This study is based on the growing acknowledgment of oil pulling with coconut oil as a potentially effective adjunctive therapy in oral hygiene. Ayurvedic traditions have long advocated for oil pulling as a preventive measure for oral diseases and overall health enhancement. Recent research has corroborated these claims, demonstrating that coconut oil can significantly reduce plaque index, gingival index, and levels of pathogenic bacteria, largely attributed to its high lauric acid content. Lauric acid exhibits notable antimicrobial properties, including the disruption of bacterial cell membranes and the inhibition of microbial signal transduction, supporting its efficacy in oral health management.

Despite these promising findings, the integration of oil pulling or the use of oil-based mouthwashes, compared to water-based mouthwashes, into contemporary dental practice remains inadequately explored and lacks comprehensive, standardized evidence. Additionally, the use of essential oils in oral hygiene practices also lacks sufficient scientific validation. This study seeks to address these deficiencies by systematically assessing the impact of  MCT oil infused with select essential oils  on key oral health and hygine indicators,  such as plaque and gingival indices, whitening efficacy, and antimicrobial effectiveness. Additionally, the study will investigate its effects on systemic health by evaluating relevant biomarkers. The results will provide valuable insights into the potential incorporation of oil based mouthwash as a supplementary practice to established oral hygiene protocols, thereby enhancing preventive measures and expanding therapeutic options for both dental and systemic health.

This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurvedic practices and modern dental care by rigorously evaluating the efficacy of essential oil pulling. By examining its impact on oral health and hygiene indicators as well as relevant biomarkers for systemic health, the findings will contribute to evidence-based integration of oil pulling into contemporary oral hygiene practices, potentially advancing both preventive and therapeutic oral health strategies.