Effect of Oil Pulling Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Plaque and Gingivitis Scores and Caries Activity Evaluated by Ora Test in Pediatric Dental Patients: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: Oil pulling is well documented as an alternative therapy with many therapeutic benefits, both systemic and oral. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has proved to be of much benefit because of its antioxidant effect and low caloric value. This study hypothesizes that olive oil can be used to reduce the caries activity in pediatric patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of oil pulling using EVOO on plaque and gingivitis scores and caries activity evaluated by Ora test in pediatric dental patients.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective case-control study conducted on 20 children aged 6-12 years where olive oil was taken as the study group and chlorhexidine as the positive control group. Children were randomly selected and allocated to two groups. The baseline examination of plaque and gingivitis scores was evaluated by a single trained examiner, and the Ora test was performed on the same day. After 1 month of using olive oil, a second examination and Ora test were performed. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: There was a significant mean reduction of 0.46 ± 0.09 in plaque scores and 0.26 ± 0.04 in gingivitis scores in olive oil group after 1 month. There was no statistically significant difference when mean reduction of plaque scores was compared between both the groups, but significant reduction was noticed in gingivitis group (0.26 ± 0.04). There was a significant and comparable reduction of caries activity in both the groups after 1 month. Olive oil showed increased caries activity reduction compared to chlorhexidine.

Interpretation and conclusions: Both the groups showed substantial benefit of reduction in plaque scores and gingivitis scores after 1 month. Olive oil seems to have comparable results to chlorhexidine and also showed additional therapeutic benefit on gingival inflammation and reduction in caries activity.

Clinical significance: Olive oil in the form of oil pulling can be effectively used as a natural alternative to counteract poor oral hygiene status and high caries activity in pediatric dental patients.

How to cite this article: Valasingam SK, Kanikaram PL, Archana V, et al. Effect of Oil Pulling Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Plaque and Gingivitis Scores and Caries Activity Evaluated by Ora Test in Pediatric Dental Patients: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(6):666-670.