Oil pulling, or ‘swishing’, or simply placing oil in the mouth as part of oral health hygiene, seems to have caught on recently.
Those who swear by the process claim that it whitens teeth gets rid of bacteria in the mouth and a few other claims have also been made that it cures everything from cavities to cancer.
The worst part is that people have the basic idea about the concept of “Oil Pulling”, but the concept has been so exaggerated that rubbish is being spread like it can cure heart ailments, aids and cancer, arthritis, and what not can be cured with the regular practice of oil pulling.
What exactly is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or almond oil in the mouth between 5 and 30 minutes to produce oral health benefits. However, claims have been made that oil pulling can detox your body; there is no logic or evidence to support such claims. Detox claims are based on nothing, as are all detox claims!
How oil pulling is practiced?
The process of oil pulling involves putting a tablespoon of oil, often coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or almond oil into your mouth and swishing it around for 5-30 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with water, preferably warm water. Later, you can brush your teeth. It is said that this should be practiced one to three times daily, but that the best time is in the morning, before breakfast, on an empty stomach.
Is oil pulling beneficial?
Yes, of course, it’s beneficial for Dental Health because of the properties of the oil. If you are practicing it, then it’s going to be beneficial, however, it does not replace your traditional brushing methods such as brushing using toothpaste or using the dental brush (Dant Manjan) or a teeth-cleaning twig (Datun) or salt or charcoal.
But if oil pulling practice is being used with these traditional methods then it provides a complementary effect to your oral health. There is evidence that oil pulling can reduce plaque and gingivitis, due to the anti-bacterial properties of the oil.
Also, swishing oil in the mouth is an oral exercise that increases the blood flow to our oral tissues and muscles that can surely improve the health of the local tissues.
The limited available research on the effects of oil pulling on oral hygiene shows promising benefits of the oil pulling procedure on the oral cavity. However, it cannot be replaced by traditional methods of oral hygiene.
What oils to be used in oil pulling practice?
Generally, the oils used are coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil, and sunflower oil. The oils should be of high quality unrefined & cold-pressed as they have amazing properties that help you maintain good dental hygiene.
When does the practice of oil pulling originate?
Dr. Claudia Welch, a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner & licensed as Doctor of Oriental Medicine, in her article “Oil Pulling: Miracle or Myth?” has given a reference to the origination of oil pulling. The concept of oil pulling is not an old Ayurvedic concept but it originated during the 1990s, when a Ukrainian physician, Dr. Karach, of UDSSR, had lectured about the concept of oil pulling and stated that it provides remarkable treatment for various diseases.
According to him, the practice of oil pulling cured him of a chronic blood disorder of 15 years’ duration and he was also able to cure his arthritis only within three days, which at times was so painful that he was bedridden. However, there is no source available anywhere about this philosophy.
Claims around the practice of oil pulling?
After Dr. Karach’s theory of oil pulling, it has been further exaggerated and claims have also been made that, the correct and regular practice of oil pulling is proven to be much beneficial and can even cure migraines, bronchitis, arterial thrombosis, chronic blood disease like cancer, arthritis Neuropsychological paralysis, Eczema, cardiac and renal diseases, meningitis and women hormonal disorders.
However, all such claims are totally false, baseless, and misleading and there is no such scientific evidence behind them.
Oil pulling and Ayurveda
There is no mention in the ancient Ayurvedic texts, Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hrdayam, and Sushruta Samhita about the modern practice of oil pulling. However, two practices that involve oil and mouth are i) Gandusa and ii) Kavala – Both the practices have no connection with oil pulling.
Gandusa is a practice whereby oil is held in the mouth in a relaxed posture without moving it around at all for some time and then spit out.
Whereas Kavala the other concept involves, gargling with the oil or other liquids. Gargling is not part of the current practice of oil pulling.
According to one of the most trusted websites on oil pulling – the practice should not involve gargle with the oil.
My experience
I have been practicing this concept of oil pulling for quite some time now in addition to my routine oral hygiene measures and I could notice the improvement in my oral health. I personally prefer olive oil for practicing it.
Olive oil-based mouth rinses are believed to inhibit plaque formation and inhibition. {Bekeleski G.M., McCombs G., Melvin W.L. Oil pulling: an ancient practice for a modern time. J Int Oral Health 2012; 4:1–10} [Google Scholar]
Conclusion
The practice of oil pulling is observed to bring improvement to oral health. It can be used in addition to a regular oral care routine but, as with any oral health concern, it is necessary to check with the dentist before making any changes.
Like they say, what may have worked for others might not be the best choice for you. Further, do this practice in such a way that you do not swallow any of the oil, as it will not sit well with your stomach.
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