Oil pulling trend resurfaces on social media, dentists say evidence remains limited
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابOil pulling, an old folk practice that has gone viral again on social media, involves swishing about a tablespoon of edible oil in the mouth for several minutes, sometimes up to 20 minutes, then spitting it out and brushing as usual. Cleveland Clinic describes the routine and notes that commonly used oils include coconut, sesame, sunflower, and olive oil, while stressing that the oil should not be swallowed.
The American Dental Association says there are no reliable scientific studies proving oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health and well-being, and it does not recommend the practice as a substitute for standard oral hygiene. The ADA continues to advise brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and avoiding tobacco.
A 2024 meta-analytic review found a probable benefit for gingival health, but reported very low certainty overall, and noted chlorhexidine remained superior for reducing plaque compared with oil pulling.
Clinicians also caution that persistent bad breath or gum bleeding can signal underlying problems that require dental evaluation, and rare case reports have linked repeated oil pulling, including sesame oil pulling, to exogenous lipoid pneumonia in people at risk of aspiration.
