Oil pulling is an ancient, centuries-old remedy that originates with the holistic Aurvedic medicine practices. According to folklore, oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut or olive oil, around the mouth for a period of time anywhere from one minute up to 20 minutes. During this time, the person is meant to pull the oil between the teeth.
While oil pulling may have been popular in ancient times, more modern methods of cleaning teeth and inhibiting bacterial growth have superseded the need and efficacy of oil pulling.
Unfortunately, a multitude of social media site and natural health blogs have been putting forth the notion of oil pulling as a viable alternative to modern traditional oral health treatments. These online outlets are perpetuating false hope and ideologies that oil puling can successfully replace brushing and flossing in the oral health care regimen. This isn’t true. In fact, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with an ADA recommended mouthwash such as Listerine, is the only oral health care that is recommended by the American Dental Association has been in business since 1859, and has been dedicated to helping dentists and patients with proper oral hygiene. The American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a replacement for modern, traditional oral health care.
Oil pulling, as with many other folk remedies, does not have sufficient scientific research behind it to support its methodologies and claims. In fact, the ADA does not even recommend engaging in oil pulling as a supplement to oral hygiene, since there is no scientific evidence to support claims that oil pulling has any kind of advantage that traditional and modern health care doesn’t already offer.
The ADA recommends brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. In addition, the ADA recommends interdental cleaning with floss or another product that is specifically recommended by the American Dental Association.
Those who require additional help to protect against gingivitis are advised to use an oral rinse such as Listerine to combat bacteria and plaque. Several ingredients in the ADA approved Listerine products contain anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis essential oils just like those advised with oil pulling. These Listerine commercial products contain oils and alcohols such as thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and menthol that have been scientifically proven to reduce bacteria and fight the germs that cause bacteria and plaque. Listerine commercial products differ from natural essential oils because they are suspended in an aqueous solution that was created in a sterile laboratory setting This ensures that the oral rinse that consumers purchase is sterile, germ-free and effective against the germs that cause gingivitis and bad breath.
While oil pulling may have been effective centuries ago in an age where modern oral hygiene wasn’t available, it simply doesn’t make sense to engage in this primitive and potentially harmful practice today. Instead, dentists around the world recommend investing in keeping teeth clean with an ADA-recommended toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as an oral rinse, such as ADA-approved Listerine, as needed.
Additionally, don't forget to schedule routine cleanings and dentals exams.