What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing a tablespoon of organic oil around in your mouth everyday, for between five and 20 minutes. You might have seen oil pulling promoted in magazines and blogs as a way to ‘cure’ everything from a hangover, to clearing up acne or even as a way to make teeth whiter and avoid cavities.
The name oil pulling comes from the process of the oil being ‘worked’ in the mouth by pulling, pushing and sucking it through the teeth.
It is thought that as oil moves around the mouth, microbes and bacteria hiding in gums and pores are sucked out of their hiding places. They are then picked up and drawn into the oil.
Does it work?
There have been no clinical studies to prove oil pulling makes teeth whiter or can prevent cavities.
Can it replace my current dental routine?
If you think taking up oil pulling will reinvent your dental care routine - you’ll just end up with a bad taste in your mouth. The simple answer is no. Dentists and hygienists do not recommend oil pulling as a comprehensive dental routine or alternative to your current tooth brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist.