Albertville, AL
Oil pulling for oral health has been around for centuries. It is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of removing bacteria from the mouth and gums. Although oil pulling is not bad for you, there is little evidence today as to whether or not it helps improve your oral health. The technique behind oil pulling is to swish coconut or sesame oil around in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes, then spit it out. This ancient idea of traditional medicine was thought to remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, and the idea of oil pulling seems to be making a comeback, especially online.
General dentists in Albertville at Wall Street Dentistry want to take a closer look at this trend. Is it worth it? Will it actually improve your oral health? Let’s find out!
If you were to do a Google search for “oil pulling” the search would yield you nearly two million results. Today, much of the oil pulling practice is associated with fads and celebrities, with little science to support it. Anything found online claiming to reduce toxins in the body should be approached with caution. Our body comes equipped with natural organs that cleanse our body of toxins. The liver and kidneys detoxify our body naturally.
Although there is little science behind this ancient art of oil pulling, there have been a few studies performed on the effectiveness of this practice. One study in particular found that oil pulling is equally or nearly effective as using mouthwash to reduce plaque-induced gingivitis, the presence of Streptococcus mutans, and halitosis (bad breath). Results of the study conclude that oil pulling improves oral health if it is done correctly and regularly.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has not made any statements supporting or debunking the claim that oil pulling is an effective measure of oral hygiene. Instead, the ADA supports treatments and practices that are backed by scientific studies and that are proven to be clinically safe and effective. The bottom line is swishing oil in your mouth for 10 minutes a day is not going to hurt you. In fact, it may contribute to your oral health, but just be sure not to replace brushing and flossing with oil pulling.
Also, if you do practice oil pulling, be sure not to spit the oil out in the sink! Remember that coconut oil hardens when it is cool, which could eventually clog your pipes.
We stand behind the claim that the best defenses against protecting your oral health are good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Be sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is gentle on your teeth and gums. Also, any type of floss will do, whichever brand that you prefer. You can also add an alcohol-free mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine for an added benefit and protection of your oral health. Be sure also to visit our Boaz area dental office twice per year for cleanings and examinations. Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and one that is low in sugar.
To learn more ways to protect your oral health or to schedule a consultation, contact Wall Street Dentistry at (256) 878-0525. We welcome patients of Albertville, Boaz, and Guntersville, Alabama.