Oil Pulling is a traditional method devised in early civilizations as a method of treating Gum disease. Oils such as Sesame, Coconut and sunflower oils have been suggested to provide a benefit to patients. The method requires the patient to swill or swish the oil around their mouth for a period of 10-20 minutes. Whilst several studies have found the procedure to be equally as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash and real problem is patient compliance. Rinsing with chlorhexidine only requires a minute to achieve the same outcome.
A study of 60 students in a 3 week randomized controlled trial was conducted in India using sesame oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash. CONCLUSION: Oil pulling with sesame oil is equally efficacious as chlorhexidine in reducing oral malodor and microbes causing it.
Whilst patients can try Oil pulling the major negative issue is the time required to achieve the outcome. Based upon this we would recommend chlorhexidine mouthwashes over oil pulling largely due to the patient compliance issues.
(C) Penam Investment Pty Ltd 2015.
Translate This Page