Oil Pulling Therapy Research Articles

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Wound Healing Ability of Coconut Oil Mouthwash on Gingival Fibroblast Cell In Vitro

Coconut oil-pulling therapy is used for maintaining oral health. The procedure has benefits for the prevention of oral disease, including dental caries, oral malodor, bleeding gums. However, virgin coconut oil (VCO) has unsatisfying oily taste. Therefore, coconut oil mouthwash (CoMW) was recently developed. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of coconut oil mouthwash consisting of 60% v/v virgin coconut oil (VCO), 30% v/v propylene glycol (PG), and 10% v/v distilled water on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells compared with the activity on murine macrophage (Raw 264.7) cells. The cytotoxicity of CoMW, 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), VCO, and PG was assessed. IC50 concentration of CoMW, CHX, and PG were 1:8 (v/v), 1:32 (v/v), and 1:16 (v/v), respectively. All tested concentrations of VCO had no impact on cell viability. Their anti-inflammatory effects of each IC50 concentration were further studied. Notably, the IC50 concentration of CHX also significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- activated Raw 264.7 cells. Moreover, the IC50 concentrations of CoMW, VCO, PG, and CHX could suppress the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expressions in LPS-activated HGF cells, while also enhancing the cell migration of HGF cells as likely to the effect observed with the IC50 concentration of CHX. Wound healing ability of CoMW was also demonstrated after testing with a scratch assay. These findings indicated promising potential for coconut oil mouthwash as an effective agent in reducing inflammation and facilitating wound healing.

Effect of oil pulling on the Streptococcus mutans concentation in plaque around orthodontic brackets -A prospective clinical study.

Fixed orthodontic appliances create areas of plaque stagnation leading to an increase in the volume, structure, and composition of plaque. This increases the chances of decalcification and white spot lesions. Oil pulling, an ancient practice involving swishing oil in the mouth, has demonstrated a significant reduction in plaque scores after 45 days, and a reduction in salivary Streptococcus mutans concentration in few studies done in nonorthodontic subjects. The aim was to compare the concentration of S. mutans in plaque around orthodontic brackets in patients using oil pulling with sesame oil and those on routine oral hygiene. Twenty subjects requiring fixed orthodontic treatment were divided into two equal groups: Group A-Oil pulling and Group B-Control. All subjects were instructed to follow common oral hygiene methods and in addition, Group A was instructed to perform oil pulling for 30 days starting 1 month after placement of fixed appliances. Plaque specimens were collected from labial surfaces of maxillary lateral incisors and quantification of S. mutans was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mean and standard deviations for descriptive statistics, paired, and unpaired sample t-tests were analyzed. Comparison of S. mutans concentration between T1 and T2 demonstrated a significant difference in both control and study groups. The experimental group showed significantly lesser S. mutans concentration compared to the control group. Oil-pulling therapy with sesame oil resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the concentration of S. mutans in the plaque around orthodontic brackets.

Effect of coconut and sesame oils on gingivitis

The effectiveness of Oil Pulling Therapy (OPT) with coconut (CO) and sesame oil (SO) on gingivitis patients is of interest. Forty patients were randomly distributed into group A and B for CO and SO respectively. Participants of group A were explained in detail about the OPT with CO and group B with SO along with their routine oral hygiene practice for 30 days. The mean plaque index of CO and SO reduced from 1.5 to 1.32 and 1.65 to 1.36 (p>0.05) respectively after 30 days. The mean gingival index of CO and SO declined from 1.12 to 0.9 and 1.1 to 0.81 respectively after 30 days (p>0.05) compared to initial scores. The mean no. of colonies in the case of CO and SO declined from 35.8 × 103 to 32.4 × 103 and 6.8 × 103 to 34.6 × 103 after 30 days (p>0.05). OPT reduced plaque and gingivitis, according to the results of one month. Hence, we must increase awareness about oil pulling, as this home therapy can prevent gingival diseases in countries with limited resources like ours.

Ayurvedic and herbal plaque control agents in gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Since the effectiveness of ayurvedic and herbal plaque control agents in reducing plaque in gingivitis is inconsistent across multiple trials, we conducted a study to evaluate their overall effect on dental plaque index (PI), gingival index, and bacterial colony counts (CC) of debris in gingivitis patients. We searched major electronic biomedical databases (PubMed/Medline, CAM-QUEST®, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from August 2004 to August 2021 for randomized control trials on gingivitis using ayurvedic, herbal plaque control agents, and oil pulling therapy as interventions. We grouped comparable outcome parameters of similar products and estimated the standard mean difference (SMD) for pooled effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Risk-of-bias (ROB) assessment followed the Cochrane Collaboration's recommended approach. We found 554 articles of 2,806 patients after searching of which 41 randomized clinical trials were considered for meta-analysis. Ayurvedic plaque control agents (Plaque index (PI): SMD = -0.52, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.11); CC: SMD = -1.70, 95% CI (-5.06, 1.67)), (Oil pulling therapy: PI: SMD = -0.38, 95% CI (-1.45, 0.68); CC: SMD = -1.04, 95% CI (-2.20, 0.11)), (Herbal plaque control agents: PI: SMD = -0.58, 95% CI (-1.55, 0.39)), (Triphala: PI: SMD = -0.65, 95% CI (-1.32, 0.03)) were found as good as control. Significant reduction in the gingival index and bacterial colony count was also seen. In addition to conventional dental care, ayurvedic and herbal plaque control agents may help in plaque reduction, gingival inflammation, and bacterial growth. They are safe and may be recommended in community dentistry practices.(PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021274656).

Effect of Different Mouthwashing Regimens on Adhesion of a Universal Adhesive:A Microshear Bond Strength and Scaning Electron Microscopy Evaluation

Objective: To evaluate the effect of probiotic or chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes and coconut oil pulling therapy on microshear bond strength of a universal adhesive, used with two application modes. Method: Ninety-six enamel specimens were prepared using bovine incisors and the surfaces were grounded. Then the specimens were randomly divided into 4groups and each group were subjected to a mouth washing regimen with one of three agents-chlorhexidine mouthwash, probiotic-based mouthwash, coconut oil pulling – or stored in artificial saliva(control) for 7 days(n=24). After the procedure, all groups were divided into 2 subgroups, and a universal adhesive was applied with etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode(n=12). Composite micro-cylinders were bonded to the enamel surfaces and micro-shear-bond strength was measured after 24hours water storage. Failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope and SEM analysis was also performed. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: No significant differences were observed between the different mouthwash groups, regardless of application modes(p> .05). There were no significant differences in microshear-bond strength, within the same mouthwash groups, between self-etch or etch-and-rinse modes, except for oil pulling group. Etch-and-rinse group showed higher bond strength than self-etch group in specimens subjected to oil pulling(p< .05). Conclusion: Etch-and-rinse mode might be preferable on patients who practice oil pulling.

Comparative efficacy of coconut oil-pulling therapy versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival health

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory microbial disease caused by complex of microbes. Prevention and control of periodontal disease must be based on the regular and complete removal of bacterial plaque n. Various modes of mechanical and chemical means of plaque control exist Conventionally, essential oils have also been used to cure many oral conditions. Many oils have been investigated for their effectiveness as anti plaque and anti gingivitis agents. Very few studies have used coconut oil or this purpose. Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the efficacy of virgin coconut oil pulling therapy versus 0.2% CHX mouthrinse and their effect on clinical parameters and total microbial load in salivary sample of periodontally healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: A total of 30 periodontally healthy volunteers with the age range of 18–45 years were randomly divided into two groups:-Group 1:virgin coconut oil mouthrinse (Plant Lipids®, Cochin, India) and Group 2: 0.2% CHX mouthrinse (Clohex Plus®, Dr Reddy's, India). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded for all the subjects. An unstimulated salivary sample was collected in a sterile calibrated bottle and sent for baseline examination of oral microbial load. Subjects were asked to perform oil pulling in (Group 1) and 0.2% CHX rinse in (Group 2) in front of the instructor and were asked to continue for rest of the trial period in the same manner. Results: The mean PI at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than CHX group. The mean CFU at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than the CHXgroup. Conclusion: Both the study groups showed reductions in PI, GI, and GBI scores, higher reductions were seen in the CHX group. It was observed that CHX and virgin coconut oil were effective against microorganisms, thus causes a reduction in CFU and thus serve as a good alternative.

Effect of Oil Pulling on pH, Buffering Capacity and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva in Children: A Randomised Control Study

Introduction: Saliva is emerging as a diagnostic tool in the field of dentistry. The changes in salivary composition, its physical and chemical properties determine the state of both oral and general health. Chemical plaque control measures improve oral health, by effectively controlling the microbial load in the dental plaque and these agents are thought to alter the properties of saliva. Oil pulling with edible oils has proved to be an adjunct to routine oral hygiene methods to improve oral health. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil and virgin coconut oil with Chlorhexidine (CHX) gargling and plain water gargling on pH, buffering capacity, and total antioxidant capacity of saliva. Materials and Methods: A four armed randomised controlled study was conducted in 80 female children in the age group of 12-14 years from July 2019 to December 2019 in Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy, Kannur, Kerala, India. Children with mild to moderate gingivitis were selected and assigned into four groups to use different types of mouth rinsing (Group A: chlorhexidine, Group B: sesame oil , Group C: virgin coconut oil and Group D: plain water as control) for one month. Unstimulated whole saliva, collected from these participants were evaluated for the changes in pH, buffering capacity and total antioxidant capacity, at baseline and at 30 days. The data were tabulated and statistical analysis was done using ANOVA (Post-hoc), followed by Dunnet t-test, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0 version. Tukey post-hoc test was done to identify the significant pairs. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 13.4 years. Intragroup comparisons showed there were statistically significant changes in the baseline to 30th day values of gingival index, values, antioxidant capacity and buffering capacity for all the experimental groups (p<0.05). Coconut oil pulling (p=0.0345) and sesame oil pulling (p=0.026) and CHX gargling (p=0.045) showed statistically significant changes in salivary buffering capacity when compared to the control. On intergroup comparisons of experimental groups, there was no statistical difference in antioxidant capacity, salivary buffering capacity and pH of the saliva (p>0.05). Conclusion: Oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil had equal effectiveness as CHX on the antioxidant capacity and buffering capacity of saliva.

The Role of Coconut Oil in Treating Patients Affected by Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Pilot Study.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the coconut oil pulling efficacy as adjuvant in reducing plaque formation and in treating plaque-induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods A sample of 20 patients was divided into two groups: a study and a control group. In the study group, coconut oil, in form of mouthwash, was administered to a sample of patients affected by gingivitis, aged between 18 and 35. The protocol established a daily application of the product for 30 days, where clinical parameters for plaque formation and gingivitis—plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI)—will be evaluated during the recalls on a specific periodontal chart. The control group did not associate a coadjuvant to the normal daily oral health procedures and the same clinical parameters were evaluated at t0 and after 30 days (t1). The data were statistically analyzed using Student’s t -test, establishing the significance level as p < 0.05. Results PI and BI decreased in both groups, with a more relevant and significant drop in the study group, from a mean value of PI of 58.0 to 19.3 and a mean value of BI of 33.5 to 5.0. In the control group, the values decreased, respectively, from 53.9 to 29.1 for PI, and from 33.5 to 16.2. Furthermore, no significant side effect was reported during coconut oil pulling therapy. Conclusions The collected data showed significant and promising improvements in reducing plaque formation and gingivitis. However, further researches have to be performed to have more consistent and statistically significant data on larger samples and to fully understand the mechanisms of action and effectiveness.

The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Physiological Halitosis. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Introduction: VCO oil pulling therapy has been used as a remedy for oral malodour in traditional Indian folk. Main objective for this research is to study on the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis among IIUM Kuantan Campus students. The specific objectives are to evaluate the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis and to compare the efficacy of VCO with conventional mouthwash in reducing physiological halitosis. Materials and method: 20 convenient samples were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups, mouthwash and VCO based on single blind randomized controlled trial. Subjects required swishing oil pulling (group A) or rinsing with mouthwash (group B). Breathing analysis was recorded during pre-assessment, post assessment (on day 1short term and day 14-long term) using organoleptic 1, organoleptic 2 (selfassessment) and Tanita device. The results were analysed using paired t-test in SPSS version 22. IREC approval: 2018-061. Result: There were significant difference between pre and post assessment of mouthwash in short term (p&lt;0.001) and long term (p=0.002) period of usage and between group VCO pre and post assessment in short term (p=0.001). However, there was no significant (p&lt;0.05) between group of VCO and mouthwash. Conclusion: VCO has potential to reduce physiological halitosis in immediate observation after the oil pulling procedure. VCO oil pulling and gargling with commercial mouthwash had no significant difference in reducing physiological halitosis.

Effect of Coconut Oil Pulling on Streptococcus Mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

ABSTRACTPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans count in saliva in a group of Egyptian children and Compare its effect with chlorhexidine mouth wash. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Egyptian children were included in this study their ages ranging from (5-10) years. The children (60) were divided into two groups; each group consists of 30 children (Group A, Group B). Group A (study group) : Coconut oil consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of Coconut oil 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse) Group B (Control group): chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of chlorhexidine mouthwash, 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse). Results: Statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count was seen in both oil pulling and chlorhexidine groups but the reduction was found to be more in the oil pulling group than in thechlorhexidine group. Conclusion: Use of coconut oil pulling therapy may be used as preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene as it is natural, safe and has no side effects

Efficacy of oil pulling therapy with coconut oil on four-day supragingival plaque growth: A randomized crossover clinical trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the plaque-inhibiting effects of oil pulling using 4- day plaque regrowth study model compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) containing mouthrinse. DesignThe study was an observer-masked, randomized, cross-over design clinical trial, involving 29 volunteers to compare 0.2% CHX and oil pulling therapy in a 4- day plaque regrowth model. After the preparatory period, in which the subjects received professional prophylaxis, the subjects commenced rinsing with their allocated rinsed. On day 5 plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), stain index (SI), bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded from the subjects. Each participant underwent a 14- day wash out period and then used the other mouthrinse for four days. ResultsOil pulling therapy presented similar inhibitory activity on plaque regrowth compared with CHX (PI = 1.67 ± 0.24, 1.61 ± 0.20, respectively) with less staining (SI = 0.21 ± 0.13, 0.47 ± 0.27, respectively). In addition, GI and BOP was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionOil pulling with coconut oil seems to have similar plaque inhibition activity as CHX. In addition it caused less tooth staining than CHX. These findings suggest that oil pulling therapy may be an alternative to CHX rinse.

Effect of Oil pulling on Oral Health-A Microbiological Study

Introduction: Oil pulling is an Ayurveda practice involving swishing of various types of oils in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits. The effects of oil pulling has been studied with various oils such as sesame oil, coconut oil and sunflower oil. There are limited reports on assessment on the oral microbial status following oil pulling. Hence we aimed to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with coconut oil and compare its efficacy with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Materials and Method: A study was performed on 20 students between the age group of 19-23 years. They were randomly divided into the test or oil pulling group (Group 1, n=10) and positive control or chlorhexidine group (Group 2, n=10). Recording of the plaque index and microbial analysis of the baseline plaque samples was performed, before and after the oil pulling and use of chlorhexidine in study test and control group respectively. Results: Oil pulling therapy and use of chlorhexidine showed reduction in plaque formation and number of colony forming units. But there was no statistically significant difference in the values of plaque score and colony forming units. Conclusion: The chlorhexidine mouthwash and oil pulling with coconut oil produces near similar effects in terms of plaque formation and reduction of oral bacteria, hence oil pulling can be considered as an alternative in patients with allergy to chlorhexidine.

Oil pulling as an adjunct to improve oral health in orthodontic patients: A clinicomicrobial study

Introduction: Oil pulling is an Indian folk remedy with both systemic and dental benefits ranging from the strengthening of teeth, gums and jaws, preventing decay, oral malodor, and bleeding gums. However, there are limited scientific data illustrating the role of oil pulling as an adjunct to improve the oral health in orthodontic patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil to improve oral health in orthodontic patients as compared to chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth wash. Settings and Design: Twenty patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly selected. They were divided randomly into the study or oil pulling group and the control or CHX group with ten subjects in each group. Methods and Material: Colony-forming unit counts of bacteria were assessed at baseline and after 14 days. Furthermore, patient acceptance from either group was evaluated using a questionnaire. Conclusion: The oil pulling therapy showed a reduction in total colony counts of aerobic microorganisms in the patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Coconut oil pulling – The holistic medicine: Evaluation of efficacy of coconut oil pulling therapy as an adjunct to scaling in diabetic patients with chronic gingivitis – A clinical and microbiological study

Context: Oil pulling is the traditional medicine practised in ancient India. Limited scientific data is present illustrating the role of oil pulling. Therefore, we conducted a study to introduce a natural ingredient which can be used as an adjunct in diabetic patients. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Coconut Oil as an adjunct to scaling in diabetic patients with chronic gingivitis. Material and Methods: 60 Diabetic patients with Chronic Gingivitis were divided into 3 groups: Group A: Scaling and root planing only (n=20), Group B: Scaling and root planing followed by Coconut Oil Pulling Therapy (n=20) and Group C: Scaling and root planing followed by rinsing with 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash (n=20). The following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline after SRP and 15 days post-treatment : Plaque index (P.I.), Gingival index (G.I.) & Total colony forming units (CFU/ml). Results: The method used for statistical analysis was repeated measure ANNOVA followed by post-hoc test. The results of the study demonstrated the difference in the reduction of all the scores to be clinically significant and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thus, this study shows the positive effects of coconut oil pulling in the control and prevention of progression of gingival disease.

Comparing the Effect of Coconut Oil Pulling Practice with Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash in Plaque Induced Gingivitis by Evaluation of Salivary Biochemical Marker � A Comparative Interventional Study

Background: Oil pulling is an oral hygiene practice and is described in the ancient Ayurvedic literature. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects with plaque related mild – moderate gingivitis in the age Group of 18-25 was recruited and they were divided into two Groups as Group A and B, each with 15 subjects. Group A subjects were advised to practice coconut oil pulling therapy and Group B subjects were advised to use Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% solution for 4 weeks as an adjuvant practice along with routine tooth brushing. Estimation of salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase was done at pre and post intervention stage for both the study Groups by using semi auto analyser. Results: Statistically significant reduction in the reduction in the salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase level was seen at post intervention stage in Group A and Group B compared to preintervention stage. Comparison of salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase level between Group A subjects and Group B subjects at pre and post intervention stage revealed no significant difference. Our study results show that oil pulling utilizing coconut oil is effective in reducing the severity of plaque induced mild-moderate gingivitis and the effect is comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque formation and gingivitis. Conclusion: Oil pulling utilizing coconut oil is an effective adjuvant oral hygiene practice in reducing the severity of plaque induced mild – moderate gingivitis along with the routine oral hygiene measure. Coconut oil pulling practice could be a potential alternative to chlorhexidine mouth wash for long term use.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Probiotic, Chlorhexidine-based Mouthwashes, and Oil Pulling Therapy on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation in 10- to 12-year-old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

IntroductionThe use of a mouthwash augments mechanical removal of plaque by brushing and flossing and helps maintain oral health through its antiplaque and antibacterial chemical properties.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic mouthwash, sesame oil pulling therapy, and chlorhexidine-based mouth-wash on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years.Materials and methodsThe randomized controlled trial included 45 healthy schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years and studying in Government High School, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India. The participants were randomly divided into three groups, I, II, and III, with 15 children in each group as follows: group I: probiotic mouthwash; group II: chlorhexidine mouthwash; and group III: sesame oil. Baseline scores of plaque index (PI) and modified gingival index (GI) were recorded followed by a full mouth oral prophylaxis. The designated mouth rinses were distributed to the respective groups and they were instructed to rinse once daily. Their parents supervised the children during the use of mouthwash. On the 15th and 30th day, the children were subjected to the same clinical measurements. Children’s acceptance of their plaque control method was assessed using a modified facial image scale.ResultsIntragroup comparisons for both the GI and PI scores were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) in all the three groups. Difference in the GI scores between the 15th and 30th day was statistically significant for chlorhexidine group alone (p = 0.024). Intergroup comparisons between the three groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionProbiotic mouthwash, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and sesame oil were equally effective in reducing plaque and in improving the gingival status of children. The difference between the gingival scores on the 15th and 30th day was statistically significant in the chlorhexidine group.How to cite this article: Kandaswamy SK, Sharath A, Priya PRG. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Probiotic, Chlorhexidine-based Mouthwashes, and Oil Pulling Therapy on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation in 10- to 12-year-old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):66-70.

The effect of oil pulling with pure coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Oil pulling as described in ancient Ayurveda involves the use of edible vegetable oils as oral antibacterial agents. It is a practice of swishing oil in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits. Pure coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and is commonly available in all Indian households. Aim: This study aims to assess the effect of oil pulling therapy with pure coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans count and to compare its efficacy against sesame oil and saline. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled concurrent parallel- triple blinded clinical trial was conducted. Thirty participants in age range of 20–23 years were randomly allocated into Group A (coconut oil), Group B (sesame oil), and Group C (saline), with 10 in each group. The participants were instructed to swish and pull 10 ml of oil on empty stomach, early morning for 10–15 min. Unstimulated saliva collected before and after oil pulling procedure was analyzed for colony forming units (CFU) per ml saliva of S. mutans. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, ANOVA, and post hoc analysis using Tukey's honest significant difference. Statistical significance was set at P

Oil pulling therapy in dental practice: A short review

Preventive medicine is very famous nowadays. In spite of progress in medical field ayurvedic medicine for preventing oral diseases cannot be ignored. Oil pulling in which oil is swished in the mouth is known to cure various oral and systemic ailments. This article aims at highlighting the age old practice to prevent not only oral diseases but also systemic diseases associated with oral diseases.

The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.

Oil pulling is an age-old practice that has gained modern popularity in promoting oral and systemic health. The scientific verification for this practice is insufficient. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of coconut oil pulling on the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and to compare its efficacy with that of Chlorhexidine mouthwash: in vivo. The null hypothesis was that coconut oil pulling has no effect on the bacterial count in saliva. A randomized controlled study was planned and 60 subjects were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups, Group A: Oil pulling, Group B: Chlorhexidine, and Group C: Distilled water. Group A subjects rinsed mouth with 10 ml of coconut oil for 10 minutes. Group B subjects rinsed mouth with 5 ml Chlorhexidine mouthwash for 1 minute and Group C with 5 ml distilled water for 1 minute in the morning before brushing. Saliva samples were collected and cultured on 1st day and after 2 weeks from all subjects. Colonies were counted to compare the efficacy of coconut oil and Chlorhexidine with distilled water. Statistically significant reduction in S. mutans count was seen in both the coconut oil pulling and Chlorhexidine group. Oil pulling can be explored as a safe and effective alternative to Chlorhexidine. Edible oil-pulling therapy is natural, safe and has no side effects. Hence, it can be considered as a preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene.

Re: Perspectives of oil pulling therapy in dental practice

Re: Perspectives of oil pulling therapy in dental practice