Dentin hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, causes a short, sharp pain in the teeth in response to external stimuli. The pain arises from exposed dentin, the layer beneath the protective enamel and cementum. The traditional Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling (OP) involves swishing edible oil in the mouth to improve oral hygiene. This article explores the relationship between this practice and hypersensitivity, examining the proposed mechanisms and the current scientific consensus.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed, typically near the gum line. Dentin is composed of thousands of microscopic channels, called dentinal tubules, which extend outward from the pulp chamber to the outer surface. These tubules are filled with fluid and contain nerve fibers.
The most widely accepted explanation is the hydrodynamic theory. This theory proposes that stimuli cause rapid movement of the fluid within the exposed dentinal tubules. This fluid movement stimulates the nerve endings in the pulp, which the brain interprets as a sharp, transient pain. Common triggers include cold air, hot or cold liquids, sweet or acidic foods, and tactile stimuli.
Exposure of the dentinal tubules results from gum recession or from the erosion of enamel due to acid exposure. Other factors include aggressive toothbrushing, teeth grinding (bruxism), and periodontal disease. For sensitivity to occur, the tubules must be open to the oral environment and patent to the pulp.
The Practice of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient folk remedy originating from Ayurvedic medicine in India, known as Kavala Graha or Gandusha. The practice involves swishing a small amount of edible oil, such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, in the mouth for an extended period.
The procedure typically involves placing about one tablespoon of oil into the mouth, often first thing in the morning. The oil is gently swished and drawn through the teeth for 5 to 20 minutes. Afterward, the oil is spat out and the mouth is rinsed.
Coconut oil is popular due to its pleasant taste and high concentration of lauric acid, which has known antimicrobial properties. This practice is intended to be a complementary measure to standard oral hygiene, not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing.
Proposed Mechanisms for Sensitivity Relief
Oil pulling is theorized to alleviate sensitivity through indirect and direct actions on the oral environment. One primary mechanism is the reduction of overall plaque and bacterial load in the mouth. Harmful oral bacteria are encased in a lipid membrane and are thought to be drawn into the oil during swishing, which reduces the population of microorganisms like Streptococcus mutans.
A decrease in these bacteria leads to less acid production, thereby slowing the enamel erosion process. Reducing the acidic environment prevents further loss of protective tooth structure, as acid erosion is a common cause of dentin exposure. Oil pulling can also contribute to healthier gums by reducing inflammation and gingivitis.
Another proposed benefit is the physical occlusion of the exposed dentinal tubules by a lipid-augmented pellicle. The oil, a fat-soluble substance, may physically coat the dentin surface or penetrate and block the microscopic tubules. Blocking these channels interrupts the fluid movement that causes sharp pain, reducing hypersensitivity. Oils like sesame also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that could help soothe irritated gum tissue.
Scientific Evaluation and Professional Consensus
While the theoretical mechanisms are plausible, scientific evidence linking oil pulling specifically to reduced dentin hypersensitivity is limited to small-scale clinical investigations. One pilot study found that sunflower oil pulling was significantly more effective at reducing sensitivity scores compared to a desensitizing toothpaste. A separate study comparing sesame oil pulling to a desensitizing dentifrice found a slightly higher percentage reduction in sensitivity with the oil group.
These studies suggest a potential benefit, but they often lack large sample sizes, long-term follow-up data, and are not widely replicated, which limits their definitive impact. The reported success may be attributed to the oil’s ability to maintain a cleaner oral environment and reduce inflammation, which are indirect contributors to sensitivity.
The professional consensus from major dental organizations, such as the American Dental Association, is that there is insufficient reliable scientific evidence to recommend oil pulling as a replacement for conventional oral hygiene practices. While considered safe as an adjunct, it is not endorsed as a standalone treatment for dentin hypersensitivity. Dental professionals advise caution: patients should continue their established dental care regimen and consult their dentist, as initial use can sometimes temporarily increase sensitivity.