Oil pulling is a powerful and detoxifying Ayurvedic
technique. It is an alternative medical practice in which an edible oil is
swished around the mouth for a period of time and then spat out, similar to
mouthwash. This chapter presents the role of oil pulling in oral health.
Chronic use of mouth rinses containing phenol and other agents, such as
chlorohexidine gluconate, used in taking care of the oral cavity, stains the
teeth. Also, microorganisms in the oral cavity consist of a single cell covered
with a lipid membrane, which, when it comes in contact with some of the oil
used in oil pulling, adheres to it to achieve its oral cleansing. The results
of studies conducted show that some of the oils, such as coconut oil, sesame
oil, and sunflower oil, used in oil pulling therapy can reduce dental plaque,
prevent gingivitis, halitosis, dental caries and other dental conditions. This
is due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Outside of offering several oral health benefits, it also contributes
positively to overall health with minimal side effects when practised as
recommended. Being one of the cheapest, cost-effective, safe, easy and
efficient ways to control oral diseases, it should be used as a supplemental
oral hygiene aid. It was recommended that oral health professionals should
incorporate some of these products into patients’ oral hygiene materials.
Additionally, these products should be made in a form that will be handy for
patients.
Author(s) Details
Ngwu Justina Nnenna
Dental Therapy Department, Faculty of Dental Health Federal, University of
Allied Health Sciences, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v8/6630
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