Should You Oil Pull Before Or After Brushing Your Teeth

You’re standing at the bathroom sink, toothbrush in one hand, jar of coconut oil in the other, wondering: Should this go down before the paste, or after? It’s a valid question, and honestly, a little puzzling. Let’s swish through the science and the vibe to figure it out.

What Is Oil Pulling, Anyway?

First off, oil pulling is like a spa day for your mouth. You swish a tablespoon of oil—usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower—around your teeth for 15–20 minutes. It’s an ancient Ayurvedic practice that’s supposed to pull out bacteria, freshen breath, and maybe even whiten your smile. Sounds cool, right? But the big hang-up is when to do it.

If you’re picturing a fancy routine, you’re not alone. Think of it like a smoothie: do you blend the greens first or the fruit? Order matters.

The Case for Doing It Before Brushing

Most oil-pulling fans swear by doing it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Why? Because the oil loosens up all that sticky plaque and bacteria while you’re still half-asleep. It’s like sending in a cleaning crew before the main event.

After you spit that milky oil out, you brush. This way, toothpaste can scrub away the loosened gunk more effectively. Think of it as pre-rinsing a dirty pan before you actually wash it—your toothbrush does a better job. Plus, you avoid having a weird oily film over your freshly brushed teeth. Gross, right?

The Argument for After Brushing

Now, a smaller crowd swishes after brushing. Their logic? Brushing first removes the big debris, then oil pulling can deep-clean the nooks and crannies your toothbrush missed. It’s like polishing a car after you’ve already washed it—extra shine.

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But here’s the sticky part: if you brush first, you’ve already removed most of the plaque and bacteria. So oil pulling afterward might feel redundant. Isn’t that like putting on deodorant after a shower when you already smell fresh? You’re just adding a second layer of “clean” that might not be needed.

What Does Science Say?

Spoiler: there’s no official “right” answer from dentists. Most say the timing matters less than just doing it consistently. A 2019 review suggested oil pulling can reduce plaque and gingivitis, especially when done before brushing. But it’s not a replacement for brushing—it’s a sidekick, not the superhero.

Personally, if you’re a morning person with patience, swish before brushing. It feels weird to brush and then have oily breath for 20 minutes. And honestly, who has time for that between coffee and emails?

Coconut Oil Pull Before Or After Brushing Teeth at Warren Short blog

Chill Pro Tips for the Win

Here’s my laid-back suggestion: try the “before” method for a week. See if your mouth feels fresher. If you hate it, switch to after. No one’s judging. Your mouth, your rules.

One caveat: don’t swallow the oil—it’s like drinking a bacteria smoothie, and trust me, you don’t want that. And if you use coconut oil, melt it first if it’s solid. Otherwise, you’re just chewing, not swishing. Fun, but not effective.

So next time you’re at the sink, remember: oil pulling is a friendly ritual, not a chore. Like stretching before a run—it’s optional, but it makes everything smoother. Whether you do it before or after brushing, you’re already winning at oral self-care. Now go swish with confidence!