Oil pulling, also known as oil swishing, involves vigorously swishing oil in the mouth to accomplish its effects, much as how mouthwash and oral rinses are used today. It appears in Ayurvedic texts and has been used for many years as a traditional folk treatment in India to cure and prevent numerous oral and overall diseases.

Commonly used oils for oil pulling include

• Sesame oil
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil

Other oils

• Sunflower oil
• Mustard oil
• Groundnut oil

• A tablespoon of oil is taken and swished in the mouth for 20 minutes on an empty stomach early in the morning.
• It is ideal for performing oil pulling while seated and with the chin raised.
• It can be done thrice a day before meals to accelerate healing.
• No more than a single teaspoon of oil is used for children over 5 years old.
• By swishing the oil throughout the mouth, the oil is forcefully pushed between every tooth.
• Once done, the mouth is completely rinsed with warm saline or tap water, and regular tooth brushing is done.

Oil pulling, if done correctly, could have the following benefits:

• Prevents tooth cavities: The most common microorganism responsible for tooth cavities is Streptococcus mutans.Regarding reducing S. mutans, coconut oil is equally efficient as chlorhexidine.
• Reduces bad breath: Halitosis, often known as bad breath, is frequently brought on by the odor of gases and chemicals created by germs in your mouth.
• Improves gum health: When done correctly, oil pulling can eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce gum inflammation and plaque development.
• Treats oral thrush: Candida species produce Candida infections of the mouth, often known as oral thrush, a fungal infection.

Oil pulling is generally safe but may produce the following side effects:

• Headaches or jaw pain.
• Diarrhea if consumed.

Limitations of Oil pulling

• It was alleged that gargling with oil stimulates enzymes and removes toxins like heavy metals from the blood.
• However, the oral mucous membrane does not allow the contaminants to pass through, so oil pulling cannot indeed remove these toxins from the blood.
• There are numerous other health benefits attributed to oil pulling. However, the majority of them lack scientific backing.