seen on her patients' gums. Her insights have thrown off some of my thoughts and arrogance concerning natural tooth care. In this post she addresses this issue: http://ultimateoralhealthguide.com/2009/03/20/home-made-toothpaste/ . I'll quote a few sentences that caught my eye regarding your condition-

"I have seen baking soda used without problems for a few days, but after repeated use (over months or years) the gums start to disappear. There is no pain or swelling associated with this recession just a loss of gum tissue. This problem can be very severe to the point of people loosing teeth because of this."

Sound familiar? The reason I bring this up is two-fold. First, the main ingredient of Ecodent natural tooth powder is baking soda (baking soda is also mentioned in the first article I linked as a possible cause of gum recession). Secondly, I wanted you to know that I am NOT one who would normally buy any commercial body care products, including fluoride toothpaste. Most of my friends call me a" hippy", as I use the information here on EC as my "health care provider". However, Dr. Ellie has written very compelling evidence for the reasons she has recommended the products that she does.

In the one week (! ) that I've faithfully applied her full program, I have noticed great improvements in the markers of oral health that I felt I was previously failing at. My teeth are whiter and stronger, my front bottom teeth feel "tighter" in the gums (they previously felt "loose"), and I no longer bleed while brushing or flossing. Now, I'm not saying that these things will all happen for you, as you seem to have a much more advanced case than I, but you might! She has many other testimonials similar to mine.

I'm treading lightly here, as I have been amazed at the success I've found, but am very much aware of the dissonance this might create here in EC. Her system uses a series of mouth rinses and a commercial fluoride toothpaste, as well as timely application of xylitol products. She approves of very specific products and goes into detail about why they work. Yes, you read that- fluoride However, if you really take the time to understand the information she presents (across her whole blog), you may just decide to follow her program as well. If you are at all concerned about fluoride, like I am, start with this page:

http://ultimateoralhealthguide.com/2013/03/27/the-fluoride-debate-two-sides-to-every-story/

My recommendations are to look at the links I've posted, do some digging, and find out what will work for you. I know that if I was in your position that I would try to avoid surgery at if all possible (which you seem to as well). Also, I echo another poster in advocating the use of essential oils, especially clove, to deal with your mouth pain. Garlic, too, has seemed to help many others on this forum. Use the search bar above to find relevant posts. If anything, xylitol is also an excellent tool to explore using for dental health, with decades of research backing its efficacy in Europe.

I do not believe that oil pulling is what has been causing your recent discomfort, however I do not know that for sure. You might consider changing your oil to some other oil (maybe you're allergic?) as well as practicing good dietary habits. Drink an appropriate amount of water (coincidentally most people drink too much and flush their body's electrolytes away-see The Water Cure for more info), eat enough protein (since your body needs to build up your gum tissue and repair it), and be kind to yourself!

Good luck, and I hope that I've given you some useful information to help you. Give us an update if you can!

I've tried oil pulling for the last 3 months and I have only seen benefits. I have noticed my energy has soared and my breath is better, teeth are whiter and no more bleeding gums. I don't feel the need to smoke as much nowadays. Suppressed appetite, and I'm able sleep better and much deeper. I will now and forever keep oil pulling.

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)).

Dont believe the drug pushing drug companies. GOD gave us everything we need. How do u think other cultures survived for thousands of yrs? why was evoo, and herbs etc considered currency? EVEN BEER! Modern medicine is yesterday news. They try diff things but then 10yrs later u always see that people have lawsuits due to drugs they took. ESPECIALLY Now! DETOX first, then inflammation will go away, then restoration occurs. All diease comes from inflammation and cellular degeneration. Oxidation is also important. BUT THE MOST BY FAR- IMHO- is normalizing/testing regularly ur Ph. of BOTH the BLOOD/URINE. EVERYone is finding that acidosis is the main contributor of cellular degeneration. Check it out.

INSTRUCTIONS:

First thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, eating or drinking, take 1 TBSP of either sesame or sunflower oil. Put the oil in your mouth, tilt your chin up and slowly swish, suck, chomp and pull through the teeth. Do this for at least 10 minutes. 15 - 20 minutes is better. You want the oil to become a thin, white foam when you finally spit it out. If it's still yellow, you haven't done it long enough.

You can do this 2 more times during the day if you want to detox faster. Make sure you do it on an empty stomach, however. Spit it out in the toilet when your mouth is full and rinse your mouth out well.

Follow by drinking 2 - 3 glasses of water.

DO NOT SWALLOW THE OIL.
It now contains parasites and bacteria!

DO NOT GARGLE IN THE THROAT -- THE OIL IS MEANT TO BE SWISHED IN THE MOUTH ONLY.

DO IT SLOWLY.

HOW IT WORKS:
The oil pulls all mucous, bacteria and toxins from your body through your saliva. According to Ayurvedic medicine, mucous is a poison that must be removed.

Note #1:
Keeping the chin tilted up makes sure the oil gets to the back molars.

Note #2:
The old school says that only sesame and sunflower oils produce favorable results. However, our readers report success using other oils too.

Note #3:
If after meals, wait at least 4 hours before you Oil Pull. After drinking, wait 1 hour.

Note #4:
A worsening of symptoms is an excellent indication that the disease/ailment is being cured.

Note #5:
Do not stop Oil Pulling if you feel aggravated symptoms or heightened side effects after a day or two. Your body is healing.

Note #6:
Will your dental fillings fall out? It's possible but highly unlikely unless there is pre-existing damage or loose fillings.

The oil will start to thin out after a few minutes because saliva is constantly being mixed in and swished about.

I was wondering where oil pulling ends and going back to the dentist begins again, though. I have a cracked tooth that I was advised needs a route canal. It is edgy and feels rough on my tongue. I know I'll have to revisit for this at some point.

What else can be done? I have read people dealing with these types of issues themselves especially if there is anxiety involved.

Also, how do people ultimately deal with the pressures that the dentists usually put us through in that chair when we get a checkup/cleaning?

It is sometimes hard to get around...especially if you really need their care for a dental emergency down the line.

Thanks ahead for commenting and advising!

I discovered oil pulling on this website in 2014. I am so very thankful for the countless people around this world who are generous with everything they share on here. A woman in 2014 wrote about O.P.. She advised everyone to thoroughly rinse their mouth after O.P.. She also advised everyone to wait one hour before brushing their teeth . She said the oil softens the enamel on your teeth from O.P.. She said you should wait one hour after you're done oil pulling to let the enamel harden before you brush your teeth . I've been following her advice since I started O.P.. I wonder now if it's necessary . Please tell what you think .

Thank you!

Well here's the thing, I used to be much higher than that! When I was working overseas I was in a fairly high-stress occupation in arduous conditions and not on an ideal diet. I had the occasional trip to see my favourite Indian Homoeopath, who lived on the tenth floor of this dilapidated, old building in which the lift had broken down way back in 197?, so I had to climb all the stairs. She insisted on taking my BP when I reached the top and started to tut tut her way through my diagnosis. She recorded my BP in a card system only she could operate. It was indexed by First names I think, like the telephone book in that country. I would have been listed as "Mr. Michael" had I had a land line. The Indians have a finely tuned sense of humour. I pleaded for ten minutes by her fan after braving such a climb and the 45 degree centigrade heat outside. Never mind.

To-day I have just returned from a visit to the A & E Department of our local hospital which is an hour away from here. Although there were only a few people waiting (I made sure I got there at opening time) we had to wait almost two hours to get as far as the Good Doctor. In the mean time the nurse had checked my BP and filled in the usual form. She seemed genuinely surprised to see that my BP was 136/81 for an older guy who might be expected to be above that. Not the BP of a twenty year old but still not too bad. The two hour wait, reading articles on the British Royal Family's scheming and in-fighting, as well as the various and many latest disappointments of Jennifer Aniston, must have served to calm down my fevered brow from my usual agitated state. Tough love is the story Jennifer.... if I may be so bold. I was a naughty boy and tossed my dummy and my BP pills away about a year ago and vowed to henceforth lead the Monastic Lifestyle to boot. Although not World Famous for being consistent (more like a butterfly really), what I have done is the Oil Pulling with Coconut oil in the morning first thing for many months now. That and doing the early flush with Lemon / Lime juice, the ACV, then the ACV AND Bicarbonate of Soda, Molasses drink, MSM, Alfalfa, a broad-spectrum Multi-Vitamin, plus occasional Magnesium Chloride Liquid and two or three Vit. C tablets (1000mg) per week and Ted's Borax Protocol.

I usually take weekends off to give the bod a rest......!! ( I was tempted to change to Sesame Seed oil instead of CO but all they had at the local health food store was toasted stuff so I steered clear of it). I too have suffered from Sinus problems my whole life. I seem clear at the moment but I am waiting for the wet weather, when I might have to use the Nettie Pot again. Alfalfa tabs have really helped "unclog me". Try them for a week. Sensational relief for me. I was interested to learn about the swishing with Salt and BS. Might try that one. Is there any harm in just swallowing the CO after one has been doing this pulling for a few weeks I sometimes wonder? Pity to waste such good stuff!

Moral to convoluted diatribe above? None! Only (1) that the CO may have helped to lower the BP. I admit to taking a spoonful whenever I remember to do it. Also, (2) thanks to M to M for the Turmeric poultice recipe and I tried Avocado oil, Turmeric and Black Pepper as a paste. Gave relief on the knee overnight. Whoopee! I will be running soon. And (3) Try the Alfalfa to unclog the Tubes. Hooray. More from Down Under from one who is not yet "Down Under"!

Cheers, Michael

Currently suffer from certain things: occasional dandruff, some scalp psoriasis, oily skin, keratosis pilaris (upper arm), fatigue, unhealthy weight (in my opinion, I want to be at 130 lbs.), occasional mood and mild depression. Also my knee joints will start hurting if I put too much stress on them (i.e running more than 5 miles). I also feel that I drink too much alcohol/usually social binge drinking weekends and sometimes weekdays. I know, it's bad!

I started oil pulling 3 days ago with coconut oil for 10 mins. first thing in the morning. The side effects of detoxing did not start until this morning (third day), I woke up feeling hot (flu-like symptoms), groggy, and just moody. Throughout the day I have been feeling somewhat nauseated as well. I've noticed that after my first OP, I've had really deep sleep accompanied with vivid dreams!

Positives haven't been significant, since it's still too early to tell...but just like with other people... I have seen that my skin looks somewhat smoother, teeth are whiter, my vision seems a lot clearer too (colors are more vibrant), good quality sleep, and I have also been leaning on to craving healthier foods. My cravings for salt & sugar seem to be decreasing as well.

I am going to continue with OP and I'll check back in within a few weeks! Hopefully will see more benefits :)

You might want to try the WO (water only) haircare routine for your scalp problems. I am into my fifth month of showering with water only. My hair has gone through some adjustments but is clean and healthy and the natural wave and curl are returning. My skin is smooth and clear. Body odor minimal and I combat that with the application of coconut oil which seems to help.

I am hoping that OP will add into my WO therapy and I can become healthier. I am 77 yrs old and this is all good.