Prevention

Is oil pulling effective?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: There's no reliable evidence that it is. The ADA says no reliable scientific studies show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health, and it doesn't recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice. Instead, the ADA recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day.

What oil pulling is

The ADA describes oil pulling as an ancient folk remedy. It means swishing a spoonful of an edible oil, such as sesame, olive, sunflower or coconut oil, around your mouth and then spitting it out.

What the ADA says

The ADA says there are no reliable scientific studies showing that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being. For those reasons, it doesn't recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.

Whitening claims

The ADA's fact-versus-fiction guide says there's no reliable scientific evidence that oil pulling or turmeric whitens teeth. See Natural ways to whiten teeth.

What does work

The ADA recommends:

  • brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
  • cleaning between your teeth once a day
  • not using tobacco

At Indy Smile Group

If you're trying oil pulling because of bad breath or sore or bleeding gums, mention it at your next visit. The ADA lists those among the warning signs of gum disease. See Signs of gum disease. See our teeth cleaning pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Ready to talk it through with a dentist? Book online or call the office closest to you.

Frequently asked questions

Does oil pulling whiten teeth?
The ADA says there's no reliable scientific evidence that it does.

Can oil pulling replace brushing or flossing?
No. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily.

Does oil pulling help bad breath?
The ADA says there's no reliable evidence that oil pulling improves oral health. Bad breath that won't go away can have a cause worth checking. See What causes bad breath?

Sources

  1. ADA MouthHealthy – Oil Pulling
  2. ADA MouthHealthy – Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact vs. Fiction
  3. ADA MouthHealthy – Gum Disease

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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