When I was assigned oil pulling as a blog topic, I thought, “Um. Okaaaaay.” A quick Google search revealed the latest wellness craze, an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique from India that claims to naturally whiten teeth, strengthen the gums and jaw, prevent gingivitis and cavities, get rid of toxins in the body, improve skin, clear sinuses, promote heart health and alleviate headaches and hangovers (!!).

Gwyneth does it. If Gwyneth does it, how crazy can it be? Right? (Actually, on second thought…)

Ok, so here’s the deal. Oil pulling involves placing a tablespoon of oil (most people use coconut oil, but you can use any vegetable-based oil) in your mouth and swishing it around for about 20 minutes. You kind of squish it through/between the front and back of your teeth.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Well, I tried it. I really was expecting it to be horrible. I’d read accounts by others online who spoke of gagging and almost throwing up. I didn’t think it was THAT bad. I used coconut oil. It definitely has a strange texture at first. It starts as a lump but as you swish it around, it becomes more liquidy. It didn’t taste badly. Slight hint of coconut. The difficult part was the swishing—I made it to 10 minutes and then had to spit it out. I’m thinking I could probably make it to 20 if I swished first thing in the morning as I’m getting ready. Being busy for the 20 minutes would make the time go by faster.

What’s the Theory Behind it?

There haven’t been a lot of studies, and there’s no real scientific evidence behind it. But, in theory, the bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque are supposed to “stick” to the oil. So, you’re removing harmful bacteria each time you swish, improving your oral and overall health.

Does it Work?

I can’t speak to it personally yet because I haven’t done it often or long enough. Other bloggers who tried it saw some benefits: cleaner, shinier teeth, fresher breath. Another said her teeth were whiter and brighter. As for all the claims listed above? I definitely didn’t find any definitive proof that swishing coconut oil can make miracles happen for your health. But, I also didn’t find anything that said it’s harmful either. Trying it is up to you! If you do it, let me know your results!

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