What is Oil Pulling?
Have you heard of oil pulling? This method of “cleansing” has grown in popularity in recent years. Essentially, oil pulling is a method of extracting the toxins from your mouth and body. Basically, it involves taking a tablespoon or so of edible oil—commonly coconut—and swish it around in your mouth for anywhere between five and twenty minutes.
The Good
The alleged benefits of oil pulling are that it can remove the toxins and bacteria from your mouth and body, help to reduce plaque and prevent cavities, and in some cases even whiten teeth. Some people even claim that it can help with diabetes, asthma, and headaches.
The Bad
Just as there is anecdotal evidence for the benefits of oil pulling, there are some draw backs. There have been documented cases of diarrhea, upset stomach, and even pneumonia associated with oil pulling. So if you’re considering oil pulling, understand that there are some risks.
The Ugly
Remember that there is no scientific evidence that oil pulling provides any actual benefit! According to the ADA, scientific studies on the matter are inconclusive. All evidence is merely anecdotal. So although you may see benefits, and you may see some harm from the practice, you are not guaranteed either.
What Do We Suggest?
We would say that if you are going to try oil pulling at home, proceed with caution. Make sure that if you are using an oil, that it is food-grade. If it’s not, you may be subject to harmful levels of substances that aren’t meant to go into your body. We also want to make sure you’re not replacing your oral hygiene routine with oil-pulling. Supplement your daily routine with oil pulling, if you want to try it out. We would also suggest stopping at the first sign of any negative effects.
