What oil pulling actually is
Oil pulling (called 'kavala' or 'gandusha' in Ayurveda) means swishing a tablespoon of oil around the mouth for several minutes, then spitting it out. The oil binds to bacteria and the biofilm on teeth, and you remove it when you spit. It is a complement to brushing and flossing — never a replacement.
What the evidence supports
Several small studies show oil pulling can reduce Streptococcus mutans (a cavity-linked bacterium), reduce plaque, and improve mild gingivitis and bad breath — roughly comparable to a chlorhexidine mouthwash in some measures. The effect is real but modest. Claims that oil pulling 'detoxes the body', 'cures' systemic disease, or 'whitens teeth dramatically' are not supported by evidence.
Which oil to use
Coconut oil is the most popular and best-studied choice — its lauric acid has antimicrobial activity and the taste is tolerable. Sesame (til) oil is the traditional Ayurvedic choice and also well-studied. Either works. Use a food-grade edible oil for oil pulling — Brewoil's cosmetic-grade oils are formulated for skin and hair, not for oral use.
How to do it correctly
Do it first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking. Take 1 tablespoon of oil. Swish gently for 5–15 minutes (start with 5) — do not strain your jaw. Don't gargle or swallow; the oil now holds bacteria. Spit into a bin, not the sink (it can clog drains as it solidifies). Rinse with warm water, then brush as normal.
Safety and who should avoid it
Never swallow the oil. Don't do it if you have a tendency to gag or aspirate. Children who can't reliably spit should not do it. It does not replace dental treatment — cavities, gum disease, and abscesses need a dentist. If you have any oral pain or bleeding that persists, see a dentist rather than relying on oil pulling.