What is Oil Extraction or Oil Pulling?

130 years ago, Drs Lawrence and Lambert formulated a mouthwash based on 3 essential oils: thymol, eucalyptus and mint, all with antibacterial properties in the form of Listerine mouthwash inspired by the first operation in a disinfected environment by Dr. Lister, a British surgeon. Recently criticized for its formulation with alcohol, one of the risk factors for oral cancer, many patients ask me if more natural alternatives exist for rinsing the mouth. Being a fan of natural products myself, here are the results of my research and my clinical findings as well as the comments of my patients and hygienists regarding the natural dental hygiene routine.

For the dental hygiene routine, the technique described in Ayurvedic texts consists of rinsing the mouth first thing in the morning, before eating, with a teaspoon of cold-pressed oil of your choice for 2-20 minutes and swish it between your teeth and spit it out into a tissue to avoid clogging the plumbing pipes. You should not swallow the oil or suck it in because it contains at this time several thousand bacteria, dead cells, viruses stagnating in our mouth all night. According to the texts, it would have detoxifying properties. Currently published research demonstrates the antibacterial effect of this technique for both cavities and gum health. I myself practice this rinse simply sometimes with water, sometimes with oil and I find the sensation in the mouth very pleasant and I follow with a tongue scraper, floss and brushing my teeth. The oil extraction technique does not replace the dentist or daily hygiene habits of flossing, using the Waterpik pulsed water jet, a toothbrush and 2 visits with your dentist per year.

Currently, oil pulling has only a handful of literature articles in very small samples and is therefore not supported by the mainstream scientific community to justify its virtues, but the values ​​that have been studied to date are: its impact on plaque, cavities, bad breath, dry mouth, gingivitis, relief of ulcers in patients with head and neck cancer. To prove its benefits to skeptics, larger research samples and more recognized and standardized randomized controlled studies will be needed. But among oil pulling enthusiasts, the technique is highly valued.

In my patients with holistic lifestyles and gum problems, those who have been diligent with their dental care at the dentist and their hygiene routine at home, I have clinically noticed an improvement in the health of their gums and so have they.

Reference: Original Publication Citation

Bekeleski, G., McCombs, G., & Melvin, W. (2012). Oil pulling: An ancient practice for a modern time. Journal of International Oral Health, 4(3), 1-10.