Oil Pulling Therapy: Is it Scientific ?

image: Trina Holden
Oil Pulling
Oral Therapy for the Mouth & beyond

I saw a video on something called "Oil Pulling" posted by Sue's Health Foods Store from Yucca Valley California on her FB Page. The video was by an apparent well known nutritionist named Dr Ann Louise who discussed something many may or may not have heard of as an oral therapy for better mouth hygiene. Okay, I had never heard of Oil Pulling Therapy, so I decided to actually look it up and do a bit of research on the Net for any actual scientific studies or literature on the subject. First thing that comes up in any Google Search on the subject, "Oil Pulling", are the health websites and countless testimonials which appear to go beyond what can be proven or verified. Any time you stumble across such claims you should also stand on the side of caution. But let's take for a moment and explain what this therapy actually is and where it comes from. The Oil Pulling or rather Oil Swishing, apparently gets some background beginning in traditional Indian Folk Medicine which involves as a remedy that involves any type of vegetable oil swishing in the mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes and then spitting it out. Here is what the origins definition as found in the  wikipedia  has to say: 

"It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, where it is called Kavala Gandoosha or Kavala Graha. Ayurvedic literature describes describes oil pulling as capable of both improving oral health and treating systemic diseases such as diabetes, mellitus or asthma. While Scientific evidence is lacking to support any systemic benefits of oil pulling, some studies have suggested that it may reduce oral plaque, halitosis, and gingivitis."

The systemic benefits evidence as mentioned is lacking, but there is Scientific Studies to back up the oral hygiene claims. At the bottom of the post I'll submit several studies and other references for your further reading and decision making. I'll also post a couple of the videos and you can decide. Basically any vegetable oil will do but it appears Sunflower is the easiest to take as it has no strong taste, possibly almost neutral. 

Again you will have to decide for yourself. There is plenty of evidence to suggest as pointed out below in the references that such a therapy has oral benefits. As for systemic disease cures, take any of these claims with a grain of salt. There is science that backs up the oral health benefits and claims. Sunflower oil seems to be the preferred best as it is neutral as far as taste. Apparently the best time is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Resist urge to swallow and when spitting it out, do so in the toilet and not the sink. This prevents any clogging in the future. Immediately rinse mouth with water or even saltwater. But keep in mind that the studies have also shown that Coconut and Sesame seed oils also appear to have antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial benefits. Once again it's a matter of choice and taste.

Some links for sufferers of IBS and effects of Oil Pulling

http://www.truthinaging.com/body/the-oil-pulling-paradox

http://www.ibsgroup.org/forums/topic/126344-oil-pulling/

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Further Reading References:

http://oilpulling.com/

Sue's Health Foods

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine 

Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health

Journal of International Oral Health

Oil pulling – Unraveling the path to mystic cure

PubMed.gov

Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.

US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health

Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Effect of oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: A randomized controlled pilot trial

Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study

Indian Journal of dental Research

Mechanism of oil-pulling therapy -In vitro study

http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2008Toronto/techprogram/abstract_105440.htm

Asia Journal of Public Health

Effect of Oil-Pulling on Oral Microorganisms in Biofilm Models