From the Guidelines
Oil pulling has been shown to have comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque levels and gingival inflammation, as demonstrated in a recent 3-arm randomized controlled clinical trial using Arimedadi oil 1. When considering the use of oil pulling, it is essential to look at the most recent and highest quality studies available.
Key Findings
- A 2020 study published in Periodontology 2000 found that Arimedadi oil, a polyherbal product, had comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque levels and gingival inflammation in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis 1.
- The study also noted that the use of Arimedadi oil as a topical treatment after scaling in gingivitis patients reduced gingivitis scores significantly better than scaling alone 1.
- Other polyherbal products have also been shown to have comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding on probing indices 1.
Recommendations
- Based on the available evidence, oil pulling with a polyherbal product like Arimedadi oil may be a useful adjunct to regular oral hygiene practices for reducing plaque and gingival inflammation.
- However, it is crucial to note that oil pulling should not replace regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
- Patients with allergies to specific oils or dental work should consult their dentist before trying oil pulling.
Important Considerations
- The evidence suggests that polyherbal products like Arimedadi oil may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-plaque properties, which could contribute to their effectiveness in reducing gingivitis and plaque 1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of oil pulling and to determine the most effective oils and treatment protocols.
From the Research
Effect of Oil Pulling on Oral Health
- Oil pulling with coconut oil has been found to reduce plaque related gingivitis, with a statistically significant decrease in plaque and gingival indices noticed from day 7 of the study 2.
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that oil pulling with coconut oil may have a beneficial effect on improving oral health and dental hygiene, with significant differences demonstrated for a reduction in salivary bacterial colony count and plaque index score 3.
- A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that oil pulling may have a beneficial effect on reducing salivary bacterial colony count, but there was no significant difference in plaque index and gingival index score between the oil pulling and control groups 4.
- A study comparing the effect of coconut oil pulling with Chlorhexidine mouthwash found that both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count in saliva, suggesting that oil pulling can be explored as a safe and effective alternative to Chlorhexidine 5.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
- Oil pulling is believed to offer several oral health benefits, including reducing plaque and gingivitis, and has also been found to have beneficial effects on overall health 6.
- Oil pulling with coconut oil has been found to be a safe and effective adjuvant procedure in decreasing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis, with no side effects reported 2, 5.
- The use of edible oil in oil pulling therapy is considered natural and safe, making it a potential preventive therapy for maintaining oral hygiene at home 5.