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Oil pulling is a type of Ayurvedic medicine (a traditional Indian system) that dates back 3,000 years involving the swishing of oil around the mouth for 15-20 minutes. This was a way to cleanse the mouth back before modern dentistry had been developed. Now, we can get the same benefits from simply swishing any mouthwash containing fluoride for 30 seconds and go on with the rest of our day.
The Science Behind Oil Pulling
There are hundreds of good and bad bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria reach an equilibrium if provided a favorable environment. This is usually achieved by having a healthy diet and thorough oral hygiene care routine at home.
Throughout the day, having some plaque accumulate on teeth is perfectly safe because it will be removed by brushing and flossing later that day. However, if it gets out of hand and not removed daily, it can start to cause various problems, including bad breath, gum inflammation known as gingivitis, cavities, and bone issues known as periodontal disease.
The way oil pulling works is by swishing coconut, sunflower or sesame seed oil around the mouth for approximately 20 minutes. During this process, the plaque cells are coming into contact with the oil, a fat, which is naturally adhering to the bacteria and sweeping the bacteria away in the oil. This all sounds great however it takes around 15-20 minutes of constant swishing every day to gain these benefits which is easily achievable by simply swishing mouthwash for 30 seconds.
What Oil Pulling Won’t Do For You
We all have that one friend or family member that swears by oil pulling. And truthfully, if they are adding oil pulling to a solid oral hygiene routine of brushing 2x/day, flossing 1x/day and substituting mouthwash for 20 minutes of oil pulling, then it is benefiting them, but no more than what mouthwash would do.
Also, oil pulling is never a substitute for brushing or flossing. Oil pulling won’t magically heal tooth decay or regrow receding gums. There is also no evidence that oil pulling will draw the “toxins” from your bloodstream or whiten your teeth by dissolving stains on the surface.
What Does It Mean?
I don’t know about you, but I do not have the time or patience to oil pull 20 minutes every day. So in short, I believe oil pulling is a fad. Even though it's been around for 3,000 years, the use of it has faded over the decades because smarter practices and techniques are being discovered every year in all areas of medicine. It’s the same reason why doctors no longer prescribe ketchup to cure indigestion and heartburn like they used to in the 1830’s. Medicine has evolved, and so has dentistry.
The best (and fastest) way to care for your oral health is to brush at least 2x/day, floss 1x/day and if you prefer a mouthwash, swish 1-2x/day with a fluorinated mouthwash. However, brushing and flossing will continue being the two most important ways to care for your oral health at home. And as always, don’t forget to have regular check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist!
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