Wellness UnVEILed: Oil Pulling
Uncover the truth about oil pulling & dive into the myths & misconceptions surrounding this ancient practice & find out what science really says about its effectiveness for oral health.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has founds its way into modern wellness circles the last few years. I did first find out about it about 10 years ago where I tried it out {for a day or two, lol!} and it seems to be making its comeback.
It’s simple, really…and a technique where it involves swishing oil {preferably coconut} in your mouth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out {and trust me, it sounds easy…but…it really isn’t, lol}. But what’s behind the buzz and does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the detail of oil pulling, explore the claimed benefits, and weigh it against scientific evidence.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is a traditional practice that dates back thousands of years, particularly rooted in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and the process is pretty straight forward:
Choose Your Oil: Typically, coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil is used.
Swish the Oil: Take a tablespoon of oil and gently swish it around your mouth and through your teeth for 10-20 minutes. Avoid swallowing the oil.
Spit It Out: Spit the oil into a trash can to prevent clogging your sink.
Rinse and Brush: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and follow up by brushing your teeth as usual.
Claimed Benefits of Oil Pulling
People who swear by oil pulling say that there are a variety of benefits attached to it, ranging from oral health improvements to ones that are much broader. Here are some of the key ones:
Improved Oral Health: Advocates claim it reduces plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Detoxification: It’s believed to draw toxins out of the body through the mouth.
Whiter Teeth: Some say it can naturally whiten teeth.
Overall Health Improvement: Claims include reducing headaches, improving skin condition, and boosting immune function.
Scientific Evidence?
But what are scientists saying and what does the research say? So, there are some potential benefits but overall, the scientific community remains cautious on this one:
Plaque & Gingivitis: A study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that oil pulling with sesame oil significantly reduced plaque-induced gingivitis. This supports the notion that oil pulling can positively impact oral hygiene.
Bad Breath: Research indicates that oil pulling may help reduce bad breath by decreasing the number of microorganisms responsible.
Limited Scope: Most studies are small-scale and short-term, which makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the long-term benefits of oil pulling.
Potential Risks and Downsides
As with any health practice, oil pulling comes with potential risks:
Not a Substitute for Dental Care: It should not replace standard oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
Choking Hazard: Swishing oil for an extended period can be uncomfortable and pose a choking risk.
Digestive Issues: Accidentally swallowing the oil can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea.
Lipoid Pneumonia: Rare cases of lipoid pneumonia {a rare form of lung disease} have been reported due to aspiration of oil droplets.
Expert Opinions
Opinions on oil pulling vary widely:
Dentists’ View: Many dental professionals acknowledge that while oil pulling might offer some oral health benefits, it shouldn’t replace conventional methods. Dental associations {particularly the ADA} states there is insufficient evidence to support oil pulling for oral health benefits.
Holistic Practitioners: Some holistic health practitioners advocate for oil pulling as part of a broader approach to wellness, emphasizing its traditional roots and anecdotal benefits.
Practical Tips for Trying Oil Pulling
If you’re intrigued by oil pulling and want to give it a try, keep these tips in mind:
Consistency is Key: Regular practice may help you get better results.
Complementary Practice: Use oil pulling as a supplementary practice alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any adverse effects, stop oil pulling and consult a healthcare professional.
TL;DR
Overall, oil pulling is definitely an interesting wellness trend that combined both ancient tradition with modern curiosity and while there is some evidence that supports some health benefits, it’s not a miracle cure and should be used with caution.
More extensive research is definitely needed to be able to fully understand its potential benefits as well as risks.
If you decide to try oil pulling, do it as a complement to, not a replacement for, your regular dental hygiene routine.
Heaps of Love!
-SMG.*
I always wondered what oil pulling was... Makes more sense if it was called Oil Swishing hahaha.
Pretty cool that oil pulling with sesame oil significantly reduced plaque-induced gingivitis.
Maybe I got to give it a try....? :)