Oil pulling, or gandusha
Oil pulling, swishing oil round the mouth before breakfast, comes from Ayurveda's daily routine. Here is the method, what the dental research found, and its limits.
The short answer
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing a spoonful of oil, usually coconut or sesame, round the mouth for a few minutes on an empty stomach, then spitting it out. It comes from two Ayurvedic practices, gandusha (holding a full mouthful) and kavala (swishing a smaller amount). Small trials suggest it may reduce plaque and gum inflammation a little, but they are of low quality, and dental associations say it does not replace brushing, flossing or a dentist. It does not detoxify the body.
In this guide
Gandusha and kavala
The Ashtanga Hridaya (Sutrasthana, chapter 22) describes two mouth therapies. In gandusha the mouth is filled completely with a liquid and held without moving it until the eyes and nose begin to water. In kavala a smaller amount is swished round the mouth and spat out. The liquids include sesame oil, milk, herbal decoctions and honey water. Both are part of the morning routine and are said to strengthen the teeth, gums, jaw and voice and to clear the sense of taste.
What is now called oil pulling is close to kavala, and was popularised in the 1990s.
How to do oil pulling
- In the morning, before eating or drinking, put a tablespoon of coconut or plain sesame oil in your mouth. Start with a teaspoon if a tablespoon feels like too much.
- Swish it gently round the mouth and between the teeth for five to ten minutes. Some people build up to twenty. Do not gargle it.
- Spit it into a bin or onto a paper towel, not the sink: oil hardens and blocks pipes.
- Rinse with warm water, then brush your teeth as usual.
Never swallow the oil, and do not oil pull while lying down. Not suitable for young children, who may swallow or inhale it.
Gandusha and kavala strengthen the teeth and gums, prevent dryness and cracking of the lips and mouth, and are part of daily care alongside cleaning the teeth and scraping the tongue.
A 2016 systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found a few small randomised trials suggesting oil pulling may reduce plaque, gum inflammation and bacteria a little, but all were at high risk of bias. It has not been shown to prevent cavities, and the American Dental Association does not recommend it as a replacement for standard care. Claims that it draws toxins out of the body or treats illness have no evidence.
Safety
- Inhaling oil can cause a lung condition called lipoid pneumonia; a few cases have been linked to oil pulling. Swish gently, sit upright, and spit before you feel any urge to cough.
- Jaw ache can come from long sessions; keep them short.
- Allergies: use an oil you know you tolerate.
- Tooth pain, bleeding gums or a loose tooth need a dentist, not more oil pulling.
Oil pulling fits into the Ayurvedic morning routine after tongue scraping. For the body oil massage, see abhyanga.
Questions readers ask
Which oil is best for oil pulling?
Coconut and plain (not toasted) sesame oil are the most used. Sesame is the classical Ayurvedic choice; coconut is milder in taste.
How long should I oil pull?
Five to ten minutes is common; some people build up to twenty. Longer sessions can make the jaw ache.
Does oil pulling whiten teeth or cure cavities?
There is no good evidence for either. Small trials suggest a modest effect on plaque and gum inflammation.
Can oil pulling replace brushing?
No. Dental associations say it does not replace brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth and dental check-ups.
Is oil pulling safe?
Generally yes for adults if the oil is not swallowed or inhaled. Rare cases of lipoid pneumonia from inhaled oil have been reported. Not for young children.
Sources
- Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana chapter 22 (Gandushadi vidhi)
- Gbinigie O, et al. Effect of oil pulling in promoting oro dental hygiene: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2016
- American Dental Association: Oil pulling
- Kim JY, et al. Exogenous lipoid pneumonia associated with oil pulling: report of a case. Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, 2014
A note on health. This guide explains a tradition. It is not medical advice, and nothing in it is a treatment for any disease. See a qualified doctor for symptoms, and do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on the strength of anything you read here. Full medical disclaimer.
