If you’re looking for ways to freshen up your oral care routine, you’re not alone. So many people are searching for simple, natural practices that go beyond the basics, and oil pulling is one that’s stood the test of time. Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic tradition, it’s a practice that’s both grounding and effective….offering you a fresh, clean way to start your day.
With the launch of Davids’ new oil pulling oral rinse, it’s easier than ever to bring this ritual into your routine. In this article, we’ll walk through where this practice comes from, how it works, the benefits people love the most, and what makes our new oil pulling rinse so special. You’ll also find practical tips for getting started and the answers to some of the most common questions about oil pulling.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to decide whether or not this ancient practice is a good fit for your modern, nature-inspired oral care routine.
what is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an oral care practice that involves swishing edible oil around in your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. If you’ve never heard of it, it might sound a little weird, but it’s a practice that dates back thousands of years. Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine (one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world), oil pulling has been a method of supporting oral and overall health for centuries.
The word “pulling” comes from the idea that the oil “pulls” toxins, bacteria, and debris from your teeth and gums. Back in the day, many people used sesame or sunflower oil, but modern versions (like our new oil pulling oral rinse) use coconut oil because of its mild taste and natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
While oil pulling has endured throughout history, it’s recently gained popularity as more and more people look for natural, effective ways to take their oral care routine to the next level. Although it’s not a replacement for brushing or flossing, it is an extra step that can leave your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner than ever….while connecting you to a beautiful ritual rooted in centuries of tradition.
how does oil pulling work?
Now you might be wondering, “How can something as simple as swishing oil in your mouth really make a difference?” The answer comes down to how oil interacts with the bacteria and film that naturally build up on your teeth and gums throughout the day.
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, some helpful and some harmful. Those harmful bacteria can stick together and form plaque, which clings to the surface of your teeth. When you swish smooth, thick oil, it can bind to that buildup to loosen and “pull” it away from your mouth. You know how soap can lift grease off a dirty dish? Imagine the smooth oil breaking up that sticky plaque on your teeth and acting as a natural cleansing agent.
Research shows that oil pulling may help reduce the amount of harmful oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), one of the main culprits behind tooth decay and bad breath. It might also reduce plaque-related issues like gum inflammation and disease.
the benefits of oil pulling
There's a reason oil pulling has remained popular for thousands of years…it brings so many benefits! We’ve touched on a couple of them, but here are a few more.
- fewer bacteria + fresher breath: by reducing harmful bacteria (many of which contribute to bad breath), oil pulling can leave your mouth feeling noticeably cleaner and fresher throughout the day.
- plaque reduction: the act of swishing oil helps loosen the debris and biofilm that stick to your teeth. Over time, this can help reduce plaque buildup, which could otherwise lead to cavities and gum issues.
- enhanced gum health: healthier gums are a huge benefit of oil pulling. Research suggests it can help reduce gum inflammation and early signs of gingivitis by reducing bacteria.
- natural detoxification for your mouth and body: in Ayurvedic tradition, oil pulling is believed to “pull out” toxins from not only your mouth, but your entire body. Ayurvedic principles believe that the mouth is the gateway to the body (we agree here at Davids!). Specifically, Ayurveda believes that certain parts of your tongue and mouth are connected to specific organs in your body. By detoxing your oral microbiome, oil pulling reduces the toxin load for these organs and other systems in your body.
- mindfulness and ritual: swishing oil for several minutes every day encourages you to slow down, breathe, connect with your body, and set the tone for your day. Many people treat oil pulling as an opportunity to meditate, practice mindfulness, and give their nervous system some much-needed attention and relaxation.
- brighter, whiter teeth: while oil pulling isn’t known as a whitening treatment, it can help reduce surface stains to reveal a whiter, more radiant smile over time.
- gentle, natural oral care: oil pulling is a wonderful option for sensitive mouths who don’t love the sting of alcohol-based rinses but still want something to help their mouth feel fresher.
Now that we’ve covered some common benefits of oil pulling, let’s see what makes Davids Hydroxi™ oil pulling oral rinse so special!
introducing Davids oil pulling oral rinse with Hydroxi™
Meet Davids oil pulling oral rinse, powered by Hydroxi™, our high performance formula that fuses 100% MCT coconut oil with our proprietary blend of nano-hydroxyapatite and naturally sourced and derived ingredients. Here’s a high-level look at a few things that make it so special.
- 100% MCT coconut oil: coconut oil is well known in the world of oil pulling, but what about MCT coconut oil? MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat made up of medium-length fatty acid chains. Unlike long-chain fats, these MCTs can be absorbed more quickly…and might be more effective against harmful oral bacteria and other microorganisms. Plus, MCT coconut oil is a little less thick and greasy than traditional coconut oil, making your oil pulling experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Hydroxi™: this is our proprietary blend of nano-hydroxyapatite with naturally sourced and derived ingredients, which is known to effectively remineralize your enamel to reduce sensitivity and strengthen against threats like bacteria and acids. In short, it’s a clean, safe, and effective alternative to fluoride.
- premium domestic mint oil blend: instead of just swishing with oil, we figured we’d make the experience a bit more enjoyable with these mint oils that deliver exceptional flavor for even fresher breath! Plus, research suggests that mint oils (such as peppermint) are effective at fighting bad bacteria in the oral microbiome.
- anise seed extract and wintergreen leaf oil: these two are naturally sourced from their respective plants and added to complement the peppermint flavor and freshen your breath.
- high value: our potent formula gives you 26 uses per 9oz bottle…a small bottle with a mighty delivery.
- EWG Verified: the ingredients in our oil pulling rinse have been rated “1” (best rating) by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), meaning these ingredients are the safest on the scale and pose the least risk to human health.
The Davids oil pulling oral rinse puts a modern spin on an ancient tradition by fusing coconut oil with fresh, mouthwatering ingredients sourced and derived from nature (and leaving out questionable ingredients like fluoride, sulfates, artificial flavors, dyes, and more). It features all the benefits of ancient oil pulling and then some. The result is a product that you’ll love adding to your oral care ritual…and your mouth will thank you for!
how to oil pull with Davids
For best results, we recommend adding it to your morning oral care routine on an empty stomach (and before brushing or flossing).
- Shake the bottle well before every use.
- Place one large spoonful into your mouth.
- Swish for at least 2 minutes and gradually increase up to 10 minutes over time. As you increase your time, we encourage you to use this time to slow down, check in with your mind and body, and practice mindfulness to start your day on a high note.
- Spit the oil into a waste basket to avoid clogging your drains. Do not swallow it!
- Rinse your mouth with water and then brush with Davids toothpaste.
Don't forget to complete your oral care routine with floss, tongue scraper, and mouthwash.
oil pulling vs mouthwash
This article talks a lot about swishing coconut oil, so you might be wondering how that’s any different from swishing with mouthwash. While both oil pulling and mouthwash are beneficial habits to add to your oral care routine, here’s a little breakdown of the differences between the two.
Oil Pulling |
Mouthwash |
Uses the action of swishing to “pull” debris, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth and gumline. Work your way up to 10 minutes! |
Works more quickly by rinsing your mouth with a liquid packed with freshening ingredients. A quick squash only takes 30 seconds! |
The silky oil leaves your mouth feeling fresh and moisturized. |
This fresh liquid leaves your mouth feeling light and refreshed. |
Oil pulling emphasizes bacteria reduction and reduced toxin load over time for your body. |
Mouthwash is known for instant freshness, making it a convenient daily step. |
Oil pulling makes for a great morning ritual, even if you only do it a few times per week. |
Use mouthwash for a quick breath boost after meals or whenever you want. |
The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between the two. Many people find that oil pulling and (alcohol-free) mouthwash work best together!
oil pulling FAQs
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some common questions.
How long should I oil pull?
Most people swish for 5-20 minutes with pure oil (and no other ingredients). While ancient Ayurveda will suggest up to 20 minutes, many modern oral care experts agree that shorter sessions can be effective too. We recommend starting with 2 minutes and working your way up to 10 with our oil pulling oral rinse.
When is the best time to oil pull?
We recommend oil pulling first thing in the morning, before eating, brushing, flossing, or drinking. This can help remove bacteria that have accumulated overnight. That being said, you can still oil pull at different times of day if that fits your schedule better and will keep you more consistent.
Do I still need to brush and floss if I oil pull?
Yes! Oil pulling is a supportive oral care practice, not a replacement for the rest of your routine. Brushing and flossing (and even tongue scraping) are still very important for your overall oral health. Think of oil pulling as an extra layer of oral wellness…an added bonus!
Is oil pulling safe for everyone?
Oil pulling is safe for most healthy adults. Children may have trouble swishing safely without swallowing, so it’s generally not recommended for kids. If you have any specific dental concerns or complications, it’s always best to check with your dentist before adding it to your daily routine.
How often should I oil pull?
Consistency matters more than frequency. Some people love to oil pull daily, while others find that just a few times per week does the trick. Find what works best for your schedule!
Can oil pulling replace mouthwash?
Not necessarily. As mentioned above, they each have their own benefits and can work together to reduce bacteria, break up plaque, strengthen your enamel, and freshen your breath. There’s no need to choose one over the other (especially when you can get them both from Davids)!
give oil pulling a try with Davids Hydroxi™ oil pulling oral rinse
You’ve seen how oil pulling blends ancient wisdom with modern wellness, offering benefits that go far beyond just fresher breath. Simple, natural, and time-tested…it’s one of those small habits that can make a big difference in your oral care routine over time.
We created Davids Hydroxi™ oil pulling oral rinse to make this ritual easy and enjoyable in your everyday life. With its clean ingredients, smooth mouthfeel, and fresh minty flavor, it takes some of the “learning curve” out of oil pulling, so you can focus on the benefits it brings to your day.
If you’ve been looking for a fresh way to elevate your oral care routine, oil pulling might just be the missing puzzle piece. You’ll never know until you give it a try.