Oil-pulling Therapy: An Ancient Practice for a Modern Time

In recent years the burden of dental plaque has become a significant problem in developing countries. Essential oils are utilised in oil-pulling therapy based on their recognised antibacterial effects. However these exerted effects targeting biofilms found in dental plaque lack scientific validation. The antibacterial activity of clove cinnamon thyme and tea tree oil were tested subsequent to adjusting preliminary concentrations from 0.01-100 % v/v to 0.2-15 % v/v respectively. It was proposed as oil concentrations increased the amount of microbial biofilms will be directly decreased. Synergy blends of oils have also been recommended in oil-pulling therapy from previous studies. This study supports the negative correlation between an increase in oil concentration and decrease in biofilms. Synergistic activity of combined oils was found to some extent however; further in-depth in vivo/in vitro and isolating major component of oils would clarify these findings.