Oil Pulling for 

Better Oro-Dental Hygiene

Oil pulling is inexpensive and can be easily included in your morning oral hygiene routine. Based on a recent review, it concludes that:[13]

The limited evidence to date from clinical trials suggests that oil pulling may have beneficial effects on oro dental hygiene as seen for the short period of time investigated. Given that this is a potentially cost-effective intervention, this practice might be of particular benefit. Future clinical trials should be more rigorous and better reported.

Oil pulling is also claimed to have advantages over commercial mouthwashes since it causes no staining, has no lingering after taste, causes no allergic reactions and is readily available in the household.[5]


As a personal testimony, I claim that oil pulling could and should be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving your oral health.

Figure 1.  Mucociliary clearance 

Why Bad Breath in the Morning?

When you sleep, your mouth dries out. When your mouth dries out, odor-producing bacteria proliferate. "When you sleep, your normal flow of saliva decreases,” Dr. Cram explains. “That’s why your breath can be worse in the morning."[1] 

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling has been used extensively for many years, without scientific evidence or proof, as a traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent teeth decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of throat and cracked lips, and for strengthening the teeth, gums, and jaws.

The basic idea is that oil is swished in the mouth for a short time each day and that this action helps improve oral health. Just as with Oil Cleansing for the skin, the principle of “like dissolves like” applies, as oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums.

Before You Start

The best time to do oil pulling is in the morning after you wake up and before you drink the first glass of water for the day.  If needed, Dr. Bruce Fife also suggests that it can be done before each meal for more severe infections or dental problems.[4]

Do these preparation before you start the morning oil pulling routine:

What Oil to Use?

Whatever oil you put in your mouth should be good-quality ones. In [1, 2, 5], the following oils with additional antibacterial and/or antifungal activity, are recommended:

How to Do Oil Pulling?

Here is the procedure:

References