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The Practice of Oil Pulling

Recently, the practice of oil pulling has gained a lot of media support as a reducing plaque, whitening teeth, and improving oral and overall health. While the technique has been around for years, it may not yield the results promised. 

Oil pulling comes from an ancient folk remedy practiced in India as a holistic Ayurvedic technique. It involves putting a tablespoon of oil (traditionally sesame but others claim to use olive, sunflower, or coconut) in the mouth and swishing it for anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes.  The name comes from the act of pulling the oil through the spaces in the teeth. 

As with most folk remedies, oil pulling has not been empirically studied for its oral health benefits.  Of the few studies conducted, there are clear limitations such as a small sample size, lack of controls, and confounding variables. The American Dental Association released an article in May with an overview of the available studies, coming to the conclusion that there is no current empirical support that oil pulling is beneficial.

In fact, oil pulling may have negative side effects due to having to keep the oil in the mouth for an extended period of time.  Swishing the oil may result in the fats from the oil being asphyxiated into the lungs, causing lipoid pneumonia.  Cases of upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported as well.

While the practice has been around for many years, there are no peer-reviewed studies that support the benefits of oil pulling.  Many dental professionals do not recommend oil pulling as a supplementary oral health practice and certainly not as a replacement practice.  Brushing twice a day and flossing once is still recommended as the best, most supported practice to help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.


Source:http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/the-practice-of-oil-pulling


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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