Just What is Oil Pulling?

Swishing 1 tablespoon of oil for 20 minutes doesn't sound too exciting, but what if it had several healing benefits. Would you try it? Oil pulling is a growing trend, but it is far from new. This ancient Indian therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine, and dates back over 3,000 years ago. Practitioners of oil pulling claim that it is capable of improving oral and systemic health as well as bettering migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, acne and even whitening of teeth. Ayurvedic medicine promoters claim that oil pulling works by "pulling out" toxins therefore reducing inflammation. However, oil pulling has received very little study and has not been scientifically proven to promote these claims. Even after several limited studies, the mechanism of the action of oil pulling is still unclear. However, after doing some research, this is what we do know.

Sesame Oil is loaded with essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus and calcium. It also is high in Vitamin E, antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut Oil also has high amounts of Vitamin E, antioxidants and thanks to lauric acid and monolaurin, it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Which oil is superior? Both promote great health benefits and therefore comes down to which oil you think is better tasting. 

The suggestion of the mechanism of oil pulling is:

• it provides a surface layer that bacteria and plaque cannot adhere to.
• by increasing the secretion of saliva, oil pulling uses saliva to trap the toxin within the oil.
• sesame oil is very soothing and can moisturize the gums, providing relief to those with dry mouth.
• the swishing action could dislodge the bacteria from crevices in the mouth.

To perform oil pulling, simply rinse with an oil much like rinsing with a mouthwash. "Pulling" it between your teeth is the key. Users have suggested starting with 5 minutes and building your way up to the full time. Once finished, just spit the oil into the trash can. 

The American Dental Association expressed that rather than oil pulling, they suggest- brushing twice daily, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouth wash. The Canadian Dental Association stated, "We sense oil pulling won't do any harm, but we're not convinced there are any particular benefits to it."

We still don't know if oil pulling does everything it claims to, but we do know oil pulling is not going to hurt us. Oil pulling could be a great adjunct to your oral health routine of brushing and flossing, rather a supplemental therapy, but it should never replace your routine dental visits!

-A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile-