Oil pulling dates back to a time before tooth brushing. It was believed to help remove plaque from teeth and boost the health of teeth, tongue, and gums.
A 2007 study from the Indian Journal of Dental Research confirmed that.3 It compared 10 men who did oil pulling for 10 days, with 10 men who did not. The people who did oil pulling had reduced plaque, the study found.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling also helps with overall health by clearing toxins from the body. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that oil pulling can clear the sinuses, reduce headaches, and reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to a variety of illnesses, from arthritis to heart disease.
Modern science hasn’t yet proven any impact of oil pulling on overall health, but it’s likely that giving oil pulling a try won’t hurt your overall health either.