Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a small amount of oil in the mouth for an extended period to promote oral hygiene. The practice, known traditionally as kavala or gandusha, is believed to help remove toxins and bacteria from the oral cavity. While oils like coconut and sesame oil are the established choices, many people wonder if other edible oils, such as avocado oil, can be used as an acceptable alternative. The goal is to determine if avocado oil possesses the necessary physical and chemical characteristics to function effectively.
Evaluating Avocado Oil for Oil Pulling
Avocado oil is chemically composed primarily of monounsaturated fatty acids, with its oleic acid content often exceeding 70%. This high concentration of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, contributes to its oxidative stability. However, the physical characteristics of avocado oil present practical considerations that make it less commonly recommended for oil pulling compared to traditional oils.
The primary drawback is its comparatively thicker consistency, which can feel uncomfortably heavy or viscous when swished in the mouth for the recommended 15 to 20 minutes. This texture difference contrasts with the lighter feel of sesame or liquid coconut oil, potentially making the extended swishing motion more difficult. Furthermore, specific research establishing its efficacy in reducing oral bacteria or plaque is currently limited. The fatty acid structure of avocado oil differs significantly from coconut oil, which contains a high percentage of lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride with documented antimicrobial properties.
Standard Oil Pulling Procedure
The oil pulling process follows a precise technique designed to maximize the mechanical cleansing action. To begin, measure out approximately one tablespoon of the chosen oil, which is the standard amount for an adult. This practice is best performed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, before consuming any food or drink.
The oil is then gently swished, sucked, and pulled between the teeth and around the gums; it is important not to gargle the oil, as this may lead to accidental swallowing. The recommended duration for this continuous motion is between 15 and 20 minutes, which allows time for the oil to emulsify with saliva and fully engage with the oral surfaces. The oil will become thinner and milky white in appearance as it mixes with saliva, indicating the process is complete.
After the session, the oil must be spit out into a trash receptacle, and never down a sink or toilet drain, since the oil can solidify and cause plumbing clogs. Swallowing the expelled oil must be avoided because it contains captured bacteria and debris. The final step involves thoroughly rinsing the mouth with warm water to remove any residual oil film before proceeding with regular oral hygiene.
The Scientific Mechanism of Action
The effectiveness of oil pulling is primarily based on a mechanical cleansing action enhanced by specific chemical processes. The oil acts as a carrier, physically binding to the lipid-coated membranes of bacteria, food debris, and other toxins present in the oral cavity. As the oil is swished through the teeth, it mechanically dislodges plaque and microscopic particles.
This cleansing action is amplified by emulsification, where the oil mixes with saliva to form a thinner, soap-like substance. Some research suggests that a reaction called saponification, or “soap-making,” may occur, where the fats in the oil interact with the alkaline components of saliva to create a mild soap. This hypothesized soap-like effect is thought to increase the surface area of the oil, enhancing its ability to lift and encapsulate harmful substances from the mouth’s surfaces.
The oil’s structure allows it to attract and dissolve fat-soluble toxins and debris more effectively than water-based rinses. This binding action is what “pulls” the substances out of the oral environment, leading to a reduction in the total number of oral bacteria and plaque accumulation. The prolonged duration of the swishing ensures that the oil has sufficient time to reach all areas of the mouth and fully undergo the emulsification process, maximizing the removal of oral contaminants before the oil is finally expelled.