Oil pulling is an ancient practice rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian healing system. This technique involves swishing an edible oil, most commonly coconut or sesame oil, around the mouth for an extended period. It has gained significant attention as a supplementary method for oral cleanliness. The practice is often performed in the morning and is intended to enhance the overall health of the mouth. The central question is where it fits alongside standard flossing and brushing.
The Mechanism of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling operates on the principle that lipids in the oil attract and dissolve fat-soluble microorganisms in the mouth. When swished, the oil emulsifies with saliva, allowing it to penetrate and dislodge bacteria and debris from the teeth, gums, and tongue. Coconut oil is popular because it contains lauric acid, which exhibits antimicrobial properties that help reduce harmful bacteria. The typical duration for this swishing ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, allowing sufficient time for the oil to interact with the oral environment.
Determining the Optimal Routine Sequence
The general recommendation for maximizing the benefits of a complete oral hygiene routine is to perform oil pulling before flossing and brushing. This sequence is strategic, as the oil-swishing action helps loosen and emulsify the bacteria, plaque, and food particles clinging to the teeth and gums. The oil acts as a preliminary cleanser, disrupting the sticky biofilm that forms on the tooth surface.
Flossing should follow oil pulling to physically scrape away any loosened debris from the tight spaces between teeth and beneath the gumline. Only the mechanical action of floss can physically extract particles from these confined areas.
The final step is brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. This removes the oil residue, eliminates any remaining loosened bacteria, and delivers the abrasive cleaning and protective benefits of fluoride to the tooth enamel. By placing oil pulling first, the oil’s cleansing action prepares the mouth for the more targeted physical removal achieved by flossing and brushing.
Scientific Validation and Safety Considerations
Research on oil pulling suggests it can be a beneficial addition to a standard oral care regimen, though it is not a replacement for established practices. Studies indicate that oil pulling can lead to a significant reduction in total bacterial counts, including Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacteria implicated in tooth decay.
In some clinical trials, the reduction in cariogenic bacteria was comparable to that achieved by using a standard chlorhexidine mouthwash. The practice may also help reduce plaque accumulation and improve symptoms of gingivitis. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) has not endorsed oil pulling, citing insufficient evidence to support its claims for reducing plaque or preventing cavities.
Safety Precautions
Important safety measures should be followed when incorporating this practice. The most critical precaution is to never swallow the used oil, as it contains the captured bacteria and toxins. Swallowing the oil can lead to an upset stomach and carries a risk of aspiration pneumonia if accidentally inhaled. The used oil should always be spit into a trash receptacle, not a sink or toilet, because the oil can solidify and clog plumbing over time. Oil pulling must always be considered a supplement to, not a substitute for, the twice-daily brushing and daily flossing recommended by dental professionals.