Introduction

Oil pulling has gained viral attention on TikTok, but is it really a miracle solution for oral health? Dr. Jordan Harper weighs in on the science—or lack thereof—behind this ancient practice and how it compares to modern oral care routines.

Does oil pulling actually benefit your teeth?

While oil pulling may provide some slight antimicrobial effects and help remove biofilm, modern oral care routines—like brushing with enamel toothpaste—are far superior for maintaining oral health.

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Key Questions and Answers

1. What is oil pulling?
   Oil pulling is an ancient practice where oil (typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower) is swished in the mouth to remove bacteria, alter pH levels, and clean teeth.

2. Is oil pulling effective for oral health?
   Dr. Harper states that oil pulling offers minimal benefits, such as slight antimicrobial properties, but it doesn’t outperform modern oral care practices.

3. What are the potential downsides of oil pulling?
   Overreliance on oil pulling can lead to neglect of proper brushing and flossing, which are far more effective for oral hygiene.

4. Does oil pulling replace brushing and flossing?
   Absolutely not. Brushing with a high-quality toothpaste like enamel and flossing are far more effective for cleaning teeth and preventing cavities.

5. Why is oil pulling trending again?
   The practice has seen a resurgence due to TikTok trends and interest in natural remedies, but its benefits are limited compared to modern dental advancements.

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Conclusion

While oil pulling might seem like an appealing natural remedy, it pales in comparison to brushing with a high-quality toothpaste and proper flossing. Stick to tried-and-true methods for a brighter, healthier smile.

Transcript

 Does it really help your teeth? I would say the jury's still out. Science hasn't given a definitive answer yet. It's a big TikTok viral trend, right? The whole oil pulling thing. The concept is, back in the ancient days, before enamel existed, um, and toothbrushes existed, they would use oil pulling to help Uh, alter the pH of the tooth, some slight antimicrobial properties, slight, um, and help in removing the biofilm in the teeth.

Um, that's really about it today. Brush with enamel and a toothbrush, and you're doing way better than what oil pulling is doing for you. It's really not adding any benefit to your oral routine whatsoever. Um, it's one of those ancient medicine techniques that's becoming relevant with modern technology.

And it's not going to do anything that you're not already doing. If you're brushing, you know, with enamel and a toothbrush.