Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice involving swishing an edible oil, such as coconut or sesame oil, in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes to promote oral hygiene. This process traps bacteria and debris in the oil’s fatty molecules. You can drink water afterward, but only after completing a specific sequence of cleansing steps to remove the contaminants the oil has collected.
The Essential Steps Immediately Following Oil Pulling
The first step after oil pulling is to expel the used oil. This oil transforms into a thin, milky-white fluid laden with microorganisms, toxins, and cellular debris. It is extremely important not to swallow this oil, as it would reintroduce the collected contaminants back into the body.
The oil should be spat directly into a trash receptacle or a disposable bag, not down a sink or toilet drain. Common oils like coconut oil solidify at room temperature, and disposing of them down the drain can lead to plumbing clogs over time. After discarding the oil, the mouth must be thoroughly rinsed to remove any lingering oily residue.
Rinsing is best performed with warm water or a saltwater solution, which helps to cut through the remaining thin film of oil. This should be done multiple times with vigorous swishing to ensure a complete cleanse of the oral tissues. The final step is to brush the teeth and tongue as you normally would. Brushing removes any remaining bacteria or film that the rinsing may have missed.
Why Post-Pulling Rinsing is Critical
Oil pulling leverages the oil’s lipophilic nature to attract and suspend fat-soluble toxins, bacteria, and impurities. Since oral microorganisms have lipid-based cell walls, they adhere readily to the oil. This process turns the oil into a concentrated waste product from the oral cavity.
Swallowing the used oil means ingesting a high concentration of the contaminants the body was trying to eliminate. Rinsing and brushing physically wash away this toxic residue, not just the oily taste. A thorough cleansing ensures the bacteria-laden oil film does not remain on the tongue, gums, or teeth, which could negate the practice’s benefits.
Safe Hydration and Consumption Timing
After the mouth has been thoroughly rinsed and brushed, drinking plain water is safe and encouraged. Hydrating immediately helps flush the system and aids in natural detoxification processes. Drinking water supports the maintenance of a healthy, clean oral environment, especially since oil pulling may stimulate saliva production.
It is recommended to wait 10 to 30 minutes before consuming food or acidic beverages. This waiting period allows the oral environment to stabilize after the deep cleanse. It also ensures newly cleaned tissues are not immediately exposed to irritating or staining substances. Plain water or a non-acidic beverage like herbal tea is the gentlest option. Highly acidic liquids, such as coffee or fruit juices, should be avoided to protect enamel and maintain the mouth’s healthy pH.