Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study

Olive Oil and Water - Role in Oral Care

“…Tooth brushing with vegetable oil (Tit oil-Almond oil) reduces dental plaque, improves salivary buffer capacity, decreases salivary streptococcus mutans and also less dental abrasion has been observed [25]. Recently oil pulling with 5-15 ml of sesame oil (for 10 minutes in the morning after brushing) has been found to be effective in prevention of dental caries [26]. In the above studies vegetable oil has been used as a mouth wash. As olive oil is a nutrient its presence and movement by swishing in the oral cavity will stimulate the salivary secretion.…”

“…Holding and swishing of 1-2 ml of olive oil for 5-10 minutes both in the morning and at night after brushing of teeth and later swallowing the same will be helpful to form a oil film coat over the gums, teeth, mucus membrane of oral cavity and pharynx [6,12]. Coating of the oral cavity with olive oil can be of help in decreasing the bacterial growth, preventing bacterial adhesion and plaque aggregation [16,26]. Daily use of olive oil at night before going to sleep can also be of help in retaining water in the saliva and prevention of dental and periodontal infections as there is a decrease in salivary secretion during sleep.…”

Jumping the gun

“…It is estimated that tobacco will kill 6 million people annually from 2010, 80% of which will happen in low and middle income countries like India. 1 The most susceptible age for initiating tobacco use in India is during adolescence and early childhood with most users starting use before the age of 18 years, while some start as young as ten years. Studies show that if people do not begin to use tobacco during adolescence, there is a good chance they never will.…”

Clarifying points

“…The study by Ericson and Kurol, from which the Royal College Guidelines are based, is a cohort study with no control. 2,3 Dr Short commented that neither their study or the study by Ericson and Kurol were referenced; I suggest she reads the full review as both are quoted and referenced. With regard to the accompanying photograph of an infant shown in the news bulletin (BDJ 2009; 206: 454) we agree this was inappropriate; the authors of the review were not involved in this publication.…”