Oil Pulling for Oral Health
Every day new treatments, as well as old remedies, pop up claiming to be the key to improving health and quality of life. Many become instant sensations, and some even produce tangible benefits. Others die off and become just distant memories of failed “miracle cures”, or “fad diets”. Recently, oil pulling has experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially in the oral health realm.
What is oil pulling?
The practice of oil pulling evolved over 3,000 years ago. Oil pulling is part of Aryuveda, an ancient, traditional medicine practice that originated in India. To oil pull, one “swishes” up to two tablespoons of an (ideally organic) oil around in his or her mouth for 20 minutes, before spitting it out. Preferable oils include coconut, sunflower, or sesame.
Proponents claim that oil pulling may treat all types of systemic and oral problems, including headaches, diabetes, asthma, and tooth pain. Some say it whitens teeth and makes hair healthier and shinier. Some even say that the practice pulls bad toxins from gums, reducing the need to brush and floss.
Does oil pulling really work?
One study compared the use of a medicated mouth rinse called Chlorehexidine for one minute, twice a day, with 20 minutes of oil pulling. The study found that the mouth rinse AND oil pulling significantly reduced the presence of plaque and aerobic microorganisms in the participants’ mouths.
This is encouraging for those who practice oil pulling, but the actual physical disruption of plaque and biofilm by the mouth rinse cannot be replaced. Here at Advanced Dentistry by Design, we can only promote practices guaranteed to help improve our patients’ oral health and enhance our quality of care. We stand with the American Dental Association in recommending the use of an electric toothbrush, floss, and mouthwashes to thoroughly clean teeth and gums.
Is it really worth the time it takes?
With a lack of research available on the practical effects of oil pulling on dental health, it is wise to question whether or not to use is as a brushing replacement.
To Advanced Dentistry by Design, it seems like a more time and cost effective practice to brush and floss twice a day, than it does to pull oil for 20 minutes. We’re happy to discuss the practice and it’s benefits versus its pitfalls with you further, just give us a call or bring it up at your next appointment!
Sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131773/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/oil-pulling-used-by-some-to-boost-oral-health-does-it-work/
http://www.perio.org/consumer/prevent-gum-disease
http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_08.pdf