Oil pulling, a traditional ayurvedic remedy that's been valued for oral health maintenance since ancient times, is now trending online. The hashtag #oilpulling has more than 350 million views on TikTok,1 and influencers are sharing videos of the technique and saying it makes their teeth whiter, gums healthier and breath fresher.

It's likely becoming more popular as people seek out natural ways to improve their health and are increasingly realizing the importance of working with their body's natural systems. Using chemical mouthwash may alter the balance of microbes in your mouth, but oil pulling with coconut oil supports microbial balance.

As TikToker Kayla Ryan put it, "It just makes a nice ecosystem in your mouth."2 You don't have to take social media's word for it, however. There's a wealth of science to back up oil pulling's oral health benefits.

Benefits of Oil Pulling for Oral Health

A systematic review published in Heliyon states that oil pulling is believed to cure more than 30 systemic diseases while offering the following benefits to oral health:3

The review of 42 studies found oil pulling with coconut oil had a significant effect on plaque index score and reduced bacteria in saliva compared to controls.4 Another study involved 60 adolescents with gingivitis, an inflammatory disease caused by an accumulation of plaque, or bacteria, on the teeth that often leads to bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis and related teeth loss.

Oil pulling with coconut oil significantly decreased plaque and improved gingivitis by day seven, with improvements continuing over the 30-day study period.5 A separate pilot study of 20 people with plaque-induced gingivitis involved the use of coconut oil as a mouthwash daily for 30 days.