Oil pulling freshens breath but probably doesn’t cure cancer

Oil pulling may be the latest health craze but recent studies are showing that it doesn’t cure everything people are saying.

With dozens of blogs on the web stating that the ancient Indian practice of oil pulling - swishing around coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes - cures everything from bad breath to a hangover, acne and diabetes, some experts are saying otherwise.

And while the promise of a whiter smile and cleaner mouths sounds vey compelling, doctors are saying that this practice should be an added supplement rather than dismissing brushing, flossing and dental visits altogether, The Huffington Post reports.

“Oil pulling should not be used to treat oral disease such as gum disease or tooth decay,” Michelle Hurlbutt, RDH, MSDH and associate professor of dental hygiene at Loma Linda University in Southern California, said.

“It’s more of a preventive rinse that could be used adjunctively with your regular mouth care routine.”

Myths claim that oil pulling can help cavities, headaches, hormonal imbalances, infections, liver problems, arthritis and cancer. However, for now it may be best to use the oil swishing to just maintain a clean mouth.

Photo Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

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