But what IS oil pulling? Good question. Basically, you take a big tablespoon of oil, usually coconut (sesame works too) and swish it around your mouth for around 20 minutes, and then spit it back out. But why, you ask?
Your body stores toxins in your salivary glands. When you oil pull, you increase the production of saliva and the toxins in your saliva get trapped in the oil, which you end up spitting back out. Easy!
It does not strengthen teeth and gums or whiten teeth. It does help with halitosis. However, it helps rid the mouth of harmful toxins just like other mouthrinses, probably even a little better because of the thick viscous nature of the oils. So, while it does not strengthen, it is protective to your gums and teeth.