title: Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene - A review.
abstract: Oil pulling is a traditional folk remedy practiced in ancient India. It is believed to cure more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly and as directed. Due to occurrence of side effects to modern medicines and oral hygiene products, people are increasingly attracted towards complementary and traditional practices. Oil pulling in addition to offering several oral health benefits has also beneficial effects on overall health. The present article attempts to review and discuss this ancient practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya University, Mangalore 575018, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Vagish Kumar L
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shanbhag
keywords: Emulsification; Oil pulling; Oral hygiene; Saponification; Sesame oil