Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Oil Pulling: Does It Work? Is It Safe?

Oil pulling is a home remedy for dental health and tooth whitening that is gaining popularity, largely due to publicity spread online. But what is oil pulling? Does it work? And is it even safe? We believe that the best care you can give your teeth comes from experienced professional dentists. Please contact Norfolk cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael P. Folck, DDS, at 877-206-3444 today to schedule your next appointment.

Oil pulling involves swishing a couple of spoonfuls of a plant-based oil, usually sesame, coconut, or olive, in the mouth for up to 10 or 20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing the mouth. Proponents claim that it can do everything from whiten teeth to prevent plaque.

The Canadian Dental Association sums it up best: “Oil pulling won’t do any harm; we’re not convinced there are any particular benefits to it.” While it’s theoretically possible that swishing oil around in your mouth could affect oral bacteria (coconut oil is, for example, naturally anti-bacterial), there’s no conclusive evidence to back such a claim. Furthermore, coconut oil is expensive, and the time you spend moving oil around in your mouth might better be spent practicing proven techniques like brushing and flossing.

That said, it’s unlikely that oil pulling will cause you any harm. Whether you choose to practice oil pulling or not, please remember to always brush and floss your teeth afterward! Toothpaste is specifically formulated to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.


Modern dentistry is your best, most reliable option for ensuring the continued health and natural appearance of your teeth. Please contact  Dr. Michael P. Folck, DDS, at 877-206-3444 today to schedule your next appointment with our Chesapeake cosmetic dentist.

posted by Admin at 9:30 AM

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