Oil Pulling

Has anyone here tried oil pulling? It's where you swish oil around your mouth for 20 or so minutes in order to help with dental ailments, parasites, it's even claimed to brighten teeth. I've been meaning to try it, but find the thought of swishing oil for 20 minutes to be an unpleasant one. I would love to hear any tips or advice, is it something you can get used to?

What kind of oil are you supposed to use exactly? It sounds like an unpleasant experience. Before doing such a thing, I'd probably consult my dentist first and ask him if it's truly an effective method. I imagine the first time it would feel awful, but after a while you'd eventually adjust to it. Oil has a very slimy and slippery texture, and I certainly wouldn't want my mouth to smell like that.

I just did some quick research on this since I have never even heard of it before. It looks like sesame and sunflower oil are the two recommended choices and you are only suppose to use about a tablespoon each time. Also, many sources say it should be done on an empty stomach.

It appears a limited number of scientific studies have in fact been conducted on this practice and have shown that the amount of certain bacteria in the mouth was decreased when the practice is performed daily.

Interesting concept, but I"m not sure I can handle doing that on a daily basis without gagging every time. If anyway tries it though, I would love to hear how it goes.

Even if there is scientific evidence or proof that oil pulling does work, I would not dare try it. Like chocobun and Lena Christine said, it will most likely be an unpleasant experience. Has anyone ever tried it though?