ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the plaque-inhibiting effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model. METHODS: This clinical observer-masked, randomized, crossover designed study involved 24 participants. The participants received professional prophylaxis in the preparatory period and after that subjects started to use the allocated mouthrinse (coconut oil or sesame oil). On day 5, periodontal clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), stain index (SI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. Subjects underwent a 14-day wash out period and then used the other mouthrinse for 4 days. RESULTS: Oil pulling therapy with coconut oil or sesame oil exhibited similar plaque regrowth inhibition (PI = 1.60 ± 0.28 and 1.49 ± 0.22, for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively) and tooth staining (SI = 0.20 ± 0.11 and 0.21 ± 0.09, for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively.) In addition, GI and BOP were similar in both groups (GI = 0.61 ± 0.19 and 0.69 ± 0.16; BOP = 0.09 ± 0.24 and 0.03 ± 0.03 for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Oil pulling therapy with coconut or sesame oil showed similar results in terms of plaque regrowth inhibition and tooth staining. According to the present results, both coconut oil and sesame oil can be used for oil pulling therapy with the aim of plaque regrowth inhibition.
