UPI (6/14, Feller) states that “coconut oil keeps coming back as a non-pharmaceutical remedy for just about everything,” adding that “there is disagreement, however,” on the reported benefits of the oil. Although some studies suggest “possible benefits” from adding coconut oil to the diet, “concepts like oil pulling and oil detoxes are based less on evidence than on traditional practices and beliefs.” The article states that “oil pulling is a traditional folk remedy” that involves swishing coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil in the mouth, and the purported benefits do not have “much scientific support.” In addition, “studies have shown oil pulling to be far less effective at cleaning the mouth than mouthwash.” The American Dental Association observes oil pulling also has “the risk for adverse health effects.”
MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on oil pulling, noting that “based on the lack of scientific evidence, the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.”
