Oil Pulling (Gandusha and Kavala): Tradition, Evidence and Safety

Oil pulling means holding or swishing a small amount of oil in the mouth for some minutes and then spitting it out. In the Ayurvedic texts it appears under two names, gandusha and kavala, as part of the morning routine. Sesame oil is the one most often named in the tradition, and coconut oil is popular today.

The tradition describes oil pulling as a way of caring for the mouth, throat and voice. Modern studies have looked at it, but they are small and mostly of low quality. They suggest it may lower plaque and gum inflammation scores a little, though not more than ordinary toothpaste and mouthwash, and dental bodies do not recommend it as a replacement for standard oral care. This guide explains the tradition, the evidence and how to approach it safely.

Gandusha and kavala

The two terms are related but not identical. In the texts, gandusha means filling the mouth completely with liquid and holding it still, so that there is no room to move it. Kavala means holding a smaller amount that is moved about in the mouth, swished, and then spat out. The Charaka Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridayam both discuss these practices, and the Ashtanga Hridayam includes them in the daily routine. Modern oil pulling is closer to kavala, since people swish rather than hold.

The texts describe different liquids for different purposes, including oils, decoctions and other preparations. They say that the oil held in the mouth is thought to support the strength of the jaw, the clarity of the voice and the sense of taste, and that it is part of care for the teeth and lips. These are claims of the tradition. They are not statements that oil pulling treats or prevents any disease of the mouth or body.

What modern research says

A small number of randomised trials, mostly short, have compared oil pulling with chlorhexidine mouthwash, plain water or nothing. Reviews of those trials describe the following:

• Some studies report a drop in plaque and gingivitis scores after several weeks, but the trials are small, often poorly controlled, and not always blinded.
• Oil pulling has not been shown to be better than standard mouthwash and brushing.
• Claims that it “detoxifies” the body, whitens teeth, cures bad breath or improves general health are not supported by good evidence.
• Dental organisations say there is not enough reliable evidence to recommend it as a replacement for brushing and cleaning between the teeth.

The honest summary is that oil pulling is a harmless-looking habit for many adults that may offer a small extra benefit, and that the evidence is weak.

How people do it

This is a wellbeing habit and not a treatment. If you would like to try it, the usual approach is simple:

1. Do it in the morning on an empty stomach, before drinking water or eating, as tradition suggests, and after scraping your tongue if you like (tongue scraping and oral care).
2. Take a small amount of oil in the mouth, about a spoonful at most, and move it gently around the teeth and gums. Do not gargle with it.
3. Keep going for a few minutes. Many guides suggest 10 to 20 minutes, but there is no research-based standard, and a shorter time is fine if your jaw tires.
4. Spit the oil into a bin or tissue, not the sink or toilet, because oil can solidify and block pipes.
5. Rinse the mouth with warm water, then brush as usual.

Do not swallow the oil. The tradition describes it as something to be spat out, and swallowing mouthfuls of oil is not advised.

Safety notes

• Never swallow or inhale it. There are rare case reports of lipoid pneumonia, a lung inflammation, linked to breathing in oil. Do not do it while lying down, lying back or in any situation where you could inhale the oil, and do not practise while walking or talking.
• Children. Do not give oil pulling to young children, who may swallow or inhale the oil. Ask a dentist for advice on children.
• Swallowing difficulties and gag reflex. If you have trouble swallowing, a weak cough or a strong gag reflex, avoid it.
• Allergy. Do not use sesame, coconut or any other oil if you are allergic to it.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nausea can make it unpleasant, and there is no safety research for medicated oils. Plain edible oil is unlikely to be a problem for most, but ask your doctor or dentist.
• Jaw problems. If you have jaw pain or a joint disorder, long swishing can make it worse.
• Upset stomach. A small amount of oil swallowed accidentally can cause nausea or loose stools.
• Dental disease. Bleeding gums, loose teeth, pain, sores or swelling need a dentist. Oil pulling is not a treatment and must not delay care.
• Medicated oils. Do not use herbal or medicated oils sold for oil pulling without advice from a registered Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, and be aware that some imported Ayurvedic preparations have been found to contain heavy metals such as lead or mercury.

Where it fits in the routine

In the classical sequence, oil or liquid in the mouth comes after the teeth and tongue are cleaned, and before the later steps. Teachers today often suggest that it is optional, to be dropped on days when you are rushed or unwell. The dinacharya overview shows the whole sequence, and the self-massage guide covers the next oil practice in the day. Another practice from the same family of mouth and head care is nasya, which has its own, stricter safety notes.

This page describes a traditional practice and is not dental or medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer, and talk to a dentist or doctor before using oil pulling if you have any mouth, throat or breathing concern.

Frequently asked questions