You may have seen it on TikTok. You may have heard about it on YouTube. You may have read about it somewhere on the Internet. It’s called “oil pulling,” and it’s said to clean and sanitize your teeth. 

What is oil pulling, and does oil pulling for teeth improve your oral health? What are the benefits of oil pulling, and are there any dangers to your dental health? 

Petrous Orthodontics has the answers to all things teeth, including proper ways to clean them. Dr. Petrous can help demystify oil pulling and whether it’s good for teeth with braces. 

What Is Oil Pulling? 

It’s considered a homeopathic process that has been around for more than 3,000 years. It began in ancient India as an Ayurvedic medicine practice to clean and restore teeth. 

Oil pulling involves using natural oils to clean and sanitize the teeth. The person holds the oil in the mouth, swishing it around and “pulling” it through the teeth for up to 20 minutes. Oil pulling started by using sesame or sunflower oil. Today, people use olive oil or coconut oil. 

Why Do People Practice Oil Pulling?

Coconut oil pulling is one of the most popular today because of its taste and because it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties to disinfect the teeth and gums. It also tastes good to most people, which makes it easier to keep in the mouth for a long period of time. 

Some coconut oils, like Gurunanda pulling oil, are made specifically for pulling oil for teeth. Other people simply use natural oils found in homeopathic medicine stores and even grocery stories. 

The idea is to “pull” bacteria from your teeth and gums, cleaning them and helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. 

Best Methods for Pulling Oil

How do you pull oil with braces or without? It’s a fairly simple process. You put 1-2 tablespoons of oil into your mouth and swish it around for 10-20 minutes. Be sure to pull it back and forth through your teeth to get between them and coat the gums. 

Once you are finished, spit the oil out into the trash. Never spit it down the sink drain because it can clog your pipes. Then rinse your mouth and return to your normal oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.

It may not be easy to go the full 20 minutes the first time. Most people who do oil pulling recommend starting with about 5 minutes and building up from there over time.

Can You Do Oil Pulling With Braces? 

Is it safe to oil pull with braces? Some may be concerned that the oil would tarnish the braces wires or brackets. Others may worry that the oil would somehow damage your teeth with braces. 

Dr. Petrous of Petrous Orthodontics says oil pulling is safe for braces. The oil will not tarnish metal braces because they are made of stainless steel. Oil pulling also will not damage any appliances or attachments on your braces or Invisalign. 

Is There Any Danger to Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling can stain clear braces or clear aligners over time, causing them to become discolored. Dr. Petrous recommends you brush and floss your teeth after oil pulling. 

You should remove your Invisalign clear aligners before oil pulling. However, you shouldn’t do oil pulling often, because you shouldn’t have your trays out of your mouth very long. You must wear clear aligners at least 22 hours a day to be fully effective. 

While there is no danger from oil pulling itself, there is a danger from swallowing the oil instead of spitting it out into the trash when you are finished. Swallowing that much oil can cause nausea and diarrhea. 

Keep in mind, too, that swishing the oil back and forth may cause your cheeks to rub against your braces, irritating your soft tissue. 

What Are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?

What are the oil pulling benefits? Oil pulling is said to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. It even works around braces brackets and wires. Some studies have shown it can help relieve gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, by reducing inflammation. 

While this is beneficial, the same benefits can be achieved through brushing and flossing, says Dr. Petreous. 

“Good brushing and flossing habits are still essential,” said Dr. Petrous. While oil pulling can be effective, he says, “it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing!”

The best way to keep your teeth clean is to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time, brushing over every surface. You should also floss your teeth before brushing at least once a day. Use a floss threader to get around braces wires and floss properly. 

If you’re concerned about mouth bacteria and germs, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Use the mouthwash about half an hour after brushing your teeth. This gives the fluoride in your toothpaste time to completely protect your enamel.

Good Oral Hygiene Tips in Royal Oak, MI

Oil pulling with braces is one way to keep your teeth and braces clean, but brushing and flossing works just as well — if not better — and takes far less time. Regardless, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly, with or without oil pulling. 
Dr. Petrous has excellent tips on creating a great smile, starting with braces or Invisalign treatment that works best for you. Schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics in Royal Oak, MI, to see how amazing your smile can be.