A step-by-step guide to oil pulling: how much to use, how long to swish, what it feels like the first week, and the mistakes to avoid.
Oil pulling is one of the simplest rituals you can add to your morning: a spoonful of oil, swished while you get ready, then spat out. It comes from Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, and it fits easily into a busy morning. Here's how to do it properly.
What you need
A small amount of oil and 10 to 15 minutes. You can use plain coconut or sesame oil, but most people find a ready-made rinse easier to stick with. It's measured, it tastes better, and the work is done for you.
Our Oil Pulling Oral Rinse is coconut and sesame oil with clove, tea tree and oregano essential oils and vitamin E. It comes in two flavours: Mellow Mint, cool and fresh, or Cinnamon, warm and spiced. It's alcohol-free and fluoride-free, with no preservatives, made in Nanyuki. One 250ml bottle (KES 1,500) gives up to 50 uses, about KES 30 a morning.
How to oil pull, step by step
- Measure 5ml, about a teaspoon, first thing in the morning.
- Swish gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Push and pull the oil through your teeth. Keep it relaxed. This isn't a mouthwash gargle. Do it while you shower, dress or make breakfast.
- Spit it into the bin, not the sink. Oil can build up in pipes over time.
- Rinse with warm water, then brush and floss as usual.
That's it. Once a day is enough.
What to expect
- Day one: most people notice a clean, fresh feeling in their mouth straight after the first swish.
- The first week: 15 minutes can feel long. Start with 3 to 5 minutes and add a minute or two each day.
- The flavour: mint gives a cool tingle and cinnamon a warm spice. Both are normal.
- After a few weeks: it stops being a task and becomes part of your morning, the same way brushing is.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swallowing the oil. Oil pulling is for external use only. Spit it all out.
- Swishing too hard. You'll tire your jaw. Gentle is enough.
- Using it instead of brushing. Oil pulling is a companion to brushing and flossing, never a replacement.
- Ignoring discomfort. If your mouth or gums feel irritated, stop, and see a dentist if it continues.
Children over 12 can oil pull with an adult supervising.
Where to buy oil pulling oil in Kenya
Order Ria Naturals Oil Pulling Oral Rinse online for delivery anywhere in Kenya, often same-day in Nairobi where available, and free on orders over KES 5,000. Pay by M-Pesa or card, or on delivery. Or pick it up at our shop, Shop 18, Jeevanjee Shopping Mall, Nairobi.
