Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, has made a resurgence in the wellness world over recent years. Promoted as a natural method for whitening teeth, improving gum health, and even detoxifying the body, it’s been embraced by many health-conscious individuals. But is it a true dental miracle or just another fad?

Many dental patients may find themselves on the fence about choosing to incorporate a new care step into their oral hygiene routine. Without adequate scientific support, they may struggle to justify this added step. If you want to learn more about oil pulling and whether you should add it to your everyday routine, keep reading. 

What is Oil Pulling? 

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around your mouth for 3 to 20 minutes before spitting it out. When performing this practice, coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil is the most common choice, although coconut has become the most popular choice among users.

This popularity is due to the claims that coconut oil can reduce tissue inflammation, which is especially important to patients with sensitive or unhealthy gums. Proponents claim this process removes toxins, whitens teeth, and improves oral hygiene. The practice’s origins date back over 3,000 years in India, where it was used for dental health and overall wellness.

The Claims: Can It Transform Your Oral Health? 

There are several claims about the benefits of incorporating oil pulling into your routine. These claims include: 

• Whiter Teeth: Fans of oil pulling often tout its ability to whiten teeth naturally. Coconut oil, in particular, is praised for its antibacterial properties and mild bleaching effect.
• Improved Gum Health: Swishing oil is said to reduce plaque buildup, which in turn could improve gum health and reduce gingivitis.
• Detoxification: Advocates claim that oil pulling helps rid the body of harmful toxins, which can lead to clearer skin, better digestion, and a host of other health benefits.
• Better Breath: Many who incorporate this into their routine report fresher breath, believing the oil helps remove bacteria and food particles that lead to bad breath.

What Science Says

While there are several anecdotal claims about the benefits of incorporating this practice into your oral hygiene routine, there are even more questions about whether these claims are true. Here’s what science has to say about these claims: 

• Reduction in Plaque and Gingivitis: Some studies have shown that oil pulling, particularly coconut oil, can reduce plaque formation and help with gingivitis. This may be due to the mechanical action of swishing combined with the oil’s antimicrobial properties. However, these results are comparable to mouthwash; it shouldn’t replace regular brushing or flossing.
• Whitening Effects: Little scientific evidence supports the claim that oil pulling significantly whitens teeth. Any minor whitening may come from removing surface-level stains, similar to how brushing can remove stains, rather than deep bleaching.
• Detoxification Claims: One of the more controversial claims is that oil pulling helps “detoxify” the body. From a scientific standpoint, no evidence supports that it removes toxins from the body. The body’s organs, like the liver and kidneys, are responsible for detoxification, not the mouth.
• Freshening Breath: Swishing oil may help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, which could lead to fresher breath. However, traditional methods like mouthwash or tongue brushing are equally effective.

Ultimately, due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting the addition of oil pulling to your oral hygiene routine, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not currently recommend the practice. 

Should You Incorporate It into Your Routine? 

If you are still interested in trying oil pulling after reading all of this information, you may consider incorporating it into your routine. While this oral hygiene practice won’t harm your smile, there are a few things to keep in mind. As mentioned above, it is not a reliable replacement for brushing and flossing.

You should continue brushing and flossing daily to protect your teeth from infection and decay. This is the only ADA-approved way to clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. If this approval matters to you, it may be best to forgo adding this to your routine. Finally, if you want to incorporate this into your routine, it is important that you continue to attend regular dental appointments.

At your twice-yearly cleanings, your dental team can watch for signs of oral disease and provide adjustments to your routine. With their care, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. They can also help you find the appropriate toothpaste, mouthwash, and toothbrush to care for your smile. 

Protecting Your Oral Health in Brigham City

While you may be tempted to add oil pulling to your oral hygiene routine, it is best to heed the advice of your trusted dental team. They can assess your oral health and make recommendations to help you achieve your healthiest smile yet. If you’re looking for a team in the Brigham City, Utah, area to help you care for your smile, turn to our team at Jenson Dental.

With years of experience caring for patients across the Wasatch Front, we’re confident that our team is the best fit for you. Whether you need a dental cleaning, want to invest in cosmetic dentistry, or it’s time to schedule dental surgeries like tooth extractions or root canals, we’re here to help every step of the way. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to assess your current oral health needs or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.