Written by Carie Behounek | March 24, 2025
Whiter teeth. Healed gums. Fewer bacteria. Total body detox. These are just some of the claims made on social media about oil pulling – the act of swishing oil in your mouth to improve overall health. Some influencers have said oil pulling can replace your dentist.
Have these claims gone too far?
Allison Kessler, RDH, is a registered dental hygienist at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She’s tried oil pulling, and said her mouth felt good after. But she already has a healthy mouth, and said she doesn’t have an extra 20 minutes daily to make it part of her normal routine.
In the following Q&A, Kessler explains the evidence (or lack of) to provide an overview of oil pulling – a so-called trend that’s anything but new.