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Have you heard of oil pulling with coconut oil? It’s become quite the hype these days, and for good reason. I’ve been doing it for a while now, and even though I’m the first to admit I’m not perfectly consistent, I keep coming back to it.
Can I tell you the hardest part? Not being able to talk for 20 whole minutes! I’ve tried it in the morning while I’m making breakfast, in the quiet middle of the day, and late at night once the house finally settles down, and without fail, someone needs something and I get cut short. Every single time!
Oh well. I make it to the full 20 minutes every now and then, and even when I don’t, my mouth feels so clean and fresh afterward that I keep right on doing it.
What Is Oil Pulling?
So what even is oil pulling? Believe it or not, it’s an old, old practice. People have been doing it for centuries as a natural way to care for their teeth and gums.
All you do is swish oil around your mouth, letting it work its way between your teeth and all around your gums. That’s really it! I think of it as one more gentle, natural little step in my routine, right alongside brushing.
How to Oil Pull With Coconut Oil
It could not be simpler, which is why I can’t believe it took me so long to start.
Add about one tablespoon of coconut oil to your mouth, swish it around for 20 minutes, and then spit it out. That’s it. Nothing fancy, and definitely nothing pretty. 😉
Now, one important thing: never swallow the oil! By the time you’re done swishing, it’s full of all the bacteria and gunk it just pulled out of your mouth, and you do not want to put that back in. Spit it into the trash, too, not the sink, or it can harden and clog your drain. Then follow up by brushing your teeth like normal.
Best Oils for Oil Pulling
Coconut oil is the most popular, partly for the taste and partly because it’s just lovely and mild. It’s the one I always reach for.
How Often Should You Oil Pull?
Most people aim for once a day. If that’s tough (I hear you!), even a few times a week is a nice addition to your routine. I like to do it and then brush right after.
My Coconut Oil Pulling Melts
Sharing this almost feels silly because it’s so simple, but I use them, so here you go! I can be lazy about self-care for myself (I’ll do anything for my kids, but I forget about me). So I started making these little pre-portioned melts, and having them ready in the fridge makes me so much more likely to actually do it.
Melt ½ cup of coconut oil in a small saucepan and take it off the heat. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in 5 drops of spearmint for a fresh taste. Spoon it into silicone molds (about a tablespoon each) and pop them in the fridge overnight to harden. Store them in a jar in the fridge or a cool, dry spot, and melt one in your mouth whenever you’re ready to swish. Full amounts are in the recipe card below.
Does It Brighten Your Teeth?
People love to say that oil pulling brightens your teeth, and you know what? I truly believe it has for me. My teeth look brighter, and my whole mouth feels so clean and fresh every time I do it. Give it a few weeks and see what you think, I have a feeling you’ll be hooked like I am.
Expert Tips
- Keep the swishing gentle. It’s a slow swish, not a vigorous one.
- Start with 5 minutes if 20 feels like forever, and work your way up.
- Always spit into the trash, never the sink, so the oil doesn’t clog your drain.
Oil Pulling FAQs
The classic is 20 minutes, but even 5 to 10 minutes is a fine place to start.
No, always spit it out. By the time you’re done, it’s full of the bacteria it pulled from your mouth, so you don’t want to swallow it. Spit it into the trash, too, so it doesn’t clog your drain.
Coconut oil is the most popular for its mild taste, and it’s the one I always use.
More Natural Oral Care
- Homemade Mouthwash with Spearmint
- Homemade All Natural Toothpaste
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Uses and DIY Recipes
If you tried this oil pulling with coconut oil or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a comment and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Coconut Oil Pulling Melts
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 5 drops of spearmint essential oil
- Silicone molds
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat, let cool for about 10 minutes, then stir in the spearmint.
- Use a 1 tbsp measuring spoon to transfer the oil into the silicone molds.
- Place the molds in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
- Once hardened, transfer to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
- Use daily by melting one coconut oil melt in the mouth, swish it around for 15-20 minutes, and spit the oil out.
- Brush teeth like normal.
Just wondering if there is a particular brand or type of coconut oil to purchase.
I do have one linked in the blog post, but I would look for cold pressed and unrefined.
Laura
You are amazing!
Thank you so much for all your recipes and suggestions.
Regards,
Kim
Hi Laura
I have been thinking of doing oil pulling that’s when i saw this blog but I don’t have all the oils but have Doterra’s Onguard. Can i just use that in these pods
Thanks
Yes, that works great!
That’s supposed to say the, not tight in the first sentence of my message.
Also, I’d like to try, do this because I desperately need a teeth-cleaning and have not been able to get in to see a dentist because of this pandemic. I would like to know if there is something safe & effective I can do at home to reduce or remove plaque and tartar.
I’ve read oil pulling can be bad because of tight bacteria released, that if any gets ingested, it could be harmful to your health. Your thoughts?
Also, there are different types of coconut oil in stores, how do you know what’s bestto buy for this purpose? For example, it can be found in food areas like around condiments, baking supplies, and in the health & beauty section of the store. Is it all the same, just put in different places?
I have only read good things about oil-pulling! I personally do it often, but you can do what you think is best for you.
I’ve never heard of oil pulling but this is so cool!