Oil Pulling for Teeth: Does This Ancient Oral Hygiene Practice Work?

What was once an ancient tradition for cleaning your teeth is now back en vogue. But how effective is it? Here is what you need to know about the practice of oil pulling.

Oil Pulling is an Ancient Form of Oral Hygiene

You may have heard the buzz about what is known as oil pulling. This practice dates back thousands of years, when people did not have modern advances such as toothpaste and toothbrushes to clean their teeth. Instead, they had to lean on the Earth's natural elements for their dental hygiene.

The practice of oil pulling is rooted in a traditional Indian healing practice known as Ayurvedic medicine. According to historians, the people of this time believed that swishing an edible oil around in their mouth for about 20 minutes would pull out the toxins and clean their teeth. Commonly used oils in this practice included olive, coconut, and sunflower varieties.

The ancient Indians believed that this swishing would remove the plaque buildup and other particles that would stick to the teeth after eating. These people thought that oil pulling would detoxify the entire body since the mouth was connected to everything else.

As toothbrushes and toothpaste became widely available, oil pulling largely fell out of use. However, oil pulling is now making a comeback, in large part due to a growing interest in natural wellness practices. Coconut oil is the most commonly used oil today. This product melts in the mouth and is easier on the palate than other types of oils, making it the most popular choice for people leaning on this ancient oral hygiene practice.

Proponents of oil pulling say that it whitens teeth while freshening breath at the same time. Some advocates claim that the oil supports a healthier oral microbiome, as well as better gut health.

What the Experts Say About Oil Pulling

But what do the experts say about oil pulling? Dr. Matthew Messina, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association and director of Ohio State Upper Arlington Dentistry, said, "There’s no scientific evidence that oil pulling is beneficial, but there is also no evidence that it’s detrimental."

A 2022 meta-analysis on the subject found that while oil pulling does decrease bacterial counts in the mouth, there is limited evidence to show that it reduces plaque buildup or gum inflammation when compared to modern oral hygiene techniques. Messina explains that oil pulling was "better than nothing" before toothpaste became widely available; however, now the ritual does not provide additional benefits beyond widely recognized brushing and flossing habits.

The American Dental Association largely concurs, saying that there are no “reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being."

Messina is quick to point out that while experts do not necessarily recommend oil pulling, there is likely no harm in the practice. In fact, Messina said that his patients may actually brush their teeth for longer after oil pulling because they are trying to get rid of the oil residue it leaves behind.

What is a problem is when people use oil pulling as a replacement for proven oral hygiene practices. For instance, people with a gum infection or dental abscess should see a dentist instead of relying on oil.

In addition, today's modern mouthwash also contains specific antibacterial ingredients that have been shown to reduce the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Likewise, fluoride rinses are designed to strengthen teeth. Coconut oil does not provide these same benefits.

Messina details that “Oral rinses are best used to support a healthy regimen of brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between our teeth once a day with floss or an oral irrigator." Oil pulling, on the other hand, may offer a “false sense of protection,” said dentist and orthodontic specialist Dr. Kami Hoss.

Dr. Kami Hoss also expresses concern with the time needed to follow through with an oil pulling routine. “If you spend minutes of oil pulling every day, how much time are you really going to spend doing all the other things that we know are scientific rewards?” Hoss asked.

The bottom line: go ahead and keep swishing that oil if it makes your mouth feel fresh and you enjoy the practice. However, it should not be used as a replacement for medically proven oral hygiene recommendations of toothpaste, mouthwash, and flossing. 

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.