Pulling the mouth with oil was an old method that used about one tablespoon of oil (usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil). The oil was held in the mouth for up to 20 minutes and then spit out.
What Are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?
There are no scientifically proven benefits of oil pulling at this time. It is already an outdated method, several thousand years old. Previously stated benefits include: teeth whitening effect, prevention of cavities and gingivitis, fresh breath, less tooth sensitivity and less plaque and bacteria buildup.
How Does an Oil Pulling Work?
Oil pulling is a very old method, oil was held in the mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit out. It was believed that intense rinsing cleaned the teeth and removed accumulated plaque. Coconut oil was an organic substitute for modern mouthwashes. It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that has antibacterial and antifungal effects due to its lauric acid and monolaurin content.
What Are the Risks Associated With Oil Pulling?
The disadvantages of oil pulling are: dry mouth, thirst after pulling, muscle fatigue, loss of taste sensitivity. Coconut oil becomes hard at room temperature, so it should not be spat out into the sink, it can clog drains. Gargling with oil is contraindicated for people who have had a heart attack or suffer from atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Gargling with oil has only a superficial effect and will not clean deep periodontal pockets in patients with periodontal disease. It is very important to understand that there is no scientifically proven evidence that oil pulling is appropriate for people with these problems.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an outdated method that has not been approved in clinical trials. Gargling is not able to cure cavities and other oral diseases that have already appeared. There is no substitute for daily oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist with oil rinses alone.