Is oil pulling effective? – Oil Pulling Myths Busted
Swishing a teaspoon of oil to clean and whiten your teeth—is it that effective? There are some common myths around this practice of oil pulling. In today’s age, people are promoting it to some extent as a substitute for regular oral hygiene practices.
So what exactly is oil pulling, and what are the common myths surrounding it? Let us find out in the information provided below – brought to you by Smayate Dental Clinic South Delhi.
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is a traditional ayurvedic practice involving swishing sesame or coconut oil before spitting it. It is a way to remove harmful bacteria and toxins from your mouth.
Does it have enough research supporting this? The answer is no; there is no conclusive study that proves it.
Common myths associated – Oil Pulling Myths Busted
Several myths are associated with oil pulling. Let’s discuss some of the common ones below and bust them.
Prevents plaque
Plaque is a thin yellow deposit on the teeth that hardens to form tartar. Plaque and calculus irritate the gums and cause gum problems. Oil pulling is believed to prevent the deposition of plaque on the teeth. This is not a fact; you need professional cleaning to remove it.
Whitens teeth
Oil pulling is also believed to whiten teeth miraculously. This is also an overhyped claim with no evidence to back it up. Teeth whitening is best done under professional guidance. If you have stained teeth, it can be due to intrinsic or extrinsic staining.
Improves the oral health
Oil pulling is also considered a miracle practice that helps remove toxins from the mouth. Again, no conclusive studies support such tall claims, and no well-established research proves the efficacy of oil pulling in this regard.
Substitute for brushing
Oil pulling is sometimes considered a substitute for oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. However, this is not the case at all.
What should you do instead?
Regular brushing and flossing are a must to maintain good oral hygiene. Learn the correct brushing technique for optimum results. If you are not comfortable with regular flossing, try a water flosser.
Go for professional cleanings and regular dental checkups. Dental checkups will help detect early signs of decay and gum problems. Professional teeth cleaning helps remove plaque and promote good gum health.
If you are considering teeth whitening, then always opt for professional whitening. It is a safe and highly effective way to lighten the color of your teeth. Professional whitening is suggested for extrinsic stains.
Dental veneers are an excellent choice if you have dark teeth due to intrinsic stains. Relying on oil pulling to perform all these things is not suggested.
The bottom line? – Oil Pulling Myths Busted
Oil bullying might have some benefits, but no conclusive evidence supports them. So, it is always better to follow the dental hygiene practices suggested by your dentist.
Book your consultation with our experts at Smayate Dental Clinic South Delhi to learn more about such practices.