Chapter 10

Effect of Oil Pulling on Oral Health

Sameer Anil Zope

Sameer Anil Zope

Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed to be University, Karad, India

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Siddhartha Varma

Siddhartha Varma

Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed to be University, Karad, India

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First published: 30 January 2020
Citations: 2

Summary

Oil pulling has been used widely as a conventional Indian folk remedy for many years for strengthening teeth, gingiva, to prevent dental caries, halitosis, bleeding gums, dryness of mouth, and cracked lips. In the Ayurveda literature Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 5, 78–80), it is referred to as Gandoosha, Kavala, and Kavala Graha. It is claimed to treat about 30 systemic disorders ranging from diabetes to migraine and asthma. A Ukrainian medical practitioner, Dr. F. Karach, acquainted the remarkable notion of oil pulling in the 1990s. Recent studies on oil pulling therapy using sunflower and sesame oil were found to reduce dental caries and plaque-induced gingivitis. The most amazing part of oil pulling therapy is that it can be performed using any cold pressed oil easily at home such as coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil; hence, it becomes a very cost-effective modality. Since last decade, there are many studies available on the use of oil pulling for the maintenance of overall oral health. There is mounting evidence of oil pulling being as good as many other chemical-containing ointments, toothpastes, or mouthwashes in control of oral problems with no untoward side effects. This chapter overviews the evidence-based use of oil pulling therapy in the maintenance of oral health.

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