I heard about oil pulling a year or two ago. I am wondering if this practice really can get my teeth white. Thanks. Dynah
Dynah – Oil pulling has been practiced in southern Asia and India for centuries. It involves placing a tablespoon or so of edible oil in your mouth, swishing the oral around in your mouth and between your teeth.
The concept is that unwanted bacteria in your mouth will cling to the oil, and when you spit out the oil, the bacteria will go with it.
Some studies show that oil pulling may remove bacteria from your mouth, but it’s not a substitute for flossing your teeth daily and brushing them twice a day. And there is no evidence that shows it will whiten your teeth. Even whitening toothpaste won’t remove stains that are embedded in your teeth. If done with incorrect technique, oil pulling can cause stiff jaw muscles, dry mouth, and loss of taste.
If you want to remove stains from your teeth, it’s best to see a dentist to determine the cause of the stains and how the stains can be safely removed without making them more noticeable.
This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.