How Oil Pulling Is Done
Short answer. Oil pulling means swishing a small amount of edible oil in your mouth for a few minutes and spitting it out. If you want to understand oil pulling how it is done, the steps are simple, but the method varies a lot between sources and none of it replaces brushing.
- Oil pulling is swishing an edible oil gently, then spitting it into the trash.
- Coconut, sesame and sunflower oil are the ones most often mentioned.
- Sources disagree on timing, so there is no single proven method.
- Brush and clean between your teeth as usual; oil pulling is only an add-on.
- Stop if it causes discomfort and ask a dentist about any symptom.
What the basic method looks like
Most descriptions are similar. You put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth, swish it slowly between and around the teeth, and keep going for several minutes. Then you spit it out and rinse your mouth with water. Many people do it first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking.
Gentle is the key word. Forceful swishing tires the jaw and cheeks quickly, and it is not what traditional descriptions call for. The oil usually becomes thinner and paler as it mixes with saliva, which is normal and nothing to read into.
Which oils are used?
Coconut oil is the most common choice today because it is easy to find and has a mild taste. Sesame oil is the traditional one in many accounts, and sunflower oil also appears in research and guides. Whichever you pick, it should be an edible oil that you would be comfortable eating.
No oil has been shown to be the best one. If you have a nut, seed or other food allergy, pick accordingly or skip the practice and ask a doctor or pharmacist. Flavored or essential-oil blends add ingredients you may not need and are worth avoiding.
How long and how often?
Sources range from a couple of minutes to twenty minutes, and from occasional use to daily. That spread is itself a sign that the practice is not standardized. Longer is not clearly better, and a very long session can make some people feel nauseated or sore around the jaw.
If you try it, starting with a shorter session you can finish comfortably is reasonable. Treat the timing as personal preference, not a dose, because there is no established amount that does anything specific.
What to do afterward
Spit the oil into a trash can or a paper towel, not the sink or toilet; the plumbing guide on this site explains why. Rinse with plain water, then brush with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth as you normally would.
Some people brush first and pull afterward, others the reverse. Neither order is established as better. What matters is that the usual routine still happens in full.
Who should be careful
Anyone with jaw pain, a tendency to gag, a swallowing difficulty or a food allergy to the oil should be cautious or avoid it. Children can swallow the oil by accident, so an adult should ask a dentist or doctor first.
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, has a medical condition or takes medicine can ask a dentist, doctor or pharmacist whether it is sensible for them. If anything hurts or looks wrong in your mouth, see a dentist instead of pulling through it.
Questions readers ask
Should I swallow any of the oil by accident?
A small accidental amount is usually not a worry for most adults, but the oil holds the material from your mouth, so spit it out. If you feel unwell, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Is it better to oil pull on an empty stomach?
Many guides suggest the morning before eating, but this is tradition and preference rather than something research has settled. Do what feels comfortable.
Can I use the same oil for cooking and pulling?
Any edible oil you would eat is the norm. Use fresh oil that smells normal, and do not reuse oil that has already been in your mouth.
What if my jaw gets tired?
Shorten the session and swish more gently. Persistent jaw pain is a reason to stop and mention it to a dentist or doctor.
Talk to a professional. Persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, loose teeth or sores that do not heal need a dentist's attention, not a supplement.