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