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Shall I try oil pulling for gum pockets?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I was reading about oil pulling and wondered if I should try it to cure my 6 mm gum pockets.

If it can clean the tops of the gum pockets, will the bacteria and tartar at the bottom worsen the problem in the future?

I have gum pockets of around 4 mm to 6 mm and an odd one with 9 mm. The recommended treatment is deep cleaning.

Will oil pulling help the situation?

Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Prerna Jain

Education:

MDS Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prerna Jain is a passionate Orthodontist with 12 years of clinical experience. She completed her BDS from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2011. She then completed her MDS in Orthodontics from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2015. She is well-specialized in treating all malaligned teeth and malocclusion for aesthetic and functional purposes. She is currently working in Mumbai.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Oil pulling is a method that removes toxins from the oral cavity and reduces the chances of plaque formation. Although there are no confirmed reports. However, oil pulling cannot remove existing plaque and tartar, especially that is deeper into gums, ultimately giving rise to gum pockets.

Thus, the only use of this method is not going to help your gum pockets. You must get treated by a periodontist. Pockets occur along with bone loss around the tooth due to chronic plaque or tartar exposure.

I recommend getting a thorough deep cleaning done. Follow up and get evaluated for flap surgeries with or without grafts to improve the health of your gums. Avoiding deep scaling is only going to make the gum pockets worse and the treatment will be more complicated. You can supplement the professional treatment with oil pulling occasionally.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 21, 2016
Reviewed At June 2, 2026

Education:

MDS Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prerna Jain is a passionate Orthodontist with 12 years of clinical experience. She completed her BDS from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2011. She then completed her MDS in Orthodontics from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2015. She is well-specialized in treating all malaligned teeth and malocclusion for aesthetic and functional purposes. She is currently working in Mumbai.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

Oil Pulling for Gum Pockets Companion

How it works

Oil pulling is a traditional practice that some believe can improve oral health. Here's what you need to know about its potential role in managing gum pockets.

1

Oil
Pulling

2

Gum
Pockets

3

Role
Assessment

4

Professional
Cleaning

5

Advanced
Treatments

6

Delay
Risks

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
default Img
Dr. Prerna Jain

Dentistry

Education:

MDS Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prerna Jain is a passionate Orthodontist with 12 years of clinical experience. She completed her BDS from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2011. She then completed her MDS in Orthodontics from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2015. She is well-specialized in treating all malaligned teeth and malocclusion for aesthetic and functional purposes. She is currently working in Mumbai.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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