Oil pulling is an alleged natural remedy for various oral health issues that recently went viral online. But what exactly is oil pulling? What are the supposed benefits? Is it safe? And what does science say about this practice?
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes before spitting it out. Coconut oil is the most popular oil, but some claim that sesame or sunflower oil also works.
Proponents of oil pulling believe that the oil pulls toxins and bacteria out of the mouth to improve oral health. This practice has also been around for centuries, particularly in India, which appears to give credibility to the claims of its health benefits.
What Are the Alleged Benefits of Oil Pulling?
Supporters of oil pulling attribute various oral health benefits to the practice, including:
- Whiter Teeth – One of the primary claims made by oil pulling supporters is that the process can remove stains and whiten teeth naturally without the use of man-made chemical products.
- Reduced Bad Breath – Bacteria in the mouth is the leading cause of halitosis, commonly known as bad breath. Some individuals claim that oil pulling removes these bacteria by trapping them in the oil, leading to fresher breath.
- Improved Gum Health – Some claims assert that oil pulling can reduce inflammation and help treat gum diseases like gingivitis.
- Cavity Prevention – Oil pulling proponents allege that the practice can prevent cavities and tooth decay by removing harmful bacteria.
Is Oil Pulling Dangerous?
Generally, oil pulling is safe when done properly. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Jaw Injury – Most recommendations state that individuals should swish the oil around in their mouths for 15 to 20 minutes, which is a very long time. Doing this daily could lead to jaw muscle injuries requiring rest or rehabilitation.
- Lipoid Pneumonia – Inhaling oil while swishing could lead to a rare form of pneumonia known as lipoid pneumonia, which results from fats getting into the lungs.
- Gastrointestinal Issues – Swallowing the oil after swishing could lead to an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues. For this reason, recommendations state that you should spit the oil into the trash.
What Does Science Say About Oil Pulling?
Despite the claims you may see online, no scientific evidence supports the benefits of oil pulling. One study tested the claim that oil pulling can whiten teeth and found a minimal whitening effect with sesame oil and no effect with coconut and sunflower oil. The teeth treated with sesame oil had the same appearance as teeth treated with a saline solution, which seems to debunk the idea that oil plays a role.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
While natural remedies like oil pulling may seem appealing and often won’t cause harm, they shouldn’t replace professional dental care. Regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining your oral health.
If you’re concerned or have questions about your oral hygiene, Babylon Dental Care is here to help. Call (631) 983-6665 or contact us online to schedule your next dental appointment.
