The Truth About Oil Pulling

Visit any social media site and you’ll see everyone and their brother touting the benefits of oil pulling. It’s even been recommended by pseudo medical “experts” who claim that this natural remedy rivals professional treatments for cleaning teeth. But it’s important not Simple Dental – The Truth About Oil Pulling

Visit any social media site and you’ll see everyone and their brother touting the benefits of oil pulling. It’s even been recommended by pseudo medical “experts” who claim that this natural remedy rivals professional treatments for cleaning teeth. But it’s important not to automatically believe everything you hear, so your dentist in Morristown, TN recommends that you consider what actual science has to say about oil pulling.

What is Oil Pulling?

If you’re confused about what oil pulling actually is, it’s actually a practice from ancient times thats gained in modern popularity, and social media has made that popularity ten-fold. The method involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Proponents claim it not only whitens teeth but also reduces bacteria, fights bad breath, and improves overall dental health.

What Science Says

An important point is that, in those ancient times, modern dentistry wasn’t available. And, just because something comes from ancient times doesn’t make it effective or safe. The practice of oil pulling is believed to pull toxins from the body and improve oral health by mechanically removing harmful bacteria and plaque. Some studies suggest that oil pulling can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, specifically Streptococcus mutans, which is a significant contributor to tooth decay.

Taken With a Grain of Salt

However, while these benefits sound promising, it’s important to note that oil pulling should not replace traditional oral hygiene practices or regular dental exams in Morristown, TN. The American Dental Association doesn’t currently recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice due to insufficient scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness compared to other proven oral health practices like brushing and flossing.

While oil pulling may offer some oral health benefits, such as reducing bacteria and freshening breath, it doesn’t replace the need for brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste.