Oil pulling: what the evidence says

Oil pulling and tongue scraping both come from Ayurvedic oral care. These guides separate what studies support from what they do not, and explain how to do it safely alongside brushing.

• What are the real benefits of oil pulling?The benefits of oil pulling that have any research behind them are modest. Small, short trials suggest swishing oil may lower bacteria counts in saliva and...
• Will oil pulling whiten your teeth?No, oil pulling is not a meaningful way to whiten teeth. The American Dental Association says there are no reliable studies showing it whitens teeth, and a...
• Is coconut oil pulling dangerous?Coconut oil pulling is low-risk for most healthy adults, but it is not risk-free. The most serious documented danger is lipoid pneumonia from accidentally...
• How do you do oil pulling with coconut oil?To do oil pulling with coconut oil, put about one tablespoon of edible coconut oil in your mouth, let it melt, then swish it gently around your teeth for 5...
• What does Ayurveda say about tongue scraping?In Ayurveda, tongue scraping, known as jivha nirlekhana or jihwa nirlekhana, is part of dinacharya, the daily morning routine, done alongside teeth cleaning...
• Is oil pulling better than mouthwash?For most people, a therapeutic mouthwash is the better-supported choice. Rinses with active ingredients such as fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride or...