Somewhere on your feed right now, someone is swishing a spoonful of coconut oil and promising it will whiten their teeth, freshen their breath, and fix their gut. The practice is thousands of years old, and the dentists reviewing it this week are unimpressed.
Oil pulling, which means swishing oil around your mouth for several minutes and then spitting it out, has made a major comeback online, CNN reported in a story carried by CTV News on October 28. Influencers present it as a natural mouthwash that whitens teeth and improves the bacteria living in the mouth. The American Dental Association says there are no reliable scientific studies showing that it reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health.
Key takeaways
The American Dental Association says no reliable studies show that swishing oil reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health.
Dentists quoted by CNN found no evidence that the practice causes harm either.
The real risk is using the trend in place of brushing, cleaning between teeth, and treatment for an infection.
The Canadian Dental Association says seven in ten Canadians will develop gum problems at some point in their lives.
Eligible Canadians without dental insurance may be able to get cleanings covered through the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Why is swishing coconut oil trending again?
The trend has the ingredients many wellness fads share, since it is ancient, natural, cheap, and feels as though it should work. Most videos feature coconut oil, though sesame and sunflower oil have long histories too, and the modern technique is essentially the same as the ancient one.
Dentists interviewed for the CNN story were careful to be fair about it. Dr. Matthew Messina, a dentist in Ohio, said there is no scientific evidence that the practice helps and none that it harms. He added that before toothbrushes and toothpaste existed, swishing oil was likely better than doing nothing, which makes it a reasonable idea for its era.
Health claims travel fast online, and our report on fake doctor videos selling Canadians pills shows how convincing a polished claim can look.
What does the evidence actually show?
A 2022 review found that swishing oil does lower the number of bacteria in the mouth, though the evidence is too thin to say it prevents cavities or gum problems. On whitening, the ADA says no reliable studies show a benefit either.
That matters in a country where gum problems are so common. The Canadian Dental Association says seven in ten Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives, which makes it the most common dental problem in the country.
Can swishing oil replace brushing and flossing?
The concern dentists raise is displacement, since swishing oil does little damage on its own. Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist and orthodontic specialist, described oil pulling as offering a false sense of protection. He asked how much time people would have left for proven habits after spending several minutes a day swishing.
Brushing and flossing remove the sticky plaque that drives decay and gum inflammation, and nothing in the evidence suggests oil can do that job instead. The stakes rise when the trend replaces treatment, because a gum infection or a tooth that aches needs a dental professional, not whatever is in your pantry.
Is regular mouthwash any better?
Regular mouthwash has a stronger case, since many products contain antibacterial ingredients that reduce the bacteria behind decay and gum problems. Dentists still treat it as an extra on top of brushing and cleaning between your teeth, never a replacement, and swishing oil does not earn a spot above it.
If you enjoy the ritual, nobody in the coverage told you to stop. Messina said some of his patients brush longer afterward to get rid of the oily feeling, which he was happy to see, so treat it as an add-on to your routine.
When should bleeding gums send you to a dentist?
Spend your two minutes where the evidence is, and know which signs need a professional. Bleeding gums when you brush, a tooth that aches, or more than a year since anyone looked inside your mouth are all reasons to book a visit. Our guide to bleeding gums when you brush explains what that early warning means.
Brush twice a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, angling the bristles toward the gumline.
Clean between your teeth daily. Floss or use an interdental brush, since a toothbrush cannot reach between teeth.
Keep any swishing as an extra. If you like the trend, keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth as usual, and never let the swishing replace them.
Book a checkup if you are due. Go sooner for bleeding, swelling, pain, or a loose tooth.
Check your coverage. See whether you qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if cost has kept you away.
Cost has kept many Canadians out of the dentist's chair, and our report on what the Canadian Dental Care Plan's first report card found explains what the program covers and where patients still pay.
Frequently asked questions
Does oil pulling whiten teeth?
No reliable studies show that oil pulling whitens teeth, according to the American Dental Association. Stains respond better to brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, a professional cleaning, or whitening treatments a dentist recommends. If your teeth have darkened suddenly or a single tooth has changed colour, have a dentist take a look.
Can swishing oil harm your teeth?
Dentists quoted by CNN said there is no evidence that swishing oil is harmful, and no reliable evidence that it helps. The bigger risk is using it in place of brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, and dental care for an infection. If you enjoy it, treat it as an extra rather than a replacement.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover cleanings?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers diagnostic and preventive services, which include cleanings, for eligible residents who have no access to private dental insurance and an adjusted family net income under $90,000. You may have a co-payment based on your income. Check the Government of Canada website or ask your dental office whether it accepts the plan.
Your next step
When you are ready to put real care behind the fresh breath, a checkup and cleaning will tell you far more than any trend. The Medimap Health Hub has more on teeth and gums, and you can find a dentist near you and book in a few clicks.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a doctor or other qualified health professional who knows your history. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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