Oil pulling has been around for centuries, but it’s become trendy again as of late. Can it actually boost your oral health?
First thing’s first: The best things you can do to take care of your teeth include brushing twice every day, flossing regularly, occasionally using an antimicrobial mouthwash and going to the dentist for checkups and cleanings, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Heaton tells USA TODAY.
Is there a place for oil pulling among those other proven oral care techniques? Heaton explains what dentists want you to know about the practice of oil pulling.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient oral hygiene practice; researchers have likened it to an old-fashioned version of using mouthwash. It entails swishing about a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sesame or sunflower oil, around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes before spitting it out.
“It’s an ancient Ayurvedic technique thought to ‘pull’ bacteria and toxins from the mouth, improving oral health,” Heaton explains. But modern dentists are skeptical as to how effective this practice actually is at improving oral health.
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Why don’t dentists like oil pulling?
Dentists aren’t completely against the idea of oil pulling, but there are three main points they want you to be aware of before trying it yourself.
For one, there isn’t a ton of research to back its purported benefits, even if it’s been practiced for centuries. It’s also not effective to use on its own; the American Dental Association (ADA) warns against using oil pulling as a replacement for other proven dental hygiene practices, and says there is not enough evidence to confirm oil pulling prevents cavities or whitens teeth.
“Oil pulling does not have enough strong, conclusive scientific evidence to replace traditional brushing and flossing for good oral health,” Heaton says. “Some studies suggest it may reduce plaque and bad breath when used alongside proper dental hygiene, but it doesn’t remove toxins or heal dental issues on its own. … It does not replace brushing, flossing, or professional dental care.”
And while oil pulling is generally safe for most people, there are a few health concerns that could potentially occur.
“Potential side effects include jaw strain, especially for those with TMJ issues, and upset stomach if oil is swallowed,” Heaton says. “Rarely, some people may have allergic reactions to the oil used.”
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What can you do improve oral health instead?
If you’re looking to improve your oral health, Heaton says there are better ways to go about doing so. See: his aforementioned advice about regular brushing, flossing, mouthwash use and dentist visits.
“These methods have strong scientific backing and provide predictable, proven benefits,” he says. “Oil pulling can be an occasional supplementary practice, but it shouldn’t be considered a miracle solution for cavities, gum disease or overall oral health. The strongest results come from evidence-based practices like brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. Think of oil pulling as a potential extra, not a substitute.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is oil pulling? Experts weigh in
