European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

OIL PULLING AND ITS ORAL

BENEFITS-A REVIEW
1. R.Hariharan
Post Graduate, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital and Research
Bharath institute of Higher Education

2. Dr. N.Aravindha Babu

Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital and Research
Bharath institute of Higher Education

3. Dr. K.M.K.Masthan
Professor and Head, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital and Research
Bharath institute of Higher Education

4. Dr. E.Rajesh
Reader, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital and Research
Bharath institute of Higher Education

Corresponding Author:
R.Hariharan
Post Graduate, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital and Research
Bharath institute of Higher Education

Abstract: Oil pulling is a traditional therapy rehearsed in old India. It is accepted to treat
more than thirty systemic diseases when rehearsed routinely and as coordinated. Because
of event of results to present day medications and oral hygiene products, individuals are
progressively pulled in towards reciprocal and conventional practices. Oil pulling
notwithstanding offering a few oral and medical advantages has likewise gainful
consequences for by and large wellbeing. The current article endeavors to review and
describe this antiquated practice.
Keywords:oil pulling, oral hygiene, gum diseases, dental caries, systemic effects.

1792
 European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

1. INTRODUCTION:
It is a typical conviction that oral health fills in as a passage to general wellbeing. This infers
that oral health altogether impacts the overall wellbeing and prosperity of an individual.[1] As
of late, numerous investigations have given unequivocal proof on the solid connection among
systemic and oral disorders. It is accepted that this relationship is because of normal hazard
factors shared between different diseases.[2] Periodontal diseases, (for example, gingivitis and
periodontitis), and dental caries are the most widely recognized types of oral diseases. [3] The
occurrence of periodontal disease is discovered to be most prominent in diabetic patients and
those with heart diseases, when contrasted with the solid population.[4]In fact, numerous
studies have recognized periodontal disease as a danger factor for the etiology of coronary
heart disease. Likewise, a careful assessment of the gingival tissue can highlight a huge lack
of vitamin C and other dietary deficiencies.[5] Dental caries, which is additionally one of the
most well-known types of infectious diseases all around the world, has been found to
fundamentally influence the systemic health, and personal satisfaction of individuals.[6]
The oral cavity fills in as a point of convergence of passage for microorganisms into the
systemic circulation.[7] While the host immune system of a healthy individual keeps the body
from harmful microorganisms, a penetrate in the actual boundaries in the oral cavity may
give admittance to into the systemic circulation.[3] Likewise, an absence of oral cleanliness
permits an expansion in destructive microbial colonization of the oral biofilm. [8] In this
manner, mechanical and chemical methods for controlling the quantity and quality
(destructiveness) of the oral biofilm is significant in preventing systemic infections and
especially periodontal diseases, for example, gingivitis and periodontitis. An accentuation on
preventing oral infections can prompt a decrease in the frequency of different systemic
diseases also. Additionally, routine screening and oral assessments may help in recognizing
early indications of systemic diseases in the oral cavity and help in preventing sickness
development. The point of this article is to distinguish the beneficial effects of oil pulling
treatment in the prevention of different oral infections and to pinpoint its utilization as a
subordinate to conventional oral hygiene aids.
Oil pulling or oil washing, as the name proposes includes actively washing of oil in the oral
cavity to accomplish nearby furthermore, systemic benefits, like the recent utilization of
mouthwashes and oral washes. It has been utilized for quite a long time for the treatment and
prevention of different oral and systemic infections, utilizing edible oils got from either
sunflower, sesame, and coconut.[9] The cycle of oil pulling is accepted to cure or control 30
distinct kinds of systemic diseases including migraine, headache, and constant illnesses, for
example, asthma and diabetes mellitus.[10] The impacts of oil pulling on oral health, as a
subordinate to regular oral hygiene measures have been commendable. Various research
studiesproposes that oil pulling treatment may decrease the overall oral bacterial check and
diminish plaque and gingival scores.Moreover, it has additionally appeared to decrease the
occurrence to dental caries from mild or moderate level.

2. PROCEDURE OF OIL PULLING:

Oil pulling is performed ideally in the morning on an empty stomach. One tablespoon
(around 10 ml), of sesame oil, being the recommended dosage for adults is tasted, and
washed between the teeth for a term of roughly 15-20 min furthermore, spat out. Swishing
the oil for the suggested duration in the oral cavity changes the consistency of the oil, which
turns milk white with a slight consistency.[11] Swallowing the oil ought to be avoided as it
might have toxins and microorganisms, which are unsafe to general health. This ought to be
trailed by flushing, traditional tooth brushing and flossing.[12] The training ought to ideally be
performed three times every day for intense sicknesses. While there are no recommended

1793
 European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

contraindications, it isn't advisable for kids underneath the age of 5 years to perform oil
pulling.[11,12]

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
While there are numerous theories, the specific component of action is hazy. One hypothesis
theorizes anmechanism including alkalihydrolysis of fat, bringing about saponification or on
the other hand "soap making" process. Since the oils utilized for oil pulling contain fat, the
alkali hydrolysis process emulsifies the fat into bicarbonate ions, typically found in the saliva.
Soaps which are viable cleaning agents mix in the oil, subsequently expanding the surface
region of the oil, and thus expanding the cleansing action.[9] Another hypothesis recommends
that the viscous nature of the oil inhibitsplaque collection and adhesion of bacteria.[9]
Furthermore, the third hypothesis theorizes that the antioxidants agents present in the oil
cause detoxification by preventing lipid peroxidation, bringing about an antibiotic like
impact. Accordingly helping in the devastation of microorganisms and potentiating the
activity of Vitamin E in the oral cavity.[11]

SESAME OIL IN OIL PULLING:

Sesame oil contains three lignans (sesamin, sesamolin, also, sesaminol). These lignans
contain Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also, linoleic acid and oleic acids are
additionally significant parts of sesame oil.[13,14] The parts of sesame oil have antioxidative
properties that decrease lipid peroxidation by lessening the free radical injury to oral
tissues.[14].

COCONUT OIL IN OIL PULLING:

Coconut oil is made out of 92% saturated acids, with lauric acidmaking up for half of these
saturated acids. Monolaurin and monoglycerides of lauric acid have been distinguished to
have antimicrobial activity against a scope of microorganisms.[15] These incorporate
Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia vulneris, Enterobcater, and Candida
species, counting Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida stellatoidea, Candida
parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei and different viruses.[15,16]

EFFECTS OF OIL PULLING ON ORAL HEALTH:

Dental caries:
The oral cavity is constantly covered with a biofilm. The chemical and mechanical
evacuation of the oral biofilm is significant in keeping up the environmental equilibrium of
the oral cavity and preventing the commencement of the carious cycle. An expected 700
various types of microscopic organisms are found in the oral microbiome, occupying the oral
biofilm.[16] Of these, bacitracin creating Streptococcus mutans and lactic acid creating
Lactobacilli are the most well-known microbes that cause dental caries.[17] The
demineralization process begins after the pH of plaque drops beneath the "critical value" (5.5
for hydroxyapatite, 4.5 for fluorapatite, and 6.7 for cementum), causing crumbling of the
calcium phosphate particles in the hydroxyapatite crystals. The demineralized form of enamel
is known as dental caries.[16,17]
Oil pulling is appeared to have antibacterial action against C. albicans and S. mutans utilizing
coconut oil, while sesame oil additionally has comparable activity against S. mutans and
Lactobacilli.[17] Following a 40-day regimen of oil pulling, a normal decrease of 20% was
seen in the complete microbial count in the oral cavity.[18] Similarly, another investigation
testing the susceptibility to dental caries before and after oil pulling, in half of the subjects the

1794
 European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

susceptibility was decreased from "marked" to "slight." Whereas, in the other half of the
subjects the susceptibility diminished from "marked" to "moderate."[18]

Plaque-induced gingivitis:
Plaque-induced gingivitis is one of the most common forms of gingival disease caused
because of the connection of microorganisms in the plaque biofilm with the inflammatory
cells of the host.[19] A recent randomized controlled trial appeared a significant decrease
inmodified gingival index scores and plaque scores following oil pulling treatment when
contrasted with chlorhexidine group.[20] Another investigation additionally demonstrated a
decrease in plaque scores following 45 days of oil pulling treatment with sunflower oil.[21]
The plaque scores diminished by 18-30%, though gingivitis diminished by 52-60%.[20]
Furthermore, proof from both clinical and biological assessments demonstrated that oil
pulling was powerful against plaque-induced gingivitis.[22]

Halitosis:
Halitosis or bad breath is a typical issue that can frequently cause social problem. The
malodor is delivered from volatile sulfide mixes particularly dimethyl sulfide, hydrogen
sulfide, and methyl mercaptan, beginning from the proteolytic destruction of the peptides
present in food garbage, saliva, plaque, and desquamated epithelial cells. Gram-negative
proteolytic bacteria answerable for periodontitis and gingivitis are additionally known to
deliver sulfide compounds.[23] Oil pulling treatment utilizing sesame oil was discovered to be
as compelling against halitosis and related microorganisms, as chlorhexidine rinses which are
viewed as a gold standard.[24] Moreover, oil pulling is additionally more practical than
chlorhexidine, with no adverse effects like hypersensitive responses, and mucosal staining
following long term use.[22,23]

Oral thrush:
Oral thrush or oral candidiasis is a non-infectious fungal infection brought about by Candida
species. It is ordinarily found in people taking drugs that may modify the oral microflora over
expanded periods. Denture wearers, patients, going through prolonged antibiotic treatment or
utilizing inhalers of corticosteroid for asthma, and patients going throughchemotherapy or
radiotherapy allegedly have a higher rate of oral candidiasis.[24] Evidence recommends that
oil pulling treatment improves indications of oral thrush in two different ways. To begin with,
it traps or pulls the toxins and different microbes during oil pulling and consequently helps in
the mechanical expulsion of the microbes from the oral cavity. Second, the antifungal
properties of the oils utilized, especially coconut oil, kills the yeast in the oral cavity and in
this way assumes a function in disposing of the candida pathogens.[25,26]

Systemic Effects:
The advantages of oil pulling are not restricted to the oral cavity. Indeed, as per ancient
Indian Ayurveda text, oil pulling can be utilized for the prevention and treatment of more
than 30 various diseases, which shift from migraines, headaches, thrombosis, and skin
inflammation such as eczema; to lethal diseases, for example, diabetes andasthma.[11,21]

3. CONCLUSION:
Oil pulling is seen to acquire improvement in oral hygiene at the point when practiced
effectively and routinely. Limited accessible research on impact of oil pulling on oral hygiene
shows promising advantages of oil pulling procedure on oral cavity. However, oil pulling
doesn't supplant dental treatment and is at present not suggested by American dental

1795
 European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

association. Extensive research on the part of this traditional, cheap and important cure ought
to be empowered without predisposition. Based on presently accessible research, it is clear
that oil pulling when proceeded as suggested, can be securely utilized as an adjuvant to keep
up good oral hygiene and health alongside the standard tooth brushing and flossing with
promising positive outcomes.
4. REFERENCES:
1. Scully C, Ettinger RL. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General.
Washington, DC, USA: Department of Health and Human Services, US Public Health
Service; 2000.
2. Sheiham A, Watt RG. The common risk factor approach: A rational basis for promoting
oral health. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol2000;28:399-406.
3. Li X, Kolltveit KM, Tronstad L, Olsen I. Systemic diseases caused by oral infection. Clin
Microbiol Rev 2000;13:547-58.
4. Engebretson SP, Vossughi F, Hey-Hadavi J, Emingil G, Grbic JT. The influence of
diabetes on gingival crevicular fluid beta-glucuronidase and interleukin-8. J Clin
Periodontol2006;33:784-90.
5. Kinane DF. Periodontal diseases’ contributions to cardiovascular disease: An overview of
potential mechanisms. Ann Periodontol1998;3:142-50.
6. Segata N, Haake SK, Mannon P, Lemon KP, Waldron L, Gevers D, et al. Composition of
the adult digestive tract bacterial microbiome based on seven mouth surfaces, tonsils,
throat and stool samples. Genome Biol 2012;13:R42.
7. Xu X, He J, Xue J, Wang Y, Li K, Zhang K, et al. Oral cavity contains distinct niches
with dynamic microbial communities. Environ Microbiol2015;17:699-710.
8. Jenkinson HF. Beyond the oral microbiome. Environ Microbiol2011;13:3077-87.
9. Tomar P, Hongal S, Jain M, Rana K, Saxena V. Oil pulling and oral health: A review. Int
J Sci Study 2014;1:33.
5. 10.Pal SK, Shukla Y. Herbal medicine: Current status and the future. Asian Pac J Cancer
Prev2003;4:281-8.
10. Asokan S, Rathinasamy TK, Inbamani N, Menon T, Kumar SS, Emmadi P, et al.
Mechanism of oil-pulling therapy-in vitro study. Indian J Dent Res 2011;22:34-7.
11. Hebbar A, Keluskar V, Shetti A. Oil pulling-unraveling the path to mystic cure. J Int Oral
Health 2010;2:11-5.
12. Namiki M. The chemistry and physiological functions of sesame. Food Rev Int
1995;11:281-329.
6. 14.Sankar D, Sambandam G, Ramakrishna Rao M, Pugalendi KV. Modulation of blood
pressure, lipid profiles and redox status in hypertensive patients taking different edible
oils. Clin Chim Acta 2005;355:97-104.
7. 15.Carpo BG, Verallo-Rowell VM, Kabara J. Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin
compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: An in
vitro study. J Drugs Dermatol 2007;6:991-8.
8. 16. Merritt J, Qi F. The mutacins of Streptococcus mutans: Regulation and ecology. Mol
Oral Microbiol2012;27:57-69.
9. 17.Claesson MJ, van Sinderen D, O’Toole PW. The genus Lactobacillus--a genomic basis
for understanding its diversity. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2007;269:22-8.
10. 18. An TD, Pothiraj C, Gopinath RM, Kayalvizhi B. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries
causing bacteria. Afr J Microbiol Res 2008;2:63-6.
11. 19. Hinrichs JE, Novak MJ. Classification of diseases and conditions affecting the
periodontium. Carranza’s Clinical Peridontology. 11th ed. New Delhi: Reed Elsevier

1796
 European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine
ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 07, Issue 03, 2020

India Private Limited; 2012. p. 41. 20. Lakshmi T, Rajendran R, Krishnan V. Perspectives
of oil pulling therapy in dental practice. Dent Hypotheses 2013;4:131.
12. 21. Amith HV, Ankola AV, Nagesh L. Effect of oil pulling on plaque and gingivitis. J
Oral Health Community Dent 2007;1:12-8.
13. 22. Shanbhag VK. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene - A review. J Tradit
Complement Med 2016;7:106-9.
14. 23. Asokan S, Kumar RS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R, Sivakumar N. Effect of oil pulling
on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: A randomized controlled pilot trial. J
Indian Soc PedodPrev Dent 2011;29:90-4.
15. 24. Takakura N, Sato Y, Ishibashi H, Oshima H, Uchida K, Yamaguchi H, et al. A novel
murine model of oral candidiasis with local symptoms characteristic of oral thrush.
Microbiol Immunol 2003;47:321-6. 25. Coleman M. Oil Pulling Revolution: The Natural
Approach to Dental Care, Whole-Body Detoxification and Disease Prevention. Berkely,
CA, USA: Ulysses Press; 2015.
16. 26. Ogawa T, Nishio J, Okada S. Effect of edible sesame oil on growth of clinical isolates
of Candida albicans. Biol Res Nurs2014;16:335-43.

1797