Key Takeaway
Oil pulling with sesame oil for 10 minutes daily reduced Streptococcus mutans (cavity-causing bacteria) in saliva by 20% after 2 weeks.
Summary
This study examined whether traditional oil pulling could reduce levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Adolescents who practiced oil pulling with sesame oil for 10 minutes daily showed significant reductions in Streptococcus mutans counts in both plaque and saliva samples.
Methods
- Controlled clinical trial
- 20 adolescents
- 10 minutes daily oil pulling
- Bacterial counts at 1 and 2 weeks
Key Results
- 20% reduction in S. mutans
- Effects seen within 2 weeks
- Comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash
- No adverse effects
Limitations
- Small sample size
- Short follow-up period
- Single bacterial species measured