The 411 on Oil Pulling

Get the deets on this hot oral health trend.

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It’s All the Rage - Over the past few months, it seems as if everyone has been talking about the healing powers of oil pulling. But what is it exactly? Read more about this ancient Indian practice and what is can do for you. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: Asia Images/GettyImages)

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What Is Oil Pulling? - Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish a tablespoon of pure oil in your mouths for 10 to 20 minutes each day. Sesame, olive and coconut seem to be the most popular...we'll go with coconut. (Photo: James Baigrie/GettyImages)

How Does It Work? - The oil is believed to “pull” bacteria, fungus and other harmful organisms out of your mouth, teeth, gums and your throat when the oil mixes with your saliva. The toxins lay in the oil and after the 10-20 minutes, you spit the oil out in a trash bag or toilet. Never spit it out in the sink because it will clog your drain. (Photo: Spectrum Naturals)

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How Does It Work? - The oil is believed to “pull” bacteria, fungus and other harmful organisms out of your mouth, teeth, gums and your throat when the oil mixes with your saliva. The toxins lay in the oil and after the 10-20 minutes, you spit the oil out in a trash bag or toilet. Never spit it out in the sink because it will clog your drain. (Photo: Spectrum Naturals)

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When Should You Do It? - It’s recommended that you oil pull in the morning before you brush your teeth. Make sure you do it on an empty stomach, too, in case you start gagging from the taste. (Photo: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

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Oral Health - It’s believed that oil pulling can whiten your teeth, remove toxins from your body, heal gum disease, freshen breath, stop bleeding gums, prevent dryness of lips and mouth and strengthen your teeth and jaw. (Photo: Adrianna Williams/GettyImages)

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Other Benefits - While unproven, some claim oil pulling also helps with reducing migraines, hangovers, inflammation, eczema and improving kidney function and allergy symptoms. (Photo: GettyImages) 

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What Science Says - According to a recent article in The Atlantic, there have been a handful of studies done about oil pulling, most published in Indian journals, that have found that oil pulling does have oral health benefits. But because these studies were so small — only 20 people in each one — it’s not known if these benefits are real.  (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Is it Harmful? - While the medical community is split on whether or not oil pulling actually works, they are certain that it’s not harmful. Reminder: swish and gargle, don't swallow.  (Photo: GettyImages)

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Is it Harmful? - While the medical community is split on whether or not oil pulling actually works, they are certain that it’s not harmful. Reminder: swish and gargle, don't swallow.  (Photo: GettyImages)

Flossin’ - Flossing is mandatory to maintain good dental health says my dentist, yet 51 percent of Americans don’t do it daily and 10 percent don’t do it at all. This might be my hardest resolution to keep, but I am going to try hard to floss in the morning and at night to reduce plaque and keep my mouth extra healthy. (Photo: Image Source/Getty Images)

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Brush Up - While oil pulling may be something you want to try, don’t ditch the tried-and-true basics — regular brushing, flossing and going to the dentist. Oil pulling is only complementary. (Photo: GettyImages)