Therapy
Oil Pulling
A traditional oral hygiene practice of swishing oil in the mouth, sometimes used alongside brushing to support dental health.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 56/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Oil pulling is an old practice of swishing an edible oil, often coconut oil, in the mouth for an extended period before spitting it out.
📜 Where it comes from
Oil pulling traces to traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, where swishing oil in the mouth was described in classical Ayurvedic texts as part of daily oral hygiene routines. The practice was traditionally done with sesame oil and later adapted by modern practitioners to use coconut oil, spreading into Western natural-health circles in recent decades as an add-on to conventional brushing.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Simple, low-cost addition to oral care
- May offer a mild complement to brushing
- Uses a common kitchen ingredient
🙏 Begin with prayer
Prayer is the first remedy, not the last resort. Whether you are facing this yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply reading to understand — here is a simple prayer you are welcome to make your own, in your name or in theirs:
Lord, I thank You for this old practice of oil pulling, a small daily discipline for the mouth You gave me. Bless it as I use it alongside brushing and care, not in place of it. Give me faithfulness in caring for this body, Your temple, in small things and great. Grant wisdom to know when a dentist's help is needed too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”— 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
🥄 How to use it
Swish about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil around the mouth for 10-20 minutes, then spit into the trash (not the sink, to avoid clogging pipes), and rinse with water before brushing as usual.
How much: 1 tablespoon, swished for 10-20 minutes, once daily.
Why it works: The swishing action and the oil's mild antibacterial properties may help remove some bacteria and debris from the mouth, offering a gentle complement to regular brushing and flossing.
⚠️ Cautions
- Not a replacement for brushing, flossing, or regular dental checkups — evidence for preventing cavities on its own is limited.
- Do not swallow the oil once you're done swishing, as it collects bacteria and debris.
- Discontinue if it causes jaw soreness from extended swishing.
📚 Learn more
Oil pulling is a traditional oral-care practice passed down through folk tradition rather than outside references, and the full method lives right here on this page.
💬 Ask Remy about Oil Pulling
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
Your vote is saved. Source endorsement totals come from books and studies (+7 per book, +5 per article). You can change your vote anytime from this device.
💬 Comments & experiences
Share what worked for you — and reply or 👍 like the experiences that resonate. Comments get a quick review before they appear publicly, to keep things safe and honest. Please don't make medical claims.
💚 Have an experience to share? Create a free account to join the conversation — your words might be exactly what someone else needs. Reading is always open to everyone.
Know a remedy like this?
Share a structured suggestion and our team will review it for the site.
Suggest a similar remedy