How does oil pulling work?

In Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is traditionally believed to balance dosha energies, resulting in improved physical and psychological health.^[1] The tongue is thought to affect various organs such as the kidneys, heart, and lungs. The practice of oil pulling is believed to extract toxins and microbes from these organs through the tongue and then trap them in the oil.^[2] Once the toxins are “pulled” from the organs and trapped in the oil, the oil is then expelled from the mouth. This practice is done in pursuit of improved oral and overall health.^[1] When the oil turns white, this signals that the oil has absorbed sufficient bacteria and is ready to be spat out.^[3] Another theory is that the oil coats the teeth and gums and protects them from bacteria that produce plaque, dental caries, and gingivitis.^[2]