A POWERFUL DENTAL AYURVEDIC PRACTICE - What is Oil Pulling? Oil Pulling is a powerful and ancient dental Ayurvedic practice, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha" and has been used for thousands of years to support and improve oral hygiene. It involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action draws out nasty residues to help improve oral health.