Oil Pulling: Myth or Medicine?

Today, there are a vast array of alternative treatments and healing modalities on offer. Whether it's chakra cleansing, perineum tanning (yes, that's a thing), or recharging an amethyst by the light of the full moon, it can be tricky to separate the solutions from the snake oil.

At a glance, oil pulling may seem like another fad, and it's forgivable to be skeptical about gargling coconut grease every morning. However, though the current data is limited, this ancient practice may actually prove beneficial for oral health.

It's believed to aid in the excretion of toxic heavy metals by saliva, as well as activating salivary enzymes which absorb toxins (chemical, bacterial, environmental) from the blood. Then all these contaminants are removed from the body through the tongue.

The method of oil pulling is fairly simple and goes as follows:

1. Measure one tablespoon of coconut oil.

2. Swish it around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes.

3. Spit the oil into a trash can (so you don't clog the pipes).

4. Rinse your mouth out with water.

Over 3000 years old, this form of oral care has its origins in ayurvedic medicinal texts. Ayurveda comes from the Indian sub-continent and is the world's oldest holistic healing system. Whatever your misgivings, that kind of time-worn wisdom shouldn't be dismissed out of hand.

That's what actress Gwyneth Paltrow believes. Her wellness brand, Goop has helped to popularize many alternative healing practices. Oil pulling, which she swears by, is one such practice. But is a celebrity's stamp of approval enough?

Currently, there's a limited amount of data on the benefits of oil pulling. This 2017 study "observed that (it) resulted in statistically significant decrease in plaque, gingival scores and bacterial counts." That being said, many experts acknowledge that more research is needed.

Given the promising results, the lack of studies is surprising. One would think such a cheap and potentially beneficial treatment would be receiving more scientific attention. However, maybe there are expedient reasons there have been roadblocks to further examination.

If oil pulling is as beneficial for oral health as the ancients asserted, widespread use would result in a loss of revenue from the oral care industry. Perhaps this is partly why the American Dental Association doesn't recommend it as an oral hygiene practice.

Oral and gut health are linked, and toxins in your teeth and gums can negatively impact health and well-being. Despite the lack of available evidence, oil pulling comes with hardly any downsides, so it could be worth incorporating the practice into your morning routine.