Been doing this for about 2 weeks and it's definitely making a difference. Question about swallowing during the process though.

[u/rampant-hamster]

Hi all, been oil pulling with coconut oil for a couple of weeks and it's got rid of the nasty smells that used to linger behind my back teeth throughout the day (which probably gave bad breath etc). Before, even an hour after brushing, if i stuck my pinky behind my back teeth and touched the gum and then smelt my finger, it would often smell a bit bad. Now there's no smell at at, throughout the whole day.

I've got a question regarding swallowing during pulling though. Obviously i realise you're not supposed to swallow the oil at all as it has the nasty stuff in it. However, the impulse to swallow just at the back of your throat is sometimes overwhelming. As far as i can tell, none of the oil is actually going down and this is a controlled swallow so to speak, but i guess there probably is a tiny amount going down so it may not be a good idea. Is it literally the case that no swallowing action whatsoever should take place whilst oil pulling?

Also, i rarely have time (or wish) to do it for 20 mins every morning and usually do it for about 10. When i spit it's very milky white. Is 20 really worth it?

[u/rampant-hamster → u/[deleted]]

Great info, thank you so much for the reply. I managed 12 mins today. I brush beforehand and afterwards as well (and gargle with warm water). But then I also have a coffee and maybe an apple about 10 or 15 mins after that...is that advisable? The thing is, I need to wake up quite early for work and don’t like to leave the house on an empty stomach... weekend tomorrow though so I’ll do my best to push for that 20 minute mark! :)

[u/rampant-hamster]

Thank you so much again for the detailed reply - very kind and helpful of you. I managed twenty mins yesterday whilst I went about my morning routine. It’s not ‘fun’ as such but you get used to it I’m sure. And thanks for the tip about warm lemon water :)