OIL PULLING - A NEW LIFESTYLE HABIT

 

The video & photos attached are as of Wednesday, 18th June 2025.

How did I discover a traditional method of dental detox? You might wonder. Does it work? I want us to be on this journey together. As curious as my cats, I'd love to find out.

Since three days ago, when I wake up, I walk into my kitchen, open the first top shelf, and pull out the 100% virgin coconut oil. I open the lid gently, listening to the sound of metal and glass coming into contact. I grab a teaspoon and gently scoop a spoonful into my mouth. I check the time to ensure that I stay with the oil for at least 20 minutes. I go ahead and continue with my house chores. 

It’s day four of me doing this ritual. I wasn’t prompted because of a condition, sickness, or self-doubt; I am just curious about habits and trying out traditional lifestyle methods. For the first time in a while, I spat something red, I think it's blood, while brushing, and kind of felt like that was a big step.

I gently swish the oil in my mouth, and after spitting it, I rinse my mouth with a sip of water, then proceed to brush. I can't say that I can already see positive changes, but it's worth a try because I no longer have intense tooth sensitivity like I used to, and now my right lower molar is not so sensitive to cold water or painful when I brush my teeth.

This is a photo of my teeth today. (Lmao, I don't have perfect teeth, but I love them because imperfection is beauty.)

This is a photo of the oil that I am using.

Let's explore a little background history on oil pulling, and how I got to know about it. benefits and how to do it.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes, then spit it out. It’s typically done in the morning on an empty stomach. You can use oils such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower.

It is an ancient oral detoxification practice that originated over 3000 years ago in India, rooted in the holistic health system of Ayurveda. In classical Ayurvedic texts, the practice is referred to as kavala, which is swishing in English, and gandusha , which means holding oil in the mouth, and it was believed to cleanse not only the mouth but also the entire body.

Practitioners believed that the mouth was a mirror of internal health and directly connected to various organs, making oil pulling a powerful daily ritual to prevent disease, promote clarity, and support longevity. Traditionally, sesame oil was used due to its antibacterial and healing properties. In modern times, coconut oil has become a popular alternative because of its pleasant taste and strong antimicrobial qualities.

The practice resurfaced in Western wellness circles in the 1990s and 2000s, embraced by natural health advocates and later by the beauty and self-care community. Today, oil pulling is a celebrated morning ritual used to naturally whiten teeth, freshen breath, reduce inflammation, and support overall oral hygiene in a simple yet powerful way.

I was scrolling through TikTok one day when I stumbled upon something new, oil pulling. This usually happens when you're lucky enough to land on the right side of social media. At first, it sounded a bit odd, but my curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to dig a little deeper. The more I learned, the more it intrigued me. Without hesitation, I added coconut oil to my shopping list. I didn’t mind at all—I've always had a soft spot for anything coconut.

Some of the benefits that people believe in are:

- Whitens teeth naturally (that's why I.m here,lol).

- Fresh breath.

- Removes toxins and bacteria from the mouth.

- May support better immunity.

- Reduces inflammation in the gums (can help with bleeding gums or sensitivity).

- Some believe it improves skin clarity (especially around the mouth and jawline).

Let me know if this read sparked your interest, your feedback matters!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my personal reflections and do not constitute professional, legal, or medical advice. They are shared in good faith, based on personal experience and opinion. In line with Article 33 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which guarantees freedom of expression, and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which upholds the right to hold opinions without interference, I respectfully ask that my words not be misinterpreted, misused, or taken out of context. Kindly receive them as shared insight, not instruction.