Oil Pulling A Dental Innovation

Oil Pulling- A Dental Innovation

Sara Scarborough and Kim Le
Lamar Institute of Technology

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Oil Pulling- A Dental Innovation

Ayurved, also known as oil swishing, or oil pulling, is a very old holistic healing system
that has been used for over a thousand years. The history of Ayurveda comes from the Indian folk
remedies (Singh, 2011). Oil pulling consist of swishing coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil
in the mouth for about 15-20 minutes and then expectorating it (Laughter, 2011). The purpose for
this research project is to let the dental field know about this widely unknown prevention topic.
In theory, oil pulling helps all the bacteria that is attached to the lining of the oral cavity to be
absorbed by the liquid oil. By presenting oil pulling as a research topic, we hope to educate
dentists and dental hygienists to be able to answer any questions that a patient might have.
Therefore, we will look at the process and the claims of those who support as well as discourage
oil pulling.
The oil pulling process starts as the oil is warmed in the oral cavity, it begins to thin down
and mix with the saliva. As this process begins, the oils lipids draw out toxins (thus the claim
that it is a detox agent). As the patient continues the swishing motion, toxins continue to be
absorbed by the oil. The oil begins to thicken and begin turning opaque. It is at this point
(usually after 10 minutes) that has reached its maximum detoxifying effects and should be
expelled so that the toxins wont be reabsorbed (F, 2014).
There are many positive findings that have been associated with oil pulling, such as it
might be a prevention of many oral diseases and problems. One main reason oil pulling is a great
concept for the dental clientele, is because it is said to reduce oral toxins. By reducing oral
toxins, the oral cavity is less likely to have an infection, be inflamed or acquire a disease (F,
2011). Oil pulling is also known to help control malodor. Some research between oil pulling and
chlorhxine has been completed but there is not enough scientific evidence to determine a

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conclusion. As widely known, chlorhexidine when used is known to leave extrinisic staining.
However, when tested against oil pulling, the oil left no stain. Oil puling also had no after taste,
and also no allergic reactions. Another advantage from oil pulling is that is decreases the
Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and also in saliva. Since the Streptococcus mutans count
decreases, so does the risk for caries (Burkart, 2014). Some research suggest that after oil
pulling, the risk for caries has been reduced by 50 percent. The studies have also shown that oil
pulling can also make teeth whiter (F,2014) . The oil pulling process is said to halt the bleeding
and improve the gingival tissues as well as reduce the plaque score (Burkart, 2014). Not only
does oil pulling have dental advantages it also has long term health effects, it is said to help ones
metabolism and also the lymphatic system (F,2011).
As there are many advantages to oil pulling, there are also many studies showing
Ayurveda is a misconception. It was tested and proven that, in fact, chlorhexine was more
effective in reducing Steptococcus mutans than oil pulling (Asokan, Rathan, Muthu, Rathna,
Emmadi, Raghuraman, Chamundeswar. 2008). While the clinical evidence did prove that the
Stephtoccus mutans did reduce, the chlorhexide showed a much faster reduction than the oil
(Laughter, 2011). It was also proven that oral toxins cannot be removed in the blood by the act of
oil pulling and that oral toxins cannot pass through the mucosa. While it has been said that oil
pulling improves the gingiva, there is no clinical evidence that backs up this statement (Laughter,
2014).
In conclusion, there are some benefits to oil pulling, such as no allergic reactions and no
staining. Most of the research and experiments that have been tested have found that oil pulling
does not do what many in the world believe. Dr. Karach, the writer and creator of oilpulling.com,
said the Oil pulling heals head-aches, bronchitis, tooth pain, thrombosis, eczema, ulcers and

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diseases of stomach, intestines, heart, blood, kidney, liver, lungs and womens diseases. It heals
diseases of nerves, paralysis, and encephalitis. It prevents the growth of malignant tumors, cuts
and heals them. Chronic sleeplessness is cured (Karach, 2004, p. 1). Since there are so many
misconceptions and disagreements about oil pulling, further research and clinical trials must be
done to obtain a more accurate conclusion. While Dr. Karach words are believable, they are
lacking in clinical evidence. It was published that Dr. Andrew Weil, stated that Oil pulling wont
hurt you, but I wouldnt depend on it to help you improve your overall health or treat significant
medical problems (Burkart, 2014, p.75-77). However, it could prove to be a risk-free benefit to
improving oral health, it just needs further testing and documentation by dental professionals.
The information in this research project, the dental community will have a better understand and
will be able to help inform more patients asking about it.

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References
Asokan S, Kumar RS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R, Sivakumar N. (2011, September 9). Effect of
oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: a randomized controlled
pilot trial. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 29, 90-94.
doi: 10.4103/0970-4388.84678.
Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu MS, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswar. (2008)
Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult
SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled triple-blind study. Journal of Indian
Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 26, 12-17. Retrieved from
http://www.jisppd.com/article.asp?issn=09704388;year=2008;volume=26;issue=1;spage=12;epage=17;aulast=Asokan
Burkhart, N. W. (2014). Oral Exam. ORAL OIL PULLING. Rdh, 75-77.
F, D. (2011, April 9). Oil Pulling: Not Just for Oral Health?. Retrieved from
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/oil-pulling/
F, D. (2014, August 8). The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling. Retrieved from
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-oil-pulling/
Karach. (2004). Oil Pulling A wonderful Therapy. Retrieved from
http://oilpulling.com/index.htm
Karach. (2004). Oil Pulling A Wonderful Therapy. Retrieved from
http://oilpulling.com/index.htm

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Laughter, L. (2011). Web Weaving. Just what is oil pulling therapy?. Rdh, 31(4), 64.
Laughter, L. (2014). Web Weaving. A SECOND LOOK AT OIL PULLING. Rdh, 70-71.
Singh, A. B. (2011). Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic
approaches to oral health. Journal Of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine, 2(2), 64-68.