In this blog, we will learn about Ayurveda oil pulling, an oral care practice that is over 3000 years old and currently gaining popularity due to its powerful benefits.
Introduction
Oil pulling is the ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil around your mouth for a certain period. It is also called Kavala or Gandusha in Ayurveda.
In layman’s terms. You can say Ayurvedic Mouthwash.
When to do Oil Pulling
- In the morning on an empty stomach, i.e. before breakfast.
- Before brushing your teeth.
- Oil pulling should be the first thing you do in the morning after evacuating your bowels.
Which Oil is Best for Ayurveda Oil Pulling?
- Sesame oil or tila taila
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Mustard oil
- Coconut oil
- Rice Bran Oil. Rice bran oil was found to be more effective than mustard oil in reducing the oral microbial colony count, plaque and gingivitis.[1]
- Any edible oil is fine.
Types of Ayurveda Oil Pulling
1. Gandusha
- Hold oil in the mouth for 2-3 minutes
- Spit out
- You hold the oil without moving it in your mouth in Gandusha.
2. Kavala
- Oil is revolved/moved in the mouth for 15-20 minutes
- Then expelled out
How to do Oil Pulling
- Take 15-20 ml of oil.
- Gently move the oil in your mouth.
- Continue doing this till you start sweating.
- You can warm up the oil in your mouth.
- Then spit out
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Brush teeth/Flossing
- Oil MUST NOT be swallowed
- Start with 1 minute, working your way up to 5 minutes in one week. Then 10-20 minutes.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
1. Detoxification
2. Improves oral health
3. Clarity in voice
4. Prevents tooth decay/gum bleeding
5. Prevents dryness of the throat/cracked lips
6. Strengthens teeth, gums, and jaw
7. Reduces headaches
8. Removes Plaque
9. Removes stains
10. Kills harmful bacteria
11. Prevent cavities
12. Reduces Inflammation
13. Whitening teeth effect
14. It needs just one ingredient and is simple to perform
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t swallow oil. It may result in stomach discomfort or diarrhoea.
2. Avoid if allergic. Some oils can be allergic to you.
3. Don’t replace the toothbrush with oil pulling.
4. Minor side effects may include nausea, sensitivity, sore jaw, and headache.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an effective, natural, and affordable method to boost oral health, Oil pulling is the best weapon in Ayurveda. Publicising these techniques through appropriate media would benefit the general population by increasing confidence in ancient practices, thereby preventing tooth decay and loss.[2]
Reference
[1] Ahuja A, Staffy R, Minz M, Sharma AV, Razi MA, Bhattacharjee A. Comparative evaluation of effects of Kavala Gandusha with rice bran oil and mustard oil on unstimulated salivary pH, dental plaque and gingivitis – a clinico–biochemical double blind study. Res J Dent Sci [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 6];17(2). Available from: Link to Study. <Go to Citation>
[2] Singh A, Purohit B. Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2011;2(2):64. Available from: Link to Study. <Go to Citation>
