Oil pulling has been traditionally used to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis, and dry mouth.[1] However, evidence from randomized controlled trials is inconclusive.
Some studies show that oil pulling with coconut oil reduces plaque and bacterial counts in the saliva when compared to baseline or using a water control. Other studies show that oil pulling is not better than chlorhexidine mouthwash (an antiseptic) for reducing gingivitis, plaque, or gum bleeding.[2] Analyses of available randomized studies confirm that oil pulling is not better than using chlorhexidine mouthwash; however, it does reduce bacterial counts compared to a water control.[3][4]
A small study suggests that oil pulling improves symptoms of dry mouth compared to baseline but does not seem to be better than using a water control.[5]