A dentist has shed light on how a centuries-old beauty ritual might potentially enhance your smile. Oil pulling, a practice touted for its ability to whiten teeth and freshen breath, has its origins in India and Southern Asia and has been utilized for thousands of years.
The technique involves swishing edible oil around the mouth before expelling it, much like traditional mouthwash. Coconut oil is a popular choice for this method. However, the American Dental Association has highlighted a notable absence of robust scientific evidence supporting the benefits of oil pulling for oral health.
Despite the lack of concrete proof, enthusiasts of oil pulling report noticeable improvements in tooth brightness and oral hygiene. Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri, a London-based dentist with nearly a decade of experience, recently discussed the practice on TikTok, exploring its potential advantages and addressing a common issue with its application.
Dr. Manouchehri frequently encounters questions regarding oil pulling from both online and offline sources. She explained that the underlying theory suggests the oil adheres to bacteria on the teeth. Swishing the oil around acts like a magnet, drawing bacteria away and removing it when the oil is expelled.
The process is believed to leave the teeth’s surface smoother, which could reduce the likelihood of stain buildup and thus offer some level of protection. Nevertheless, Dr. Manouchehri emphasized that these claims remain largely theoretical.
The current scientific research on oil pulling is limited. A 2016 study involving 60 participants showed that daily oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes led to a significant reduction in the bacteria S. mutans in saliva over two weeks, compared to using distilled water. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the practice’s efficacy in oral health.
You Might Be Interested In
