Fact Check: Can Coconut Oil Pulling Heal Gingivitis or Gum Inflammation?

The Instagram post claims that coconut oil pulling can heal gingivitis/gum inflammation. The claim is False.

Claim

An Instagram user theneurofactory posted a reel featuring Barbara O’Neill, an Australian alternative healthcare promoter known for advocating unsupported health practices. In the video, she can be seen lecturing about the treatment of gingivitis (gum inflammation). In the reel she says, "Oil pulling can help to heal the gums. One lady told me that she had infected gums called gingivitis. The dentist advised her to take antibiotics. And she asked for my advice. I said to her I wouldn't take the antibiotics. I would oil pull three times a day. And she oil pulled three times a day. She emailed me a week later and said her gums were totally healed. And oil pulling is putting a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and then swishing it around. You might swish for 10 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, swish for 10 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and do it like this for 10 minutes. Now, the reason why it's called oil pulling is it pulls waste out of your tongue. It pulls waste out of the glands and the blood vessels under your tongue. It also seems to pull from the sinuses, and when you've pulled that waste into the oil after 10 minutes, then you release it out."

The post has 7,482 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Coconut oil pulling may help with oral health, but there is no evidence that it can heal gingivitis on its own. Proper dental care and professional treatment are essential for managing gum disease effectively.

What is Gingivitis or Gum Inflammation?

Gingivitis is a condition where the gums become inflamed, usually due to a bacterial infection. It causes redness, swelling, and irritation in the gum tissue but does not lead to loss of attachment between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, it can worsen and lead to more serious gum diseases.

Poor oral hygiene causes bacterial plaque buildup, which can trigger gum inflammation (gingivitis) in less than a week. In the early stage, the gums produce more fluid and immune cells to fight the bacteria, leading to swelling and irritation. As gingivitis progresses, the immune response weakens gum fibres and creates pockets between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, this can damage the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

There are various causes or types of gingivitis, including bacterial plaque, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), medication-influenced gingivitis, infection-related gingivitis, allergic gingivitis, and systemic disease-associated gingivitis. Bacterial plaque triggers inflammation, while NUG is often linked to stress and immune factors. Certain medications can cause abnormal gum overgrowth, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi can also lead to gingivitis. Additionally, allergic reactions and systemic diseases like Crohn’s disease and diabetes contribute to gum inflammation.

What is Coconut oil pulling?

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), unlike most other dietary oils, which contain long-chain fatty acids. About 50% of these MCFAs are lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective against harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, which are linked to oral health issues.

Coconut oil is commonly used in oil pulling, a traditional Ayurvedic practice from ancient India for maintaining oral hygiene. The process involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for some time to help reduce inflammation, bleeding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath and improve overall oral health. It is also believed to strengthen the jaw muscles.

Can Coconut Oil Pulling Heal Gingivitis/Gum Inflammation?

Coconut oil pulling offers various health benefits helping reduce inflammation, bleeding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath, and improving overall oral health. Although there are studies that have demonstrated that coconut oil pulling helps reduce plaque-induced gingivitis, there is no consensus or scientific evidence that supports the claim that coconut oil pulling heals gingivitis or gum inflammation.

A study published in The Nigerian Medical Journal concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil may serve as a beneficial supplementary practice in reducing plaque buildup and managing plaque-induced gingivitis. But, the study did not highlight the standalone role of coconut oil pulling in curing gingivitis, nor did it address all types and causes of the condition.

Another study published in the European Journal of Dentistry demonstrated significant and promising improvements in reducing plaque buildup and gingivitis. The study does not claim that coconut oil pulling alone can heal gingivitis.

Yet one more study published in the Journal of the Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry found that coconut oil pulling when used as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, is effective in reducing plaque buildup and plaque-induced gingivitis. This study does not state that coconut oil pulling alone can heal gingivitis.

Dr Prithvi Dani, BDS, Dental Surgeon, Dani Dental Care, Kawardha, C.G. told Medical Dialogues, "Coconut oil pulling is a great addition to an oral care routine and may help with issues like bad breath, dry mouth, and mild gum inflammation. However, it should not replace proper dental care. Gingivitis has multiple causes, and the best way to treat it is through good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and professional treatment when needed."

To this, Dr Ritu Thawait, Dental Surgeon, Medical Officer, CHC, Risali, Durg, C.G added, "Many people try coconut oil pulling for better oral health, and while it can be a useful practice, it’s not a cure-all. Gingivitis needs proper care, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. If your gums are swollen, bleeding, or painful, don’t rely on home remedies alone—visit a dentist to get the right treatment before it worsens."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Coconut oil pulling is known to provide oral health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, bleeding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath. However, there is no scientific evidence or dental consensus supporting the claim that it can heal gingivitis or gum inflammation on its own. Gingivitis has multiple causes, and proper dental care, professional treatment, and good oral hygiene are essential for managing the condition. Relying solely on oil pulling without consulting a dentist may lead to untreated gum disease and further complications.

Hence, the claim is False.