Key Highlights:

• Oil pulling comes from old Ayurvedic customs.
• It might lower bad bacteria and plaque in the mouth and boost oral health.
• Proper oil choice and use are crucial for effective oil pulling.
• Despite being mostly safe, oil pulling does carry some risks and side effects.
• Modern dental views differ on how well oil pulling works.

Introduction

Oral health plays a big part in our overall health. But usual tooth care like brushing and flossing doesn’t always do it all. What else can we try for better oral health? The answer might be in an old method called “oil pulling.” We’ll dive into its roots, what it promises, its methods, safety, and what modern tooth care thinks of it.

Origin of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a time-tested Ayurvedic practice. Its effectiveness relates to seeing the body as a whole unit.

Ayurvedic Practice and History

Ayurveda started in India over 3,000 years ago. It’s one of the world’s oldest total healing ways. Oral health matters a lot in Ayurveda, with many methods for it, including oil pulling.

Definition and process

Oil pulling is an Ayurveda-based method. It involves swishing about a spoonful of oil (usually sesame or coconut oil) in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. The idea is that the oil will “pull” the bad stuff out of your body.

Different Types

In Ayurveda, the main two types of oil pulling are Kavala Graha and Kavala Gandusha.

Kavala Graha

In Kavala Graha, you keep a comfy amount of oil in your mouth and then spit it out.

Kavala Gandusha

In Gandusha, you fill your mouth with oil, wait three to five minutes, and then spit.

Oil pulling with coconut oil has shown to be beneficial for oral health. People should not mistaken to consider this step as a substitute of oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Benefits of Oil Pulling

1. Helps Fight Bacteria

Oil pulling might fight off bad mouth bacteria. A bacteria type named Streptococcus mutants, a main tooth decay cause has been seen to go down a lot after oil-pulling use.

2. Helps Prevent Plaque

Some studies say that oil pulling may help reduce plaque formation and thus lower the risks of gingivitis.

There’s some evidence that oil pulling, particularly with coconut oil, could inhibit plaque formation and improve oral health but it is surely not a substitute for brushing twice a day and flossing one to two times daily.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

3. Helps Whiten Teeth

Oil pulling might whiten teeth, according to stories, but no firm data proves this yet.

4. May Reduce the Risk of Tooth Decay

By bringing down Streptococcus mutans levels, oil pulling might help keep away tooth decay.

5. Helps Reduce Bad Breath

Bad breath mainly comes from mouth bacteria gases. Oil pulling might lessen these bacteria and improve breath.

6. Promoting Gum Health

As some oils (like sesame) have anti-swell properties, oil pulling might lower gum swell from gingivitis.

Unproven Benefits and Misconceptions

Although many good things are linked to oil pulling, science doesn’t yet back them all up, such as detoxing the body or healing body diseases.

Let’s look at the potential pros of oil pulling in the table below:

The Methodology of Oil Pulling

1. Choosing the Right Oil

It’s important to pick the right oil. Sesame oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil are thought to be best for oil pulling.

2. Duration & Quantity

With a spoonful of oil, swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out.

3. What to Expect Before, During, and After Oil Pulling

At first, it feels weird. During it, the oil will mix with saliva and thin out. After, your mouth should feel fresh and moist.

4. When to Oil Pull

Do oil pulling first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.

Also Read: What is Red Light Therapy? A Closer Look at its Research-Backed Applications

Safety and Risks Associated with Oil Pulling

1. Potential Side Effects

While generally safe, oil pulling can cause nausea or an unsettled stomach, especially if you swallow the oil.

2. Who Should Avoid Oil Pulling

You shouldn’t try oil pulling if you’re allergic to any oils used for it. Also, people who just had mouth surgery or have active gum disease should ask their doctor before oil pulling.

3. Views from Modern Dentistry

Modern dentistry has mixed views on oil pulling. Although some evidence shows promise, the American Dental Association doesn’t recommend oil pulling due to the lack of quality research.

Conclusion

Clearly, oil pulling could boost overall oral health. But, it might not be for everyone, so it’s best to ask a healthcare professional first. Moreover, oil pulling should add to, not replace, tooth care habits.

In conclusion, it’s still not clear-cut on oil pulling. Consider it a support to, but not a swap for, regular oral care. You need check-ups, brushing, and flossing for the best oral health.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

To round off, you should speak with your healthcare provider before deciding to include oil pulling in your daily routine. Until there’s more solid research, take all oil-pulling benefits and claims with a bit of scepticism.

References:

1. PubMed. Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis – A preliminary report [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25838632
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27084861
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21. PubMed. The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27084861
22. PubMed. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Probiotic, Chlorhexidine-based Mouthwashes, and Oil Pulling Therapy on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation in 10- to 12-year-old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29991855
23. PubMed. Effect of oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: a randomized controlled pilot trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21911944
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