Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut or sesame oil, around the mouth for an extended period before spitting it out. Proponents suggest this ritual offers various oral health benefits, including freshening breath and reducing plaque accumulation. The central question is whether this practice is powerful enough to reverse existing tooth decay, or cavities, which are physical holes in the tooth structure. Understanding how tooth decay forms provides the necessary context to answer this question.
Understanding Tooth Decay and Demineralization
Tooth decay begins as demineralization, where acids produced by oral bacteria dissolve the mineral content of the tooth’s protective outer layer, the enamel. This occurs when bacteria in the mouth consume sugars and carbohydrates, releasing acid as a byproduct. The acid lowers the pH in the mouth, causing calcium and phosphate ions to leach out of the tooth structure.
In its earliest stage, this mineral loss manifests as a white spot lesion, which is an area of subsurface demineralization. This early stage is potentially reversible through a process called remineralization, where minerals are redeposited back into the enamel, often aided by saliva and fluoride. However, if the acid attack continues unchecked, the structure eventually collapses, forming a physical hole known as a cavity or cavitation, which is generally considered irreversible by natural means.
How Oil Pulling Affects Oral Bacteria
The primary mechanism by which oil pulling contributes to oral health is by reducing the population of harmful bacteria and the overall plaque load. The oils used, particularly coconut oil with its high lauric acid content, possess antimicrobial properties. The physical act of swishing the oil causes it to bind with the fat-soluble outer layers of bacteria and debris, mechanically removing them from the mouth when the oil is expelled.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that oil pulling can significantly reduce the count of Streptococcus mutans, a species of bacteria recognized as a main causative agent in dental decay. By lowering the amount of these acid-producing organisms, the practice reduces the overall acid burden on the tooth enamel.
Scientific Verdict on Reversing Existing Decay
The scientific consensus is that oil pulling cannot reverse a cavity. Once tooth decay has progressed to the point of cavitation—a hole in the enamel or dentin—the lost tooth structure cannot be regenerated by swishing oil. Such physical damage requires professional intervention, such as a dental filling, crown, or other restorative procedure.
Oil pulling’s potential benefit for decay is limited to the very earliest stage of demineralization, the non-cavitated white spot lesion. By reducing the bacterial population and subsequent acid production, oil pulling helps to create an oral environment where the tooth’s natural remineralization processes can work more effectively. This is an indirect effect—the oil itself does not contain the minerals necessary to rebuild the enamel.
The oil acts as a powerful preventive tool by decreasing the risk factors for decay, but it lacks any direct restorative property. Relying on oil pulling to fix a confirmed cavity is strongly discouraged, as delaying professional treatment allows the decay to progress deeper into the tooth.
Integrating Oil Pulling into Oral Hygiene
Oil pulling is best viewed as a complementary addition to an oral hygiene regimen, rather than a replacement for standard care. The practice does not substitute for the mechanical removal of plaque achieved by brushing with fluoride toothpaste or flossing between teeth.
To integrate the practice, a person should swish one tablespoon of oil, typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. It is important to spit the used oil into a trash receptacle, not the sink, as it can contain trapped bacteria and may clog plumbing. Consistency is important, and the practice should be done in conjunction with professional dental check-ups and cleanings.