The Ancient Practice of Oil Pulling: My 10-Year Journey to Healthy Teeth and Gums
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has recently found its way into modern wellness circles—and for good reason. Traditionally, sesame oil was used in India as part of daily self-care rituals, but today, coconut oil has become the most popular choice, especially among celebrities and holistic health enthusiasts.
The practice itself is simple: place about a teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10–20 minutes, then spit it out. The idea is that the oil “pulls” toxins, bacteria, and impurities from the mouth, leaving your teeth and gums refreshed.
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My Introduction to Oil Pulling
I first discovered oil pulling back in 2012, when I was looking for natural ways to support oral health. Out of curiosity, I tried it—and I’ve never looked back.
At first, I experimented with different oils: sesame oil (too strong for me), avocado oil (interesting, but not quite right), and finally coconut oil—which became my favorite. Coconut oil tastes light and clean, and it’s the one I’ve stuck with for more than 10 years.
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What I Noticed Right Away
The very first thing I noticed was how much healthier my gums looked. They turned a vibrant, healthy pink, and the looseness I had begun to feel as I entered my 30s completely shifted. My gums tightened up (in a good way), and the spaces between my teeth felt more supported.
Since then, oil pulling has been a constant part of my routine. I’ve had no cavities in over a decade, and overall, my teeth feel strong and clean.
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The “Lazy” Version of Oil Pulling
Traditionally, people recommend swishing for 10–20 minutes. Honestly? I don’t always do that. Some nights before bed, I just swish for two minutes, spit it out, and brush my teeth right after. Even with this “lazy” version, I’ve still noticed benefits.
One practical tip: if you’re using coconut oil, don’t spit it down the sink—it can clog your drains. Spit it into the trash instead.
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Benefits of Oil Pulling
People have reported a variety of benefits from oil pulling, and my own experience confirms many of them:
• Healthier, pinker gums
• Fresher breath
• Reduced plaque buildup
• Stronger, cleaner-feeling teeth
• Whiter smile (naturally over time)
• Detoxification signs (sometimes when my gums bleed, I notice it correlates with my body going through detox phases)
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Final Thoughts
For me, oil pulling is more than just a wellness hack—it’s a ritual of care. After more than 10 years, it has become part of my lifestyle, a small daily practice that continues to reward me with healthy gums, cavity-free teeth, and a deeper sense of connection to my body.
If you’ve been curious about trying it, I say: give it a go. Experiment with different oils until you find one that feels right for you. Start small, even just two minutes, and build from there.
Your teeth—and your whole body—will thank you.
💡 Want to know more about the origins and science of this practice?
Read my breakdown of Oil Pulling: Ancient Ayurveda Meets Modern Research to explore the tradition, benefits, and what studies say.
Much love,
Ikue | Dance & Fascia Oracle™💃💞
