With numerous followers praising its benefits on social networks and with the support of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow or the Olsen twins, perhaps you have considered trying the oil pulling.
This oral technique involves rather little: gargle with a teaspoon of oil for about 20 minutes. The benefits that will be felt in your mouth are numerous and attractive. Those who approve of this practice claim that it helps with cavities, gums, chapped lips and why not it improves breath and whitens teeth.
With so much to gain, who wouldn’t want to take the test. However, as with almost everything that comes from TikTok in terms of health, it is worth taking into account some prior aspects, warn dental specialists.
What is oil pulling
It is an ancient and traditional folk remedy practiced for centuries in India and South Asia. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhitawhere it is called kavala either gandushaand is claimed to cure around 30 systemic diseases ranging from headache, migraine to diabetes and asthma.
In terms of oral health, its use includes preventing cavities, bad mouth odor, bleeding gums, dry throat, chapped lips and to strengthen teeth, gums and jaw.
It consists of rinsing with edible oil. Originally it was done with sesame or sunflower oil, although currently coconut oil has become popular. Gargle for up to 15 or 20 minutes and then spit out.
The benefits come from the antibacterial antifungal and antiviral properties thanks to the large amount of lauric acid that coconut oil contains, especially.
“The effectiveness of this technique is based on the fact that the bacteria are covered by a lipid membrane that, when impregnated with an oil, remains stuck and trapped in it. In this way, by throwing oil emulsified with saliva between the teeth, it drags and eliminates the bacteria. bacteria present in the mouth”, described by the Professional College of Dental Hygienists of Madrid.
They advise that it be done before brushing your teeth“to then remove the remains of oil by brushing so that the enamel can be remineralized with saliva afterwards”
Is it good for your mouth?
Various studies echo the possible benefits of oil pulling.
According to a 2017 study, it could be a preventative homemade habit to maintain oral hygiene, especially in areas with limited access to products such as mouthwash. This practice led to 20% reduction in bacteria count after 40 days of oil extraction with sesame oil in a trial. Reductions in the severity of dental caries were also observed.
It has also been related to improvements in plaque and gums. An investigation involving 60 adolescents aged 16 to 18 years with plaque-induced gingivitis observed a significant reduction after rinsing with coconut oil.
And a 2008 study reported by the Cleveland Clinic found that this technique is as effective as mouthwash in maintaining oral health. The study examined the levels of Streptococcus mutansa bacteria commonly found in the mouth that causes cavities.
But there is a dark side
The evidence on this technique is rather anecdotal. The studies are few and the samples small.
“Certain studies have also indicated that could be just as effective as brushing with water for gingivitis or plaque, it does not whiten teeth but could worsen erosion,” he warns Nutrition Factsa website directed by doctor Mchael Greger focused on offering scientific updates on topics related to health and nutrition.
It is contraindicated for children under 5 risk of inhaling and choking. A risk that also occurs in adults, and that can lead to rare but dangerous conditions such as lipoid pneumonia.
It is an inflammatory lung disease caused by presence of lipids in the alveoli. Commonly seen symptoms include fever, weight loss, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis. Several case studies (here and here) have linked patients to the practice of oil pulling.
Due to a lack of scientific evidence, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.
“Currently, there are no reliable scientific studies that demonstrate that oil listening reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being. The ADA continues to recommend that to maintain good dental health brush your teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss between your teeth once a day and do not smoke.”
