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Oil pulling (kavala / gandusha)
कवल / गण्डूष
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: India · Tradition: Ayurvedic mouth care · Daily habits & sleep
What it is
A traditional habit of holding plant oil in the mouth and swishing it. In modern marketing it is often described as “detox”, but dental organisations are cautious about overstated claims.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Hold about a teaspoon of edible plant oil and move it gently for a few minutes (do not force a full 20 minutes).
- Spit it out, then brush and floss as usual.
- Do not swallow it. It is not advised for children.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Mouth care
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
D: Traditional use only. This review did not find enough clinical research on the practice itself
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that there is no reliable evidence that oil pulling replaces brushing and flossing. It is recorded as a traditional mouth-care habit.
Sources
Safety notes
Inhaling the oil (especially in children and people with swallowing difficulty). Quality of the oil. Do not use it in place of ordinary dental hygiene.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- People at high risk of inhaling the oil
- Young children