What's the Deal With Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is considered an Ayurvedic technique originating in India.  The claim is that:  “Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that is needed to prevent cavities and disease.” *

This process is done by swishing with 2 tablespoons of oil (sesame or coconut) for 20 minutes two times a day (40 minutes total). Being careful not to talk or swallow during this time.
Advocates for oil pulling claim it can: reduce gum disease, reduce cavity bacteria, heals bleeding gums, reverses tooth decay, cures bad breath, whitens teeth, reduces inflammation, and eases jaw discomfort.

This would be amazing if it were true!  In fact, every dental professional would be happy to prescribe oil pulling to their patients.  We LOVE to see healthy teeth and gums.  We also love to see science based facts and oil pulling is lacking just that.  The American Dental Association states: “Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities.”  The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss. **

We, at Stadsklev Dental, know the importance of the ADA Seal of Approval.  It means that the products that have that seal, have been evaluated by an independent group of experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, and that the product does what it claims to do.  No such ADA Seal exists on oil pulling.  We don’t recommend oil pulling and side with ADA in recommending brushing and flossing daily.

While each of us is in charge of our own dental health, if oil pulling is part of your daily oral hygiene routine, it is important to be realistic of the expectations.  Clinically, to date, scientific studies have not provided the necessary clinical evidence to demonstrate that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health.

Additionally, for most time is of the essence.  Flossing takes 15 seconds a day and brushing takes 4 total minutes a day.  Finding 40 minutes a day to swish with oil may be a challenge and am certain there are more fun things to do.

*https://draxe.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil
**http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/the-practice-of-oil-pulling