Oil Pulling dental hygienist Amsterdam
You’ve probably heard about oil pulling by now. This popular new “dental” trend has people swishing oil around in their mouths for 20 minutes a day in order to supposedly improve oral health.
I get the question as a dental hygienist al the time! But what does the science say? Is oil pulling actually effective or is it just another internet fad? Let’s take a closer look.
Ok, let’s start with the positive. There is some evidence to suggest that oil pulling can help reduce plaque and gingivitis. One study found that oil pulling was just as effective as Chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing plaque and gingivitis after 2 weeks. However, it’s important to note that this was a small study with only 25 participants. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Ok, While oil pulling may have some benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks. First of all, it’s important to realize that oil pulling will not replace traditional brushing and flossing. In other words, if you start using this but continue to neglect your regular dental hygiene routine, you’re not going to see any benefits. In fact, you may even see your oral health deteriorate!
Another potential problem with oil pulling is that it could potentially lead to increased sensitivity and dryness of the gums. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may want to steer clear of this trend.
Perhaps the most bizarre thing about oil pulling is the fact that people are using all sorts of oils – from coconut oil to sesame oil to olive oil – without knowing which one is actually best for their teeth. The truth is, we don’t really know which type of oil is most effective because there hasn’t been enough research done on this topic yet. So, if you’re going to try this, you might as well use the cheapest kind of oil available!
So there you have it – the good, the bad, and the ugly of oil pulling. Overall, there isn’t enough evidence yet to say definitively whether or not this trend is actually effective.
However, if you’re going to give it a try, be sure to brush and floss regularly as well! And save your money by using a cheap vegetable oil instead of an expensive “miracle” product. O wait and don’t forget to book your dental appointment down here!