The ancient practice of oil pulling, a traditional method for oral hygiene, has seen a resurgence in popularity. Historically, people relied on oils like sesame and coconut for this technique. Modern health trends have introduced a newer contender: Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil. This article explores the science behind the technique and the oil to determine if MCT oil is a suitable choice for oil pulling.
What is Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice originating in India. It involves swishing a spoonful of edible oil in the mouth for 5 to 20 minutes to support oral health by drawing out impurities and reducing the microbial load. Traditional oils used include sesame, sunflower, and coconut oil.
The theoretical mechanism is that the lipids in the oil attract and dissolve fat-soluble toxins and bacteria from the oral cavity. Some theories suggest the oil may undergo saponification when mixed with saliva, making it a more effective cleansing agent. While studies support its use as an adjunct for reducing plaque and gingivitis, it is not a replacement for standard dental care.
What Makes MCT Oil Unique
MCT oil is a highly processed product primarily derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is composed of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are fatty acids with a shorter carbon chain length than most fats found in food. The main types of MCTs are caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12), though commercial MCT oil is often a purified concentration of C8 and C10.
The shorter chain length allows MCTs to be absorbed quickly by the body, making them a popular supplement for energy. Unlike coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature, MCT oil is liquid due to the removal of longer-chain fatty acids. This liquid characteristic makes MCT oil easy to swish in the mouth.
Comparing MCT Oil to Traditional Oils for Pulling
The effectiveness of traditional coconut oil for oil pulling is attributed to its high concentration of lauric acid (C12), which makes up nearly 50% of its content. Lauric acid exhibits documented antimicrobial properties that help reduce harmful oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to tooth decay. The C12 fatty acid provides the oil’s therapeutic benefit.
MCT oil, particularly the purified C8/C10 varieties, is highly refined and contains significantly less, or sometimes no, lauric acid. While C8 and C10 possess some antimicrobial activity, they are generally less potent than C12. Therefore, an MCT oil lacking C12 may be less effective than traditional coconut oil at actively killing oral bacteria, though its liquid state offers a more comfortable option for the mechanical pulling process.
How to Use MCT Oil for Pulling and Safety Tips
To use MCT oil for pulling, begin with one teaspoon and gradually increase to about one tablespoon. Gently swish the oil and push it through the teeth for an initial duration of about 5 minutes, working up to 10 or 20 minutes. The goal is to keep the oil moving continuously around the entire mouth without excessive jaw movement.
Never swallow the oil after pulling, as it is saturated with collected bacteria and toxins. Upon completion, spit the oil into a trash receptacle, not down a sink drain, because it can solidify and cause plumbing clogs. Oil pulling is an addition to, not a replacement for, twice-daily brushing and flossing, and is best performed on an empty stomach in the morning.