The Many Benefits of Oil Pulling

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Posted: 18 Aug 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic application believed to promote oral health and detoxification, a claim that is seen far fetched by some medical experts. While very little research exists on the supposed benefits of the practice, available data shows promise for this natural health technique. The practice of oil pulling involves the use of food-grade oils as an agent for “pulling” away harmful bacteria, possibly aiding in reducing overall bacterial load. Other organisms from the mouth, teeth, gums, and throat are also thought to be removed, according to some traditional modalities.

What is Oil Pulling?

A general oil pulling technique involves swishing around 1 tbsp. of cold-pressed, organic sesame oil in the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes. Following this, the oil should then be spit out and the mouth rinsed with clean, fresh water. It is thought that the toxins in the mouth are pulled into the oil during the swishing process, and spitting it out results in the removal these toxic compounds. Other oils used in oil pulling include extra-virgin coconut and olive oil, preferably organic and cold pressed. Whether it’s sesame, olive, or coconut oil, all contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants that may aid in protecting the gums and teeth.

How it Works

There is some discussion as to how oil pulling works in relation to its ability to extract and remove certain toxins from the mouth. First, the oil mixes with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oil supposedly pull out toxins from the saliva, cementing its claim as an efficient detoxifier. As the oil is swished around in the mouth, it continues to absorb toxins and usually ends up turning thick, viscous, and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency (typically after ten minutes), it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed. This is merely a reported action by various traditional healers over the centuries and has little basis in modern scientific research.

The Potential Benefits of Oil Pulling

The increasing interest surrounding oil pulling in the lay population has correspondingly increased scientific scrutinization of the practice. One study showed that oil pulling with sesame oil can boost overall oral health by significantly reducing Streptococcus mutans, a microbe that contributes to tooth decay. ^[1] Some scientists believe the lipids in the oil reduce the adhesion of bacteria to the teeth and gums, possibly explaining its bacteria-diminishing effects.

Other research shows that oil pulling can decrease halitosis, or bad breath. This same research has also shown that oil pulling can noticeably reduce the presence of plaque on the teeth and gums, possibly decreasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). ^[2] Research also shows that swishing with sesame oil produces a saponification process, or a process in which the oil produces a soap-like effect in the mouth. ^[3]

Dental caries, or cavities, have also been shown to be reduced by up to 50% in oil pulling subjects. ^[4] The oil used in this study was sesame oil, perhaps one of the most popular oils used in oil pulling, and showed very powerful antibacterial properties in the mouth. Just 40 days of oil pulling resulted in a 20% decrease in oral bacteria.

Benefits Beyond Dental Health?

Ancient Ayurvedic health practitioners believed that oil pulling could reduce more than just oral disease. Today, many holistic practitioners tout its use for a variety of health concerns; however, these benefits have yet to be studied. It is believed that oil pulling stimulates the lymphatic system and aids in the transport of toxins away from vital organs. The reported benefits of oil pulling include:

Teeth whitening
Clears skin
Improves digestion
Aids weight loss
Promotes normal sleep patterns
Helps kidney and liver function

Until more research on oil pulling can be conducted, it’s best to take these proposed benefits with a grain of salt. That being said, you can take comfort in knowing that an oil pulling practice may be helpful for some oral health issues, including fighting against cavities and gum disease. While many health professionals remain skeptical of this practice for different reasons, it may still be a healthy addition to your current lifestyle, one that presents no side effects and takes only 10 or 15 minutes of your day.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu MS, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswar. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled triple-blind study. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2008 March;26(1):12-7.
Asokan S, Kumar RS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R, Sivakumar N. Effect of oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2011 April-June;29(2):90-4. doi: 10.4103/0970-4388.84678.
Asokan S, Rathinasamy TK, Inbamani N, Menon T, Kumar SS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R. Mechanism of oil-pulling therapy – in vitro study. Indian Journal of Dentist Research. 2011 January-February;22(1):34-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.79971.
T. Durai Anand, C. Pothiraj, R. M. Gopinath and B. Kayalvizhi. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria. African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol.(2) pp.063-066, March, 2008.