Oil pulling is an ancient practice that invoked swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. It is often associated with Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system from India.
Research and studies suggest that oil pulling can: decrease bacteria, reduce bad breath, prevent cavities, improve gum health and whiten your teeth. But due to small samples sizes and lack of sufficient scientific studies evidence is still lacking that oil pulling is effective. East Indians have used oil pulling for over 3,000 years.
In Ayurvedic tradition oil pulling is a form of purifying the body by pulling toxins out through the gums and soft tissue in the mouth.
Typically coconut, sesame or olive oil is used. The oil is held in mouth and swished around for 16-20 minutes, making sure to bath all teeth, spaces between teeth, gums, palates then spit out. Rinse and brush.
Used much like a mouth wash, it does not solve all your dental problems but it does reduce the symptoms. Watch the video below for more information.