Many people find oil pulling refreshing, but there is no proven benefit for the teeth. The studies on it are small and have clear flaws. Against firm plaque, oil pulling is no better than rinsing with water, and it replaces neither brushing nor cleaning between your teeth. If you enjoy it, you can keep doing it before brushing. Plaque is removed by your toothbrush, interdental brushes and regular dental hygiene.
Updated: 9 November 2026
How oil pulling works
Oil pulling comes from Ayurvedic tradition. You move a little vegetable oil, usually coconut or sesame oil, around your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes, draw it through your teeth and then spit it out.
What the studies show
- The claims that oil pulling helps against bad breath, bleeding gums, decay or plaque rest mainly on a small 2008 study with 20 participants.
- A 2020 Cochrane Collaboration review found clear flaws in this study and two follow-up studies.
- Other claims, such as detoxing or helping with headaches and skin problems, have not been studied.
- The American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as oral hygiene.
Is oil pulling harmful?
Usually not. The biggest risk: relying on it and brushing less thoroughly. Swallowing a lot of oil can upset your stomach.
What works instead
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth once a day. What suits you is explained in “Floss or interdental brushes?”.
- If you have bad breath, clean your tongue too. Read more in “What helps against bad breath?”.
- Have a dental hygiene appointment regularly, every six months for most people.
- For brighter teeth: dental hygiene removes surface stains. Whitening with Philips Zoom lightens the tooth itself.
