How to Do It, and Why we Love It: Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

Have you heard of oil pulling with coconut oil? It’s become quite the hype these days, and for good reason. We've been doing it for a while now, and even though we're the first to admit we're not perfectly consistent, we keep coming back to it.

Not being able to talk for 20 whole minutes! We've tried it in the morning while we're 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 we get cut short. Every single time! Can we tell you the hardest part?

Oh well. We make it to the full 20 minutes every now and then, and even when we don’t, our mouth feels so clean and fresh afterward that we 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.

We think of it as one more gentle, natural little step in our routine, right alongside brushing. 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!

How to Oil Pull With Coconut Oil

It could not be simpler, which is why we 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. 😉

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. Now, one important thing: never swallow the oil!

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 we always reach for.

How Often Should You Oil Pull?

Most people aim for once a day. If that’s tough (we hear you!), even a few times a week is a nice addition to your routine. We like to do it and then brush right after.

Our Coconut Oil Pulling Melts

We can be lazy about self-care for myself (we'll do anything for our kids, but we forget about me). So we started making these little pre-portioned melts, and having them ready in the fridge makes me so much more likely to actually do it. Sharing this almost feels silly because it’s so simple, but we use them, so here you go!

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. Melt ½ cup of coconut oil in a small saucepan and take it off the heat.

Does It Brighten Your Teeth?

Give it a few weeks and see what you think, we have a feeling you’ll be hooked like we am. People love to say that oil pulling brightens your teeth, and you know what? We truly believe it has for me. Our teeth look brighter, and our whole mouth feels so clean and fresh every time we do it.

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

How long should you oil pull?

The classic is 20 minutes, but even 5 to 10 minutes is a fine place to start.

Can you swallow the oil?

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.

What’s the best oil for oil pulling?

Coconut oil is the most popular for its mild taste, and it’s the one we 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 our website, please leave a comment and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

5 from 18 votes

Coconut Oil Pulling Melts

By the studio Ascher Prep: 5 minutes minsTotal: 5 minutes mins Servings: 8 melts SaveSaved Pin Print Pre-portioned coconut oil pulling melts with a fresh, minty taste, ready in the fridge whenever you want to swish.

Ingredients

• ½ cup coconut oil
• 5 drops of spearmint essential oil
• Silicone molds

Prevent your screen from going dark

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.

Video

Notes

Never swallow the oil, always spit it out (into the trash, not the sink). Store your melts in the fridge or a cool, dark spot, and keep them out of reach of children. Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!