Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an alternative medical practice in which oil is "swished" around the mouth. The claims made for the benefits of oil pulling are implausible, and there is no good evidence that it is of any health benefit.[1][2][3]

Practitioners of oil pulling claim it is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth.[4] Some of its promoters claim it works by "pulling out" toxins, which are known as ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation. There is no credible evidence to support this.[5][6][7]

Effectiveness

Research into oil pulling has not been of good quality.[3] There is no good evidence that oil pulling has any benefit for oral health.[2][3]

The practice of oil pulling was examined by Steven Novella and reported on in a March 2014 article in Science-Based Medicine. The analysis concluded:

Oil pulling is a suggestive misnomer, implying that something bad is being pulled from the mouth (toxins and bacteria). What little scientific evidence exists shows that it is probably not as effective as standard mouth wash, and what benefit it has is likely entirely due to the mechanical act of swishing to remove particles and bacteria from teeth and gums ... Oil pulling for general health or any other indication is pure pseudoscience. Detox claims are based on nothing, as are all detox claims. There is no evidence or plausible rationale to recommend oil pulling for any indication other than as a poor substitute for oral care.[1]

The Canadian Dental Association, responding to published research, has stated that "We sense oil pulling won't do any harm, we're not convinced there are any particular benefits to it."[8]

History

Oil pulling stems from traditional Ayurvedic medicine.[9][10][11] In case of specific issues, Ayurvedic practitioners might also suggest other treatments such as coconut oil and sunflower oil or other herbalized oils after proper diagnosis of the specific ailment or dosha.[12]

Historically, India has used oil pulling as a different approach in preserving oral health and it is now growing in popularity in the 21st century.[9] Although it is controversial in the world of dentistry with there being limited resources to support its efficacy, it is said that it can be used as an adjunct therapy to conventional dental home care therapies in the reduction of bacterial load in the oral cavity.[9] Its growing popularity is a result of the fact that it is cost-effective, easily accessible, and contains natural ingredients.[9]

Possible mechanisms of action

A mechanism of action for the purported benefits of oil pulling is not clearly defined.[13]

Traditionally, sesame oil was used for oil pulling, but recent endorsements by celebrities has resulted in increasing popularity of coconut oil-based oil pulling in the Western world.[14]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Novella, Steven (12 March 2014). "Oil Pulling Your Leg". Science Based Medicine. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  2. 1 2 Kensche A, Reich M, Kümmerer K, Hannig M, Hannig C (April 2013). "Lipids in preventive dentistry". Clinical Oral Investigations (Review). 17 (3): 669–85. doi:10.1007/s00784-012-0835-9. PMID 23053698.
  3. 1 2 3 Gbinigie O, Onakpoya I, Spencer E, McCall MacBain M, Heneghan C (June 2016). "Effect of oil pulling in promoting oro dental hygiene: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials". Complementary Therapies in Medicine (Review). 26: 47–54. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2016.02.011. PMID 27261981. To the best of our knowledge this is the first systematic review assessing the effect of oil pulling on oro dental hygiene. The results should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of included studies. Furthermore, the included studies were not adequately powered, and small sample sized studies could lead to misleading results
  4. ↑ Butler, Bethonia (20 March 2014). "Everyone is talking about 'oil pulling.' But does this health practice actually work?". The Washington Post.
  5. ↑ Oakley, Colleen (4 June 2014). "Should You Try Oil Pulling?". WebMD. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  6. ↑ Amruthesh S (2008). "Dentistry and Ayurveda - IV: classification and management of common oral diseases". Indian Journal of Dental Research. Medknow. 19 (1): 52–61. doi:10.4103/0970-9290.38933. PMID 18245925.
  7. ↑ Marion, Jane (June 2014). "Oil Spill". Baltimore Magazine. Rosebud Entertainment. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  8. ↑ Anna Lazowski (5 June 2014). "Oil pulling: Ancient practice now a modern trend". CBC News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Puri, Nividita (2015) "Holistic Approach of Oil Pulling in the Dental World: a literature review". The Dental Assistant 20–23
  10. ↑ Bronson Gray, Barbara (18 April 2014). "Oil-Swishing Craze". WebMD.
  11. ↑ Cheshire, Sara (6 August 2014). "Does oil pulling work?". CNN. Turner Broadcasting System.
  12. ↑ Mulson, Jennifer (19 August 2014). "Live Well: Oil pulling draws fans, skeptics in Colorado Springs". The Gazette. Colorado Springs, Colorado.
  13. ↑ Lakshmi, T; Rajendran, R; Krishnan, Vidya (2013). "Perspectives of oil pulling therapy in dental practice". Dental Hypotheses. 4 (4): 131–4. doi:10.4103/2155-8213.122675.
  14. ↑ Van Allen, Jennifer (6 June 2014). "Coconut: Super healthful, or just super trendy?". Times Online.
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