Scrolling
through TikTok or Instagram, you might see videos of
people swishing coconut or sesame oil in their mouths
for 10–20 minutes, claiming it pulls out
toxins, whitens teeth, and improves overall oral health.
The
trend looks soothing and natural, but does it actually
work — or is it just another viral dental hack?
What
Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling comes from Ayurvedic medicine,
a traditional system of Indian healing. The practice
involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (usually coconut,
sesame, or sunflower) in your mouth for 10–20
minutes, then spitting it out.
Proponents
claim it reduces bacteria, whitens teeth, and detoxifies
the body.
What
the Evidence Says
Limited studies show that oil pulling may reduce
some oral bacteria, but the evidence is weak
and not conclusive. Most importantly:
Imedia West