Did you know that by some estimates, there are between 1,000 and 10,000 bacteria…on a single tooth? And we have 32 adult teeth. If the thought of all that bacteria in your mouth gives you the creepy-crawlies, you aren’t alone. Many people are turning to a not-so-new practice to get rid of all that bacteria: the habit of oil pulling.

            Today we’ll investigate just what oil pulling is and whether it’s the real deal or not. Spoiler alert: while it may be mildly beneficial, it’s not going to do everything that proponents claim.

What’s the story behind oil pulling?

            As it turns out, this is not a practice dreamed up by modern health gurus, the next get-white-teeth-quick scheme. Oil pulling is an ancient practice, associated with the Ayurveda medicinal tradition of India. It’s been around for centuries, and has gained popularity in recent years. Proponents claim it can prevent gum disease, eliminate bacteria, whiten your teeth, and improve your oral health overall—all at the low cost of twenty minutes a day and a teaspoon of oil.

            The practice goes something like this: the oil puller takes about a teaspoon of oil each day. Coconut, sesame, and olive oil are all popular choices. The person in question then swishes the oil around in their mouth for up to twenty minutes, and finishes up by spitting the oil in the trash and brushing or rinsing to remove any residue.

Is it legitimate?

            The obvious question at hand is whether this is will really work, or if it’s just the placebo effect that causes oil pullers to claim they’re seeing such miraculous benefits. Different sources offer different answers to that question. However, it seems the consensus is that while the evidence is still relatively limited, oil pulling is at least mildly beneficial in reducing plaque and harmful bacteria and improving gum health and overall oral hygiene. There is little to no evidence that it will whiten your teeth, cure your diabetes, or achieve any other far-out goal you hear of.

            It’s helpful if you realize that swishing oil in your mouth works a lot like a natural mouthwash. Yes, it may be relatively safe and effective enough as a mouthwash, but that doesn’t make it a miracle-worker.

            If you decide to try oil pulling, you may indeed notice benefits. For instance, one of the common symptoms of gingivitis (a form of gum disease) is inflammation. Coconut oil is a powerful agent against inflammation. Swishing coconut oil in your mouth may provide relief and boost your gum health. At least two studies have shown that oil pulling reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth; again, the evidence is far from overwhelming, but you may indeed find that your mouth is healthier after oil pulling than it was before.

Is it dangerous?

          You may have heard from those opposed to the practice that it can be dangerous. When performed correctly with safe oils, you are unlikely to encounter health complications. However, as one dentistry explains, “A study from Harvard Medical School found that one in five Ayurvedic herbal medical products contained harmful levels of lead, mercury or arsenic. Oil pulling can also potentially cause lipoid pneumonia if the oil gets into the lungs. Other health risks reported from oil pulling include diarrhea or upset stomach.”

            Oil pulling is not entirely free from health risks, and that’s something to keep in mind when considering whether to try this trend out for yourself or not.

An Important Note

            What we’ve seen here is that oil pulling is, in many ways, just a natural, at-home version of mouthwash. Derived from ancient medicine, it’s seen a jump in popularity lately as many people turn to it to get rid of their plaque, whiten their teeth, and much more. While the evidence for oil pulling whitening your teeth is insubstantial at best, there is a body of evidence that suggests oil pulling is helpful for your oral health in a variety of other ways.

            If you decide to try oil pulling at home, it is important that you use it in a supplemental manner. If tried, oil pulling should be added to a disciplined regimen of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, not substituted for either.

            It’s unlikely that oil pulling will perform a miracle for you, but it may make your smile just a bit cleaner and healthier than it was before. If you have any questions about this or other home remedies for dental needs, please contact our office today.