Is Oil Pulling Good For Oral Health?

Oil pulling is an ancient technique for maintaining healthy teeth. It has been practised in India and southern Asia for centuries. It involves swishing oil into the mouth as a dental hygiene practice.

1. Take a tablespoon of oil into the mouth, and swish it like a mouthwash.

2. Swish for 5 to 20 minutes or even longer.

3. Spit the oil and wash the mouth with water.

Avoid spitting in the sink or toilet as it can cause clogging. Use a dustbin for spiting oil after oil pulling.

Oils Used For Oil Pulling

Any edible oil can be used for oil pulling. Commonly used oils are:

1. Sesame oil

2. Olive oil

3. Sunflower oil

4. Coconut oil

Among these, oil pulling with coconut oil is considered to be the best. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Those can relieve gums and reduce bleeding. Vitamin E oil is also used in little quantity for oil pulling. It has many antioxidants that can improve dental health.

Does it Work?

There are many testimonials and reviews available online about the health benefits of this practice. Even so, there is no reliable scientific research that shows its benefits. No study has yet explained that oil pulling can: whiten the teeth, reduce the bad smell, or kill the bacteria. Lack of research on this practice makes it hard for experts to decide whether it is beneficial or harmful for dental health. Due to a lack of evidence, the ADA has recommended not to practice oil pulling for oral hygiene.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Use a fluoride toothpaste that has an ADA Seal of Acceptance. Floss daily to keep your teeth healthy. Avoid using tobacco.