Oil Pulling: Buzzword or Reliable Tooth Care Technique

BY Dr. McDowell  |  September 14th, 2019
Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..

If you conduct research online so you can improve the health and appearance of your teeth, then you’ve without doubt noticed the recent popularity of oil pulling.

Maybe you’re curious to learn if oil pulling is worth trying and whether or not there are there legitimate dental hygienic benefits of oil pulling.

Well, you’re in luck! Read this article to get your oil pulling questions answered! 

What Is Oil Pulling and How Does It Work?

Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice where you swish edible oils around your mouth to improve dental and overall health.

Advocates of oil pulling typically rinse their mouths with an edible oil for several minutes and then spit it out.

The following types of oils are common in oil pulling:

Does Hard Science Back Oil Pulling?

If you ask 100 dental care providers about the feasibility of oil pulling, you’ll probably get 100 different answers. If you search YouTube for oil pulling, you’ll find a litany of testimony stating how oil pulling is the holy grail of dental care.

Getting a clear answer backed by hard science regarding the question of oil pulling isn’t easy. There’s conflicting information everywhere you look.

The reason for the lack of any clear verdict among dental professionals is that there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of oil pulling. The art of oil pulling has been around for a while. There’s still an unfortunate lack of clinical trials that aim to test the validity of oil putting once and for all.

Research suggests that oil pulling may have benefits on dental hygiene. However, the study concludes by stating that a lack of thorough clinical trials makes the efficacy challenging to determine.

The Benefits of Oil Pulling

If you search YouTube, oil pulling is frequently touted as an excellent method to fight bad breath, stave off gingivitis, and to keep your mouth soft and fresh.

It’s important to note that due to a lack of clinical trials that prove the benefits of oil pulling, the benefits are anecdotal.

There have been some small scale studies that showcase promising results. The studies cited in the article state that oil pulling may help to reduce certain bacteria and plaque-induced gingivitis.

Here’s a shortlist of the alleged benefits of oil putting:

The list of oil pulling benefits is anecdotal, and unfortunately, due to a lack of significant clinical evidence, is mere hearsay.

Is Oil Pulling Dangerous?

There’s no evidence to suggest that oil pulling is dangerous. What can be dangerous, though, is neglecting your dental care and searching desperately for a magic bullet to cure your dental ailments.

Why are you seeking oil pulling? Do you experience tooth sensitivity, bad breath, loose teeth, or other dental problems? If that’s the case, then the wisest move is to consult with a dental care provider that you trust.

That way, you can proceed with the utmost confidence without relying on fabled lore and legend.

If you want to try oil pulling with edible and safe oil, then don’t let us stop you!

It’s okay and even fun to experiment with oil pulling. But please never neglect small dental issues that can snowball into serious health problems.

The Truth About Oil Pulling

The truth is that countless people swear by oil pulling. While the benefits aren’t proven, there’s no reason to think that the practice is without merit.

Do you love the idea of experimenting with oil pulling? Then go for it! See if you can notice a benefit in how your mouth looks and feels.

Of course, oil pulling is never a replacement for regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing.

If you wish to get the most from your oil pulling endeavors, then it’s always best to consult with a dental care provider. That way, you can receive the proper council from an expert with proven dental care experience, strategies, and techniques.

If you need a dental consultation or wish to inquire about your dental health, then we’ve got you covered without the stress or second-guessing. You can always contact our friendly and no-pressure team for more information.

We invite you with open arms to share your dental concerns, ask for help, or come in for a visit.

Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..