Evidence supporting the use of: Sesame Oil
For the body system: Gums
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Sesame oil has a long-standing history in traditional medicine, particularly within the practice of Ayurveda, for supporting oral health and gum care. The practice of "oil pulling," which involves swishing sesame oil (or sometimes coconut oil) in the mouth, is believed in Ayurveda to reduce oral bacteria, strengthen gums, and maintain oral hygiene. Traditional texts and anecdotal reports cite its use for reducing plaque and improving overall gum health.
While there is some emerging scientific research evaluating the effects of oil pulling, including with sesame oil, the evidence is still limited and mostly based on small-scale or short-term studies. These studies suggest oil pulling might reduce certain oral bacteria and markers of gum inflammation, but results are not conclusive and often have methodological limitations. Major dental organizations have not formally endorsed oil pulling or sesame oil for gum health due to the lack of robust clinical trials.
In summary, the use of sesame oil to support the gums is primarily rooted in traditional practices, with some preliminary scientific evidence but not enough to warrant strong scientific validation. The tradition is well-documented, but rigorous, high-quality research is still needed to confirm its efficacy and mechanism of action for gum health.
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