In their role of walling off and destroying, inflammatory messengers tell blood vessels to thicken, blood cells to get sticky and scar tissue to infiltrate organs.

It took five days before I noticed even the slightest difference, then two days more before I really saw any actual improvement. I learned this when I tried the Guru Nanda Pulling Oil, which is a combination of pure sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and peppermint oil.

Not only does coconut oil have incredible health properties for the gut and heart, but the mix of coconut with natural, antimicrobial oils like peppermint and oregano makes it a super antioxidant. Though it may feel unusual at first, I have come to see it as almost a meditation that helps me calm down and get grounded as well. I say this last bit because although oil pulling is simply amazing and I encourage everyone to add it into their life routines, I have to admit it’s a pain in the butt to commit to it forever. My oral health improved with the help of this product, but it was only going to do so much before I absolutely needed to get a professional cleaning from my dentist.

While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Then rinse your mouth with water, brush your teeth–a very important step, to ensure the bad biofilms in your mouth are fully broken down--and enjoy your day.

As someone who loves the feel of a fresh mouth but admittedly dreads the process of achieving such, I’m always on the lookout for innovative oralcare to liven up the experience. Following Ayurvedic tradition, oil pulling helps to increase the secretion of saliva and trap the toxins within the oil particles. When Dosha balanced pure oil is swished in the mouth, oil soluble toxins dumped in saliva adhere to the oil. Now that you understand that toxins are oil soluble and the science behind it all, you can move on and understand how oil pulling works!

Since purchasing, I’ve stuck to a routine and I have had tartar literally out of my mouth with just brushing afterward. You do not need to violently swish like you would with a fluoride, a very light swishing movement for a few minutes is enough. Using these products for just two weeks, my gums are noticeably healthier, feel better, and bleeding has stopped!

Many people I know who suffer from dry mouth tell me that oil pulling helps increase salivary secretion for them as well, and others have even told me about teeth-whitening benefits.

But it is a temporary solution to the discomfort they cause until you’re able to get proper treatment. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful, and quite aromatic, it is best to mix a small quantity with a plant based oil, like our Sweet Almond or Fractionated Coconut Oil.