Can Oil Pulling Cure Cavities?

Separating The Facts and Fiction of Oil Pulling

While the practice of oil pulling is thousands of years old, oil pulling for improving oral health has become a widespread trend in the past few years. It has been claimed that swishing coconut oil for 10-20 minutes every day can help in removing plaque and prevent cavities. However, the lack of substantial studies prevents anyone from knowing for sure whether or not this is true.

The History of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling originated in India some 300 years ago as a medical practice in Ayurveda. Oil pulling has only recently been studied for oral benefits, but in the past, it was used for many ailments, such as asthma, headache, acne, and diabetes. Oil pulling is believed to prevent cavities and tooth decay, promoting healthy gums.

The Oil Pulling Process

• Swish 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. If 20 minutes seems too long, you can initially try for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
• Once the time limit is over, spit the oil into the trash can. Avoid spitting oil in the sink, as it can clog the sink pipes after hardening.
• Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth.

A Few Words of Caution

• Scientists claim that oil pulling is not as effective as modern mouthwashes when it comes to fighting bacteria that cause cavities.
• If the oil is accidentally pulled into the lungs while swishing, it can cause lipoid pneumonia.
• Some people experience an upset stomach after oil pulling.
• Tooth decay is not reversible, and oil pulling can’t be an alternative of restorative procedures.

Final Verdict

Many people claim that oil pulling can be combined with other dental care methods such as brushing and flossing in order to serve as a supplement to your dental health plan. However, at Brechon Dental, we recommend that you keep up with a normal brushing and mouthwash routine in order to achieve optimum oral health. You should also regularly visit a dentist to avoid more serious dental problems.