Oil pulling, an ancient folk remedy originating in India, has recently become popular as a method for improving oral hygiene. This technique involves swishing edible oil around the mouth for an extended period. A key question is whether this remedy can effectively remove existing tartar from the teeth. To determine the answer, it is necessary to first understand the fundamental differences between the soft film that forms on teeth and the hardened material known as tartar.
How Tartar Forms
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a secondary stage of buildup, distinct from the soft, sticky film called dental plaque. Plaque is a biofilm composed primarily of bacteria and their byproducts that constantly forms on teeth. If this soft plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it begins to mature and harden.
The hardening process occurs when minerals in saliva, mainly calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate, deposit into the plaque matrix. This calcification can start quickly, sometimes in as little as 24 to 72 hours, transforming the soft film into a porous, crust-like deposit. Tartar is fossilized plaque chemically bonded to the tooth surface, creating a rough area that attracts more plaque. Once formed, this rock-hard substance cannot be dislodged by routine at-home oral care methods.
The Process of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice involving swishing about one tablespoon of edible oil around the mouth. Coconut, sesame, or sunflower oils are commonly used for this technique, which is performed for a prolonged duration, typically 10 to 20 minutes. The individual then spits out the now-thicker, milky-white oil and rinses their mouth.
The proposed mechanism involves the oil attracting and dissolving bacteria and debris. The oil’s hydrophobic nature is theorized to absorb lipophilic microorganisms and toxins from the oral cavity. Some oils, like coconut oil, contain lauric acid, which may react with saliva to create a soap-like substance through saponification, helping to clean the teeth and gums. This practice is intended to be an addition to, not a replacement for, standard brushing and flossing.
Why Oil Pulling Does Not Remove Tartar
Oil pulling cannot remove existing tartar because of the physical and chemical nature of the hardened deposit. Tartar is a mineralized structure, similar to cement, firmly attached to the tooth enamel. Minerals from saliva, such as calcium phosphate, act as a binding agent, creating strong adhesion to the tooth surface.
No amount of swishing with a liquid, including oil, can mechanically or chemically break down this mineralized bond. Tartar is impervious to the gentle, non-abrasive action of oil pulling. The only effective method for removing dental calculus is professional mechanical scaling, performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized instruments. While oil pulling might occasionally dislodge an extremely loose piece of tartar, it is not a reliable method for removing significant buildup. Relying on oil pulling for tartar removal will allow the hard deposits to remain, which can lead to continued gum irritation and more serious periodontal issues.
Proven Effects on Oral Health
While oil pulling is ineffective against hardened calculus, studies suggest it offers measurable benefits as an adjunct to regular oral hygiene. Research focuses on its ability to manage the initial stage of dental buildup: soft plaque. Edible oils, particularly coconut oil, have been shown to significantly reduce the count of specific harmful oral bacteria.
A primary target is Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and plaque formation. Studies have demonstrated that oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil can reduce the presence of S. mutans in saliva and plaque. This reduction in bacteria and plaque levels can lead to a decrease in gingivitis, the early stage of gum inflammation. By decreasing the overall bacterial load, the practice also helps reduce bad breath. While it does not remove the hardened material, oil pulling can be a useful supportive measure for controlling the formation of soft plaque.