Peran Oil Pulling dalam Kesehatan Rongga Mulut: Tinjauan Literatur Terhadap Klaim Tradisional dan Bukti Ilmiah
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35790/8k6swv02Keywords:
oil pulling; saliva; plak gigi; kesehatan rongga mulut; minyak kelapaAbstract
Abstract: Oil pulling is a traditional practice of swishing edible oil in the mouth and has regained popularity as an adjunct to oral hygiene. This narrative review evaluated evidence on its effects on oral microorganisms, plaque and gingival indices, saliva, and oral mucosa. Literature published from 2021 to 2026 was sought through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Clinical studies suggest that oil pulling may reduce selected oral bacterial counts; however, findings for plaque and gingival indices are inconsistent. Meta-analyses report very low certainty of evidence and indicate that chlorhexidine is more effective for plaque reduction. Evidence on saliva and mucosal outcomes remains limited and includes findings from specific patient groups. In conclusion, oil pulling may therefore be considered only as an adjunct and should not replace toothbrushing, interdental cleaning, or clinician-recommended care.
Keywords: oil pulling; saliva; dental plaque; oral health; coconut oil
Abstrak: Oil pulling merupakan praktik tradisional yang berasal dari Ayurveda dan kembali populer sebagai pendekatan alami dalam menjaga kesehatan rongga mulut. Tinjauan ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi peran oil pulling terhadap mikrobiota oral, saliva, dan jaringan mukosa, serta menelaah kesesuaiannya dengan bukti ilmiah yang tersedia. Metode yang digunakan ialah literature review dengan sumber data dari PubMed, Google Scholar, dan ScienceDirect yang dipbulkiasi tahun 2021-2026, menggunakan kata kunci terkait oil pulling dan kesehatan rongga mulut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa oil pulling memiliki potensi dalam menurunkan jumlah mikroorganisme dalam rongga mulut, yang berkaitan dengan mekanisme mekanis selama proses berkumur serta aktivitas antimikroba dari komponen minyak, terutama minyak kelapa. Selain itu, oil pulling juga diduga memengaruhi lingkungan oral melalui interaksi dengan saliva dan permukaan mukosa. Namun, hasil penelitian masih menunjukkan variasi, terutama pada parameter seperti indeks plak dan kondisi gingiva. Simpulan penelitian ini ialah oil pulling dapat dipertimbangkan sebagai terapi tambahan dalam menjaga kesehatan rongga mulut, namun belum dapat menggantikan praktik kebersihan gigi yang telah terbukti efektif.
Kata kunci: oil pulling; saliva; plak gigi; kesehatan rongga mulut; minyak kelapa
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