Traditionally, when oil turns white after prolonged oil pulling, this is thought to be visual proof that the oil has absorbed bacteria and toxins from the tongue and the mouth.[1] However, another explanation is that after being swished around in the mouth for 5 minutes or longer, the oil becomes emulsified by enzymes in the saliva. Emulsification means that the oil particles are mixed evenly with water particles (from the saliva) and do not quickly separate into unmixed water and oil layers.[2] (Mayonnaise is an example of emulsification.) Of note, the water-saliva emulsification can contain microbes from the saliva, and spitting out this mixture can reduce microbe content in the oral cavity. But the reason that the oil turns white is likely due to the saliva enzymes and not the microbe content.
Why does oil turn white after oil pulling?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Oil turns white after oil pulling primarily due to emulsification caused by the enzymes in saliva, which mixes the oil with water particles. Although some believe that this color change indicates the absorption of bacteria and toxins, the whitening is more likely a result of the oil's interaction with saliva rather than the presence of microbes.