Efficacy of Sesame-Based Oil Pulling in Plaque Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene practices
• Preventive dentistry
• Periodontology

Background:

• Gingivitis is a common oral condition characterized by inflammation of the gums.
• Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice with potential therapeutic benefits for oral health.
• Distilled water serves as a neutral control for evaluating the effects of oil pulling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the plaque-reducing efficacy of sesame-based oil pulling against distilled water.
• To assess the impact of oil pulling on gingival bleeding and plaque indices.
• To investigate potential microbiological changes associated with oil pulling.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled, examiner-blinded parallel-group study.
• Forty participants with gingivitis were assigned to sesame oil or distilled water groups.
• Participants practiced oil pulling daily for 15 minutes over eight weeks, with plaque and gingival indices assessed at baseline and follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Both sesame oil and distilled water significantly reduced the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) after eight weeks (p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively).
• No statistically significant difference in plaque or gingival bleeding reduction was observed between the sesame oil and distilled water groups.
• Microbiological analysis of biofilm samples did not reveal significant changes.

Conclusions:

• Oil pulling, whether with sesame oil or distilled water, effectively reduces plaque and gingival indices.
• The study suggests that the mechanical action of swishing may contribute significantly to the observed benefits.
• Further preclinical investigations are recommended to elucidate the precise mechanisms of plaque reduction through oil pulling.