COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF OIL PULLING THERAPY WITH SESAME OIL AND COCONUT OIL

Abstract

Oral hygiene habits are developed and established in early childhood and aid in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease in the future. Mechanical methods of tooth brushing are the most reliable and widely accepted, however mouthwashes have also been used for several years as an adjunctive measure for the maintenance of dental hygiene and oral health [1]. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy originally used in ancient India to maintain oral health. With people preferring natural remedies over allopathic medicines, Ayurveda has truly become the medical method of choice for general wellbeing and health

[2].  

 Ayurveda has several proven practices; oil pulling is one of them. Oil pulling may be a method of oral health. Oil pulling is also believed to improve gingival health by reducing inflammation, relieving dry mouth, and chapped lips. It is said to whiten teeth, reduce bad breath, and improve oral hygiene. Oil pulling is a method of gargling with oil, allowing the oil to shuttle between the teeth [3].

The process of oil swishing is believed to cure or control 30 different types of systemic diseases including headaches, migraine, and chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes mellitus [4,5]. The effects of oil pulling on oral health, as an adjunct to conventional oral hygiene measures have been exemplary. Scientific evidence suggests that oil pulling therapy may reduce the total oral bacterial count and reduce plaque and gingival scores. Furthermore, it has also shown to diminish the susceptibility to dental caries [6,7].

Oil pulling using coconut oil have shown to have antibacterial activity against C.

albicans and S. mutans, while sesame oil also has similar activity against S.

mutans and Lactobacilli [8].  Following a 40-day regimen of oil pulling, an average reduction of 20% was observed in the total microbial count in the oral cavity .  Similarly, another study testing the susceptibility to dental caries before and after oil pulling showed that in 50% of the subjects the susceptibility was reduced from “marked” to “slight.” Whereas, in the other 50% of the subjects the susceptibility reduced from “marked” to “moderate’’ [9].  

Sesame oil has been found to reduce plaque induced gingivitis. Root of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) contains chlorosesamone which has antifungal activity. Polyunsaturated fatty acids present in sesame oil reduces free radical injury occurring in oral cavity [10]. 

Previous in-vitro studies using biofilm models have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Oil pulling is believed to reduce bacteria count in the oral cavity, thus potentially reducing the risk of dental problems. While some studies suggest its effectiveness, others question its efficacy compared to conventional methods. 

The purpose of the study is to check for reduction in CFUs of S. mutans and C. albicans, with S. mutans being the main causative agent for dental caries and C. albicans being a causative agent for common fungal infections such as oral candidiasis, using oil pulling therapy.