In the current study, 60 young adults between the age of 16 and 18 who had plaque induced gingivitis participated in the study. The study found:
A statistically significant decrease in the plaque and gingival indices was noticed from day 7 and the scores continued to decrease during the period of study.
The discussion portion of the study speculated as to how oil pulling with coconut oil reduces plaque and gingivitis:
There are various hypotheses on the mechanisms by which oil pulling may act in decreasing the plaque and gingival index. In oil pulling, as the oil is swished in the mouth the mechanical shear forces exerted on the oil leads to its emulsification and the surface area of the oil is greatly increased. The oil film thus formed on the surface of the teeth and the gingiva can reduce plaque adhesion and bacterial co aggregation.
It was also proposed that the alkalis in the saliva can react with the oil leading to saponification and formation of a soap like substance which can reduce the adhesion of plaque. Coconut oil has a high saponification value and is one of the most commonly used oil in making soaps. The soaps produced with coconut oil can lather well and have an increased cleansing action.
The lauric acid in the coconut oil can easily react with sodium hydroxide in saliva during oil pulling to form sodium laureate, the main constituent of soap which might be responsible for the cleansing action and decreased plaque accumulation.
The significant reduction in gingivitis can be attributed to decreased plaque accumulation and the anti-inflammatory, emollient effect of coconut oil. In animal studies coconut oil was found to be an effective burn wound healing agent and this was attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Coconut oil showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects on ethyl phenylpropiolate induced ear edema in rats, and carrageenin and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. It was found be effective and safe when used as an emollient and moisturiser.
