Oil pulling science

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth to improve oral health and detoxify the body. This practice dates back thousands of years to traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it was known as “Kavala” or “Gandusha.” Though it has roots in traditional medicine, oil pulling has recently gained popularity in the wellness community, with proponents claiming it can provide various health benefits, such as reducing bacteria in the mouth, improving gum health, and whitening teeth. However, modern scientific research into the effectiveness of oil pulling is still ongoing.

How Oil Pulling Works

Oil pulling is relatively simple. The practice involves placing a tablespoon of oil, typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, into the mouth and swishing it around for 15-20 minutes. During this time, proponents believe the oil acts as a cleanser, drawing out toxins, bacteria, and other impurities from the mouth.

The oil is believed to adhere to the toxins and bacteria present in the mouth, facilitating their removal when the oil is spat out. Some individuals use oil pulling as a part of their daily oral hygiene routine, often as a complementary treatment alongside brushing and flossing.

The Science Behind Oil Pulling

Although many claim that oil pulling improves oral health, scientific evidence regarding its efficacy is still limited. However, several studies have explored the practice and found potential benefits.

1. Reduction of Oral Bacteria

One of the primary claims made by advocates of oil pulling is its ability to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The mouth hosts a wide variety of bacteria, some of which are harmful and contribute to plaque formation, gum disease, and bad breath.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2016 found that oil pulling with coconut oil significantly reduced the count of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that is a major contributor to tooth decay. The reduction in harmful bacteria suggests that oil pulling may help improve overall oral hygiene.

2. Plaque and Gingivitis Reduction

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is commonly caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums and, if left untreated, can lead to inflammation and gum disease.

A 2015 study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research found that oil pulling was effective in reducing plaque and improving gingival health. The study concluded that oil pulling could be a helpful adjunct to traditional oral care methods like brushing and flossing, especially in reducing plaque buildup and gingivitis.

3. Whitening Teeth

Many proponents of oil pulling also claim that it can naturally whiten teeth. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking oil pulling to teeth whitening, some studies suggest that it can help remove surface stains on the teeth due to the mechanical action of swishing the oil.

A small study in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice in 2015 found that participants who practiced oil pulling with sesame oil for 14 days showed a noticeable improvement in tooth whiteness. However, these results were modest, and it is unclear whether oil pulling can produce the same whitening effects as professional dental treatments or whitening toothpaste.

4. Reduction of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria that thrive in the mouth, particularly on the tongue and between the teeth. By reducing bacterial buildup, oil pulling may help reduce bad breath.

A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene in 2011 found that oil pulling with sesame oil resulted in a significant reduction in bad breath. The participants who practiced oil pulling reported a decrease in halitosis, likely due to the reduction in bacteria associated with the condition.

5. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Oil pulling is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties due to the oils’ natural compounds. For example, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found that oil pulling with coconut oil not only reduced bacterial counts but also helped reduce inflammation in the gums. This suggests that oil pulling might be beneficial for individuals with mild gum irritation or gingivitis.

Potential Benefits Beyond Oral Health

Although most research on oil pulling has focused on its oral health benefits, some proponents believe it offers other health benefits as well, such as detoxifying the body and improving skin health. However, scientific evidence for these claims is much weaker.

• Detoxification: Some people believe that oil pulling can help “pull” toxins from the body, though this is not a scientifically supported concept. The idea is that the oil draws out harmful substances from the body, similar to how it allegedly removes bacteria and plaque from the mouth. However, there is no evidence to suggest that oil pulling removes toxins from the bloodstream or internal organs.

• Improved Skin Health: Some individuals claim that oil pulling can clear up skin issues like acne. The theory is that the detoxifying effects of oil pulling might help reduce inflammation and remove toxins that could contribute to acne. Again, there is limited scientific evidence supporting this claim.

Safety and Considerations

Oil pulling is generally considered safe for most people when practiced properly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t swallow the oil: After swishing the oil, it’s important to spit it out. Swallowing the oil can reintroduce the toxins and bacteria that have been drawn out of the mouth back into the body.

• Avoid excessive swishing: Swishing the oil for longer than recommended (typically 15-20 minutes) can potentially cause jaw soreness or muscle fatigue.

• Use the right type of oil: Not all oils are created equal. While coconut oil is the most commonly recommended for oil pulling due to its antimicrobial properties, sesame and sunflower oils are also commonly used. It’s important to choose a high-quality, organic oil.

• Don’t replace regular oral care: While oil pulling may offer some oral health benefits, it should not replace traditional oral care methods like brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. It can, however, be used as a supplemental practice to help improve oral hygiene.

Conclusion

While oil pulling may offer some benefits, especially when it comes to reducing bacteria in the mouth and improving gum health, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations. Modern science has provided some support for its role in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

As a complementary practice to regular oral hygiene, oil pulling may have its place in promoting oral health, but it should not be seen as a replacement for brushing and flossing.