What is oil pulling?

You may already be familiar with the term “oil pulling,” due to its rising popularity among the health conscious crowd of bloggers and social media personalities. But what exactly is oil pulling and what are the benefits? We’re glad you asked. Oil pulling may be new to some, but it’s actually an Ayurvedic oral therapy that's been around for centuries.

The practice involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes each day to draw or ‘pull’ out the toxins in your oral cavity. But a regular oil pulling routine should not replace traditional at-home oral care or routine dental visits, and here’s why.

Even though there is no harm in oil pulling, there's a lack of evidence that it actually improves oral health. Instead, we suggest using a toothpaste formulated with organic coconut oil and other natural ingredients known to freshen breath, prevent cavities and reduce plaque buildup like our mineral whitening toothpaste.  

Try Toothpaste With Coconut Oil Instead

Each ingredient in the Dr. Brite toothpaste, including Coconut Oil, serves a purpose, unlike toothpaste substitutes that may not include all the necessary components to effectively clean your teeth, remove stains and neutralize bacteria. Here are some of the other oral health benefits of using toothpaste with coconut oil:

• Whitens teeth
• Helps reduce tooth decay
• May soothe irritated gums
• Can repair chapped lips 
• Moisturizes the mouth 

If you wish to try oil pulling, please do not discontinue your daily dental care routine. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day (for two minutes each time), and follow up with an alcohol-free cleansing mouthwash. You might want to try our Cleansing Mouth Rinse. It's also made with coconut oil so you can swish and receive all the benefits this powerful ingredient has to offer! 

 Additional reading: Natural Ingredients for Whiter Teeth

FAQs

1. Does coconut oil toothpaste whiten teeth?

Many believe coconut oil can improve gum health, remove plaque, and even whiten teeth. Before you begin oil-pulling every morning, ask yourself, Does coconut oil really whiten teeth? Your oral health does not appear to be affected by the oil.

2. Does coconut oil actually whiten teeth?

There have been both good and bad news reported. Coconut oil is safe for use on teeth. Unfortunately, it won't help you whiten your teeth either. Coconut oil is not scientifically proven to benefit oral health either.

3. Does coconut oil get rid of yellow teeth?

There have been both good and bad news reported. Coconut oil is safe for use on teeth. Unfortunately, it won't help you whiten your teeth either. Coconut oil is not scientifically proven to benefit oral health either.

4. Does oil pulling with coconut oil whiten teeth?

Coconut oil as a teeth whitening agent does not whiten your teeth.
There is no scientific evidence that supports our desire for a pearly white smile. According to this myth, people believe oil pulling removes stains from bacteria, which makes their teeth appear whiter.

5. Is oil pulling bad for your teeth?

When you're done, spit out the oil. Many people believe that oil pulling has a positive impact on oral health, with few side effects. A 2007 study found no negative effects of oil pulling on the hard or soft tissues of the oral cavity.