Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in the mouth and spitting it out. It is believed to help clean the mouth and promote dental hygiene. While the traditional remedy has been practiced widely in India and Southern Asia, it has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers claim it can do more than just clean the mouth. Some of the alleged benefits include whitening teeth, reversing tooth decay, fighting gum disease, and treating various oral health conditions. The practice has evolved from using a spoonful of coconut or sesame oil to pricey single-use oil pulling packets available in various flavors.
Oil pulling involves taking a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sesame, olive, or sunflower oil, and swishing it around vigorously in the mouth akin to mouthwash. The technique is thought to help clean the teeth and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth that can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. However, while people have been using oil pulling for centuries to enhance oral health, research on its effectiveness is limited and mixed. Studies suggest that oil pulling may help reduce salivary bacteria colony counts but has no significant impact on reducing plaque or gingivitis. Some individuals claim oil pulling can also improve skin health and detoxify the body, but there is no substantial scientific evidence to support these claims.
While oil pulling may have some effectiveness in removing debris from around the teeth and gums, other dental hygiene methods like brushing and flossing are more effective. Traditional oral hygiene tools and techniques have significantly improved in the last century, making oil pulling a supplementary practice rather than a primary method for maintaining oral health. It is essential to brush teeth after oil pulling to remove any residual oil and maintain good dental hygiene. The American Dental Association does not endorse oil pulling as there is insufficient evidence to support its benefits, but it is generally considered safe as long as edible oils are used.
Although oil pulling is generally safe, swallowing large amounts of edible oils may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. It is essential to spit out the oil in the trash instead of the sink to prevent clogging pipes. Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste for two minutes and flossing daily as part of a regular oral hygiene routine. While oil pulling can be done one to two times per day as an additional treatment, it is crucial to consult a dentist for individual recommendations on maintaining oral health. Trusted sources and professional advice should be sought before making any changes to dental hygiene routines based on social media trends or claims.
