Can You Eat or Drink After Oil Pulling? 9 Timing Questions, Answered
Oil pulling is simple: swish about a teaspoon of oil around your mouth for a few minutes, then spit it out. The questions start with the timing. When should you do it, what can you have afterwards, and how often is too often? Here are straight answers to the nine questions we hear most.
1. Can you drink water after oil pulling?
Yes. Once you've spat the oil out, you can drink water right away. Many people rinse with warm water first to clear any oily film, then drink a glass. It's a nice way to start the morning.
2. Can you eat after oil pulling?
Yes. There's no required waiting period after you spit. Most people oil pull before breakfast simply because it fits into the morning routine. If you like, rinse with water or brush first so your breakfast tastes like breakfast.
3. Can you oil pull after eating?
You can, though most people prefer an empty-ish mouth. Swishing after a meal moves food particles around, so if you oil pull later in the day, brush or rinse first.
4. Should you brush before or after oil pulling?
We recommend brushing first, then oil pulling, so the oil works on clean teeth and gums. It's the most common question we get, so we wrote a full guide: Do You Brush Before or After Oil Pulling?
5. How long should you oil pull?
Traditional guidance says 15 to 20 minutes, which is why many people give up. We designed our oils for 2 to 5 minutes, short enough to do while the kettle boils or while you scroll the news. Consistency matters more than marathon sessions.
6. Can you oil pull twice a day?
You can, but once a day is plenty for most people. A daily morning habit is easier to keep than two sessions. Read more in How Often Should You Oil Pull?
7. Can you spit oil pulling oil in the sink?
Please don't. Oils can solidify in cool pipes and build up over time. Spit into a paper towel or the trash instead.
8. Should you swallow the oil?
No. The whole point is to swish and spit out. If a little slips down by accident, don't worry, but make spitting part of the routine.
9. How much oil should you use?
About one teaspoon. More isn't better: too much oil fills your mouth and makes it hard to swish comfortably. At a teaspoon a day, a 6.75 oz bottle lasts roughly 5 to 6 weeks.
A simple morning routine
- Scrape your tongue with a stainless steel tongue scraper.
- Brush with a fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
- Swish one teaspoon of oil for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Spit into the trash, rinse with warm water, and get on with your day.
Which oil should you use?
Plain coconut oil works, but many people find it hard to keep up with. Our oils have a smooth coconut base and a light mint taste:
- Brilliant Black Oil Pulling: coconut and MCT oil with activated charcoal, for a brighter-looking smile and fresh breath.
- Gentle Green Oil Pulling: nano-hydroxyapatite with neem and hemp seed oil, made for daily enamel care and sensitive gums.
Can't decide? The oil pulling collection has both, plus a set so you can alternate.
Oil pulling supports your routine; it doesn't replace brushing, flossing or regular visits to your dentist. If you have a dental condition, ask your dentist before starting something new.
