Oil pulling is a subject several patients have asked about in the past few weeks.  To learn  more about the topic we gathered information by searching “oil pulling oral” on Pub Med and here is what we found:

Oil pulling is a technique that is associated with the practice of Ayurveda, which is a traditional natural system of medicine in India that has been practiced for thousands of years.

The process of oil pulling consists of swishing (sipping, sucking, and pulling), but NOT swallowing, an edible oil (the studies that we read used sesame oil) for 20 minutes.  Oil pulling is completed with the intent of preventing tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis (gum inflammation).

One study found that oil pulling can reduce the amount of Streptococcus mutans (the primary bacteria linked to tooth decay) in the mouth after 1-2 weeks of daily use.  The study found that there are other mouthrinses that reduce bacterial counts more rapidly than oil pulling.

While oil pulling has recently resurfaced in social media, keep in mind it is not a substitute for good brushing and flossing or for daily fluoride exposure!

Source:  Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu M S, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswari. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent [serial online] 2008 [cited 2014 Mar 24];26:12-7. Available from: http://www.jisppd.com/text.asp?2008/26/1/12/40315