Limited clinical studies suggest that oil pulling may reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, says California dentist and author It’s All About Your Teeth: An Insider’s Guide to Dental HealthThe reduction in bacteria could lead to improved overall oral health, she added.
“Oil pulling benefits gum health and improves taste and saliva production,” Rudra said, adding that the practice may also have benefits for the entire digestive tract.
Several small studies and reviews that have looked at the role of oil pulling on dental and overall health have suggested a range of benefits. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the specific oils used in oil pulling may contribute to some of the health benefits, including:
May reduce bad breath
Bad breath can be caused by the presence of certain sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth or infections related to periodontal disease. The oils used in oil pulling may have antibacterial properties and may help prevent bad breath.
In a small study, oil pulling proved to be as effective in reducing participants’ bad breath as chlorhexidine, a common mouthwash ingredient that reduces bacteria in the mouth, reported a 2017 review. Complementary Medicine Journal.
May Improve Gingivitis and Gum Health
Some studies suggest that oil pulling may have a positive effect on gingivitis, a type of gum disease that leads to infection and inflammation of the gums. A 2022 review and meta-analysis found: health careSome evidence suggests that oil pulling can reduce the types of bacteria that cause gingivitis, or gum inflammation, and the total amount of bacteria in the mouth, but the authors note that more research is needed.
An affordable alternative to mouthwash
Dr. Yang says that compared to mouthwash, some of the oils recommended for oil pulling are cheaper and more readily available, and some studies have concluded that oil pulling is just as effective as mouthwash in reducing bacteria in the mouth, making it a valid alternative to mouthwash. However, he adds that oil pulling should not be used in place of brushing your teeth, but rather should be thought of as a complementary oral hygiene habit.
May improve digestion
“The digestive process begins in the mouth,” Rudra said, adding that improving your oral health can also improve digestion.[Oil pulling] It is extremely helpful in strengthening gums and improving saliva production, as well as helping to increase good bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria. [bacteria]” she added.
Research has confirmed the link between oral health and digestive health, but experts are still unsure how one system affects the other. Journal of Dental ResearchWhen microbes from the mouth and oral cavity migrate to the intestine, they can worsen certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Studies have shown that oil pulling can be effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth, but studies have not confirmed whether the practice can positively affect or improve digestion.
