Oil pulling

There is no high-quality research on oil pulling,[1][4] no understanding of a possible mechanism explaining how it would work,[9] and no evidence that it provides any benefit.[1][3][4] The American Dental Association agrees that there are no reliable scientific studies supporting the practice of oil pulling for any benefit to oral hygiene or overall wellbeing.[10] The Canadian Dental Association assessed the practice of oil pulling in 2014 stating: "We sense oil pulling won't do any harm, we're not convinced there are any particular benefits to it."[11]

The Canadian Dental Association concluded from their assessment:

Oil pulling is a suggestive misnomer, implying that something bad is being pulled from the mouth (toxins and bacteria). What little scientific evidence exists shows that it is probably not as effective as standard mouth wash, and what benefit it has is likely entirely due to the mechanical act of swishing to remove particles and bacteria from teeth and gums ... Oil pulling for general health or any other indication is pure pseudoscience. Detox claims are based on nothing, as are all detox claims. There is no evidence or plausible rationale to recommend oil pulling for any indication other than as a poor substitute for oral care.[2]

Oil pulling stems from traditional Ayurvedic medicine,[1][12][13][14] whose practitioners may use sunflower oil or other herbal oils instead of coconut oil.[1][15]

• Traditional medicine
• List of topics characterized as pseudoscience
• Mouthwash