Knowledge and awareness about the effects and health benefits of oil pulling among dentists and dental students: a cross-sectional study

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice believed to offer oral and systemic health benefits. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the effects of oil pulling among dentists and dental students, exploring their familiarity with the practice and perceived effectiveness. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 495 participants, including dental interns, general dentists, and specialist dentists. A structured online questionnaire was distributed, consisting of 17 questions to evaluate participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of oil impacts. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests to identify significant differences among groups. The findings revealed significant differences in the familiarity with oil pulling between dental interns and more experienced professionals. While 85% of the interns demonstrated limited knowledge, specialist dentists reported greater awareness. Nevertheless, most participants expressed some degree of skepticism about recommending oil pulling due to insufficient clinical evidence. Despite this, many acknowledged its potential benefits in improving gum health and reducing halitosis. This study highlights a knowledge gap in dental education regarding alternative oral health practices, such as oil pulling. Oil pulling has been suggested to offer certain oral health benefits, though current clinical evidence remains limited. The results suggest that dental education should incorporate discussions on complementary therapies to equip professionals with a balanced understanding. Further well-designed studies are warranted to verify its clinical efficacy as an adjunct to conventional oral hygiene methods.