Ozone oil pulling

At a glance:

1. Ozone oil pulling is swishing ozonated oils in the mouth for oral health benefits.
2. Ozone oil pulling can use various types of oils, including coconut, olive, sesame, and more. Each has distinct benefits and components as an oil and ozonated oil.
3. For ozone oil pulling, it’s best to choose an oil with standardized production with a cold process and third-party testing for harmful substances.
4. Ozone oil pulling promotes oral health including oral microbiome, less plaque, and better teeth and gum regeneration.
5. Start by swishing 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of ozone oil pulling solution for a few minutes daily and then spit it in the trash.

Curious about ozone oil pulling and its potential benefits for oral health? While this practice may have only recently gained attention, oil pulling [1] is an Ayurvedic technique that has been around for centuries. While it’s ancient, research is only now beginning to understand how it works and its benefits.

In this article, we explain how ozone oil pulling can help support oral and gum health or even general health beyond the mouth. You’ll learn about the process, different types of oils used, and the science behind how ozone interacts with oil molecules. This practice might benefit you and be a great add-on to your current oral health routine.

What is ozone oil pulling?

Oil pulling vs ozone oil pulling

Ayurvedic texts first described oil pulling as swishing oils in the mouth for prescribed periods for various oral and whole-body health benefits. One could oil pull with sesame, coconut, grapeseed oils, or other plant or herbal oil blends. The oil is moved between the teeth and gums, covering as much of the oral cavity as possible. As the oil is mixed around, it mixes with saliva and increases in volume.

Typically, oil pulling should be done daily to get the best benefits. However, it should not replace your other dental practices, like brushing or flossing, but instead be a component of your comprehensive oral hygiene routine.

Some modern research has confirmed many oral health benefits of oil pulling  [2]. For example, a systematic review of coconut oil pulling examined four studies involving 182 participants. Based on these, coconut oil pulling significantly reduced bacteria count in the saliva and reduced plaque index scores, compared to placebo. However, the review concluded that we need more and higher-quality studies.

Ozone oil pulling means oil pulling with a blend of ozonated culinary oil. In addition to the benefits you get from oil pulling, you get additional benefits from the ozonated byproducts of the oils [3].

How to do ozone oil pulling

1. Place 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of ozonated oil pulling solution in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around for up to 20 minutes (you can start with 5-10 and gradually increase)
3. Once this time is up, you simply spit out the solution. It should have a creamy-white appearance and have increased in volume. Do not swallow the oil – this is important. Move it around and gargle like you would with a traditional mouthwash.
4. Dispose of the oil in a trash can, to avoid it clogging the sink.
5. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water multiple times to help ensure all the oil is removed.
6. Finish by brushing your teeth as normal.

You can repeat this practice up to twice daily, but most people do it three times a week as part of preventative care.

What happens to the oils when you ozonate them?

To understand what ozone oil pulling does, let’s first learn about what’s in ozonated oil.

 

Image source

Left: When ozone interacts with a molecule with a double bond, such as unsaturated fatty acids.2nd column: Ozonides, which are highly unstable moleculesRight-hand side of arrow, top: ozonides break down into aldehydes and acid.Right-hand side of arrow, bottom: ozonides break down into carbonyls and acid.

Ozone is a highly reactive gas with three oxygen atoms. Oil ozonation means bubbling (infusing) the ozone gas through the oil. This allows ozone to react with oil molecules in a way that can change the oil’s chemical properties [4]. These chemical reactions include oxidation, creating ozonides, polymers, and breakdowns of these byproducts:

Unsaturated fatty acids and many plant essential oils have double bonds between carbons, which keep the oils liquid. Ozonation adds ozone to these double bonds, resulting in ozonides. Ozonides are unstable products, which can then undergo further reactions and become secondary oxidation products, such as peroxides, alcohols, aldehydes, and polymers. This can turn the oils colorless as essential oils break down. The oils may also start to smell more like rancid oil than their original flavors. However, this is because of peroxidation not because the oils are rancid.

 

Image source  

When multiple oxidized fat molecules come together and bond (polymerize) into chains or polymers, it can change the viscosity, texture, and physical properties of the oil.

As ozone infusion goes on for longer, more and more unsaturated fats become ozonides and secondary oxidation products [5]. This makes the oil more stable but also increases its acidity and peroxide levels [5].  

The ozonation process destroys most of the other natural components in the oils, such as vitamins and polyphenols. However, if desired, vitamins, polyphenols, and other substances can be added to stable ozone oils after ozonation. 

Based on our internal tests, our ozone oil and oil pulling solution have quite stable peroxide levels, although they decay over time. After 2 years, the oils lose about 20% of peroxides, so the expiration dates of these oils are 2 years from the ozonation date. 

How do ozonated oils work?

When you apply or consume ozonated oils, the ozonides and other secondary oxidation products can also interact with:

• Your cellular components or cell membranes
• Immune cells, which typically rely on peroxides to communicate with one another
• Cellular components of microbes in your mouth, gut, or body 

Because the ozonides and oxidation products are highly reactive, they can irritate or injure your tissues. At lower concentrations, however, they can trigger small cellular stress responses that stimulate healing or regenerative processes. This is why it’s important to dilute your ozonated oils for oil pulling, use a shorter ozonation time, or use our oil-pulling solution, which has been diluted. Also, with ozone oil pulling, stronger ozonation or more ozonides isn’t always better–you want it just at the right concentration for you and your goals.

These molecules can also disrupt cell membranes or other cellular components of microbes, which is why ozonated oils can inhibit microbial growth.

What type of ozonated oil is best for oil pulling?

There are many types of plant-based oils that you can use for oil pulling. Each has its own properties, flavors, strengths, and weaknesses. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preference, availability, and desired effects. Regardless, it is essential to use high-quality oils and consider any allergies or sensitivities you might have. 

Let’s break down the pros and cons of different oils: 

1) Coconut oil

Coconut oil comes from the white, fleshy parts of ripe coconuts. It is made up mainly of saturated fatty acids, which make up 92% of its composition [1].

It contains lauric acid, which can disrupt the cell membranes and growth of some microbes. Using coconut oil on wounds can help speed up healing processes by promoting the growth of new blood vessels and collagen – both of which are important for skin repair [6]. These well-known properties of coconut oil make it a popular oil for oil pulling and may synergize with ozonated byproducts in ozonated coconut oils. 

Coconut oil has a mild and pleasant taste, and it is widely available at most grocery stores making it an easy option. However, because of its composition, it can solidify at cooler temperatures and may have a greasy texture that some may not enjoy.

Because coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, it has a very small fraction of fatty acids with double bonds. This could mean that ozonated coconut oil may produce fewer ozonides and other byproducts than other oils. 

 

Properties	Solid at room temperature, becomes liquid when warmed, mild coconut taste
Strengths	Contains lauric acid with strong antimicrobial properties, effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Weaknesses	Can solidify at cooler temperatures May have a greasy texture May generate less ozonides as it’s mostly saturated fat
Scent	Coconut scent

 

 

2) Olive oil

Olive oil comes from the fruits of olive trees. It is rich in a fatty acid called oleic acid, along with other fatty acids like linoleic acid and palmitic acid. This oil contains over 200 different chemical compounds, including antioxidants, which are responsible for many health benefits of the Mediterranean diet [6].

Olive oil is one of the most common oils used for oil pulling because it is widely available and highly stable. Its high stability helps prevent the oil from becoming rancid or developing bad flavors during ozonation and storage. It is also gentle on tissues, which can reduce the risk of sensitivity or irritation during oil pulling. Therefore, we use ozone olive oil as the main component of our ozone oil pulling solution [7].

 

Properties	Thicker consistency, strong scent
Strengths	Rich in antioxidants, immune-balancing benefits
Weaknesses	Stronger taste compared to other oils, thicker consistency
Scent	Strong olive flavor

 

3) Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is another popular choice for oil pulling. It is extracted from sunflower seeds and has higher amounts of linoleic acid than olive oil This makes sunflower oil great topically because linoleic acid has positive effects on the skin [1].

Some studies have found that sunflower oil can help maintain skin barrier integrity and improve hydration. This is done by activating a protein called PPAR-alpha, which helps skin cells grow and produce more fats, which can help repair skin barriers. It is also rich in vitamin E and has antioxidant properties [1].

Because sunflower oil has about 85% unsaturated fatty acids, ozone sunflower oils have more peroxides than other oil types [8]. 

 

Properties	Light texture, neutral scent
Strengths	High in vitamin E, readily available at most stores
Weaknesses	Lower in antimicrobial compounds compared to other oils
Scent	Bland odor

 

 

4) Sesame oil

Sesame oil has been traditionally used for oil pulling in Ayurvedic practices. It contains sesamin and sesamol, which have antioxidant and microbe-inhibiting properties, along with linoleic and oleic acids. Sesame oil also has a nutty flavor and thicker consistency [1]. 

Altogether, these components have antioxidant properties, which help protect oral tissues from harmful free radicals. They can also help moisturize the mouth.

 

Properties	Nutty flavor, rich consistency
Strengths	Contains beneficial compounds with microbe-inhibiting properties Long history of use in Ayurveda
Weaknesses	Strong taste may not be preferred by everyone Thicker consistency May be a problem in those with peanut allergies
Scent	Rich, pleasant grain-like odor

 

5) Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is a common oil used in both cooking and skin care. Its lightweight texture and neutral flavor make it a good option for oil pulling.

When used topically, grapeseed oil can help increase the amount of a particular amino acid called hydroxyproline. Hydroxyproline is an amino acid found in collagen that can stimulate tissue healing and regeneration [6]. Grapeseed oil also contains a compound called resveratrol, which has anti-aging and microbe-inhibiting properties [9].

Besides resveratrol, grapeseed oil is also rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and other phenolic compounds which give it antioxidant properties. It also contains phytosterols that might help reduce inflammation [10].

 

Properties	Lightweight texture, neutral flavor, rich in resveratrol, linoleic acid, and phytosterols
Strengths	Lightweight texture, neutral taste and scent, high in antioxidants
Weaknesses	Does not have as strong antioxidant properties as other oil types
Scent	Sweet aroma

 

6) Avocado oil

Avocado oil is made from the avocado fruit and is packed with nutrients that can make it a good option for oil pulling.

The oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, making it beneficial for skin and oral health. It also contains vitamins A, C, D, and E, which have nourishing properties when applied topically and seems to increase collagen production and balance immune responses [6].

 

Properties	Mild flavor, slightly thicker consistency compared to some other oils
Strengths	Moisturizing, contains antioxidants
Weaknesses	Less commonly used for oil pulling, can be more expensive
Scent	Little to no scent

 

7)  Almond oil

Almond oil is derived from almonds and is known for its moisturizing properties. These properties have made it an adjunct in many topical moisturizers, helping to improve skin appearance and hydration [6]. It has a slightly sweet flavor and can be used for oil pulling, although it is less commonly used compared to other oils.

 

Properties	Mild and sweet flavor, slightly thicker consistency compared to some other oils
Strengths	Moisturizing, contains vitamin E and healthy fats which might help wound healing
Weaknesses	Less common choice for oil pulling Has a slightly greasy texture Not an option for those with nut allergies
Scent	Slightly sweet and nutty aroma

How to choose ozonated oil for oral oil pulling

It’s technically possible to make your own ozone ozonated oil if you have a home ozone generator setup. However, we highly recommend against it because you may need to ozonate the oils for up to 10 days. The oil ozonation process produces so much heat that it can be a fire hazard, so it’s not safe to start the ozonation and walk away. Also, without a cooling system, you’ll inevitably produce dangerous formaldehyde in the oil. Most people try this and find that it ends up being the same cost as buying a high-quality ozone oil or oil pulling solution.

You want to be careful choosing which oil you use for oil pulling because it goes into your mouth. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your ozone oil.. 

Standardized production method

When selecting an ozonated oil for oil pulling, it is important to also consider standardized production methods and lab testing for peroxide values. It’s possible to just ozonate the oils at room temperature until they look a certain way, but for maximum and consistent health benefit you want a manufacturer who standardizes the process. That way, you can avoid putting harmful impurities or too much of a component into your mouth. 

First, you want to make sure that the original oil is high-quality to begin with. For example, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the least processed and retains more beneficial compounds compared to more refined oils. EVOO should be made by mechanical extraction, without using heat or chemicals. However, in the US, chemical extractions and cutting of olive oils with cheaper oils are very common. This is why we use organic olive oil from a high-integrity vendor in our ozone oil pulling solution [11]. 

Second, during production, the following variables (not an exhaustive list) can affect the quality, impurities, and health effects of the oil:

• Temperature – oil ozonation produces a lot of heat. Industrial cooling maintains oil quality and minimizes formaldehyde formation.
• Duration of the ozonation (typically days)
• Levels of oxygen and air in the ozone
• Containers used, which could be metal, plastic, or specific types of glass

Third, every batch of specialty oil could be different, so they could vary in the levels of ozonated products. We test for and standardize our oils for levels of ozonides, peroxide values, acidity levels, and other chemical properties [12]. Then, we standardize our oils for peroxide values so you can choose the right strengths for your health goals.

Packaging

Opt for ozonated oil pulling solution that comes in dark bottles or ozone-safe plastic, because exposure to light can accelerate oxidation and degrade the oil’s quality.  

Formaldehyde content: Cold vs heat-processed

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical compound that is used in the production of industrial supplies but can also be found naturally in small amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. It is highly reactive and irritating to body areas exposed to it. Depending on processing methods, the amount of formaldehyde can vary, and it is important to understand this when choosing the type of oil you use.  

Oil ozonation at high heat and heating oil in general can increase the formaldehyde in the oil [13]. On the other hand, cold-pressed oils and cold-ozonated oils are less likely to contain formaldehyde [13]. We ozonate our oils in a reactor that allows us to control temperature to prevent formaldehyde formation. Also, we test for formaldehyde during the quality control process to ensure our oils are formaldehyde-free.

Oral health benefits of ozone oil pulling

When added to standard dental hygiene practices, ozone oil pulling can offer some extra benefits. While it should never replace standard brushing or flossing, it can be a great add-on to your oral hygiene routine and even offer some additional benefits.

Supports oral wellness and gum health

Ozone can be a great support for promoting oral wellness and gum health, because of its many mechanisms of action, including

• Inhibiting microbial growth in the mouth [5]
• Stimulating natural tissue regeneration of gums and teeth remineralization
• Stimulating the antioxidant defense pathways of the cells that line your mouth and gums [5]. By neutralizing harmful free radicals and oxidative damage, ozone can keep the oral cavity healthy.

Promoting a healthy oral flora 

Ozone can reduce suboptimal bacteria in the mouth, but spare good ones [14]. In rectal ozone insufflation studies, ozone exposure seems to shift the gut flora towards a healthier one rather than killing off all the gut bacteria. The study suggests that the selective action can help rebalance the oral microbiota, promoting the growth of good gut bacteria linked to a healthy oral flora.

The oral flora is strongly linked to your gut flora, which is crucial to all aspects of your health, from digestion to the immune system, or even hormones and your brain [15].  

Ozone oil pulling can disrupt the structure of these biofilms, which can make your other oral hygiene processes more effective [16]. Plus, it might also help stop plaque from forming in the first place [16]. 

Improving breath smell

Bad breath, also called halitosis, often stems from oral bacteria in plaque and fermentation of food particles in the mouth [17]. Ozone oil pulling is believed to improve breath smell through a few different mechanisms, including [18]:

• Targeting odor-causing bacteria and making room for freshening ones
• Breaking down plaque
• Mitigating immune response to specific oral bacteria
• Neutralizing odor-causing gasses 

Stimulating natural immune and antioxidant responses the mouth and gums

As previously mentioned, your mouth is constantly exposed to the elements from your food, so a strong immune and antioxidant response is crucial to stay healthy. 

Your immune cells communicate with one another using peroxides. By releasing peroxides, ozone can help stimulate the immune system. This can promote immune response or help re-balance ongoing immune responses, depending on what your body needs [17]. 

Ozone also stimulates the antioxidant pathway in your cells, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the mouth and gums.  

Side effects of ozone oil pulling

Compared to other topical oral product treatments, ozone typically has very few side effects. That being said, here are some potential ones that might occur when you begin.

Temporary sensitivity or irritation

Some people may experience temporary irritation or increased sensitivity in the mouth, gums, or throat shortly after ozone oil pulling [1]. The oils are highly reactive and swishing them too forcefully for long periods can increase the risk of irritating gums, mouth, or throat. Prolonged swishing can have similar effects. You can combat this by reducing the duration of sessions or further diluting your oil.

Using oil that is too hot or too cold for oil pulling can potentially irritate the oral tissues and increase sensitivity. So, make sure your oil is at room temperature before beginning. You can also try further diluting the oil, to ensure it is not the actual ozonated oil you are reacting to.

Nausea or stomach upset

One of the more common side effects of oil pulling is nausea or upset stomach. This can be because of many factors, including accidentally ingesting oil, sensitivity to the taste or texture, swallowing air, or reacting to certain oil properties.

It’s common to ingest some oil during oil pulling, especially if you are not used to the practice. If you have a history of being sensitive to fats, you might notice this more. Depending on the type of oil you use, you might have specific reactions related to the oil and not the actual ozone. You can play around with different types of oils, to see if one agrees with you more.

Detox symptoms

Sometimes, as microbes die off, there can be some detox symptoms [19]. These side effects can vary from person to person but can include tiredness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, digestive changes, or skin reactions [19]. 

To help manage these side effects, start slowly and with diluted oil. The dilution reduces the concentration of ozone and might lessen detox symptoms. Staying well-hydrated can also help support your body’s natural detox systems, like urine and sweat, or even using a binder to help move things along. 

Once your detox symptoms subside, gradually increasing the duration and frequency of oil-pulling sessions can allow your body to adapt. 

 

 

Conclusion

Ozone oil pulling can be a great addition to your current oral hygiene routine. By incorporating this practice, you may experience better teeth and gum health.

Remember to choose high-quality standardized ozonated oils that are free of harmful impurities. 

Our Ozone Oil Pulling Solution for teeth and gums elevates traditional oil-pulling methods, combining organic olive oil with ozonated oil and peppermint for a refreshing taste. We guarantee the potency, using standard practice methods and peroxide values. Crafted with cold technology, our processing ensures that no inflammatory compounds are produced.

Our Simply O3 Organic Ozonated Olive Oils are free of solvents, additives, and chemicals, ensuring pure ozonated olive oil goodness. Made with 100% organic ingredients and cold technology, our oils are highly absorbent and free from inflammatory compounds. With stabilized ozonides and peroxides, you can trust in the strength and longevity of our products. 

We guarantee results – if you're not satisfied with your oil, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund. Experience the difference with SimplyO3, where quality meets reliability according to European pharmacological standards.

References

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12 Ugazio, E., Tullio, V., Binello, A., Tagliapietra, S. and Dosio, F. (2020) Ozonated Oils as Antimicrobial Systems in Topical Applications. Their Characterization, Current Applications, and Advances in Improved Delivery Techniques. Molecules 25 https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25020334

13 Moumtaz, S., Percival, B. C., Parmar, D., Grootveld, K. L., Jansson, P. and Grootveld, M. (2019) Toxic aldehyde generation in and food uptake from culinary oils during frying practices: peroxidative resistance of a monounsaturate-rich algae oil. Sci. Rep. 9, 4125

14 Peng, T.-R., Cheng, H.-Y., Wu, T.-W. and Ng, B.-K. (2022) Effectiveness of Oil Pulling for Improving Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 10 https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101991

15 Olsen, I. and Yamazaki, K. (2019) Can oral bacteria affect the microbiome of the gut? J. Oral Microbiol. 11, 1586422

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