Lora Cook RDH
WHAT IS OIL PULLING?
Oil pulling is a folk remedy that has recently been growing in popularity, mostly due to social media. This is an ancient Indian practice, an ancient Ayurvedic ritual. The origins come from Indian medicine. Most recently Dr F. Karach, MD. introduced it to the modern world in 1992. This practice is promoted as a supplement to regular daily hygiene practice along with brushing and flossing. It involves swishing with a tablespoon of oil.
HOW IS OIL PULLING PRACTICED?
Take a tablespoon of a plant based cold pressed organic oil and swish for twenty minutes, then spit. Some oils that are recommended are sesame, coconut, sunflower, or olive oil. The oil will then mix with the saliva and the claims are the oil works to pull out toxins and kill certain types of bacteria. Depending on which website that you read, oil pulling claims to have a long list of positive results.
THE ORAL BENEFITS THAT HAVE BEEN CLAIMED.
Reduction in the overall oral bacterial load
Reduces inflammation in the gum tissue
Migraine headache relief
Correcting hormone imbalances
Reducing inflammation of arthritis
May help with gastroenteritis
Aids in reduction of eczema
May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
Helps support normal kidney function
May help reduce sinus congestion
Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
Reduces he symptoms of allergies
Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms
The big question is… Do any of these claims have any validity? There is little formal trial data published about the practice of oil pulling. The ADA states that insufficient research has been done. The Canadian Dental Association states, “oil pullling won’t do any harm, however not convinced there are any benefits.”
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