‘Oil pulling’ may not do much for your oral health

After scrolling social media, you might be tempted to ditch your typical oral care regimen in favor of melted coconut oil, or other similar oils, for a practice known as oil pulling.

A method of traditional Ayurvedic medicine native to India, oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes before spitting it out, and proponents of the process have touted various oral health benefits.

Here, Y. Natalie Jeong, professor and chair of the periodontology department at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, explains the claims and what really needs to be done to take care of your teeth and gums: