London - Swishing oil in your mouth every day sounds like a form of torture — but it’s actually an ancient practice for cleaning your teeth.
And celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow are turning to sesame and coconut oil to rid the mouth of bacteria and whiten teeth.
The practice, known as ‘oil pulling’, is a form of Ayurveda, a centuries-old Indian alternative medicine.
Apparently, all you have to do is swill unrefined oil for ten minutes a day to strengthen your teeth, gums and jaw.
According to Julie Dent, who runs an Ayurvedic spa in Malvern, Worcestershire, oil absorbs partially digested food and plaque. ‘It really makes your teeth whiter, because the plaque on your teeth is not water-soluble, it’s fat-soluble,’ she says.
Those hooked on the slippery stuff say the perks don’t end there. Pulling is said to reduce headaches, improve digestion and make you less susceptible to fatigue. A recent study in the Indian Journal Of Dental Research, measuring the effects in young men, showed a healthy immune response and that oil supported healthy gums and reduced plaque.
Dr Anthony Zybutz, a Harley Street cosmetic dentist, says: ‘It compares well to traditional mouthwashes. There’s something to it — it’s not complete nonsense.’
But other dentists preach caution, warning it’s no substitute for brushing.
Dr Naser Godarzi, another Harley Street dentist, says: ‘You can get a little bit of plaque removal, but it is very negligible.’ - Daily Mail