Just How Effective is Oil Pulling?

There’s been a popular debate on the effects of oil pulling on overall oral health. With more individuals favouring a more holistic approach for health, oil pulling seems like an ideal method to reduce overall bacteria count naturally in the mouth thus, resulting in a healthier oral health.

Oil pulling is swishing the mouth for 20 minutes with coconut oil, and then spitting the solution out. It is not effective if not done for at least 10-20 minutes, since it takes time for the oil to “pull” the bacteria from the mouth.

Not enough studies are done to prove the effectiveness of oil pulling, but most individuals claim their mouth feels healthier.

So what are the possible effects of oil pulling?

• Whiter Smile
• Healthier gums
• Reduces bad breath

For individuals motivated enough to attempt, this seems like a low-risk, holistic method to improve their oral health. However, brushing and flossing still needs to be part of the daily routine.

Posted by Indigo Little on 13th January 2015, under Miscellaneous

Dr. Kishanie Wijesinghe Little BDS

Dr. Kishanie Little is passionate about delivering excellent dentistry and dental restorations that are life-like and indistinguishable from natural teeth. She believes that restorations (fillings/crowns/veneers) should look beautiful – and that they should last. Dr. Little keeps abreast of new developments in restorative dentistry through post-graduate training.

Dr. Little is also an experienced Facial Aesthetistician, including Botulinum toxins (such as Botox) and Dermafillers. She appreciates how simple and subtle changes to smooth and relax muscles can “freshen” a face, to look younger.

In her personal time, she loves to cook, read, run, practice yoga and pilates, play a bad game of tennis and am now learning to play golf. She loves Art and Theatre and support the Tate Modern. She also enjoys writing and has a book in the works.