Plaque-induced gingivitis is generally regarded as a site-specific inflammatory condition initiated by dental biofilm accumulation and characterized by gingival redness and edema and the absence of periodontal attachment loss. The disease is commonly painless, rarely leads to spontaneous bleeding, and is often characterized by subtle clinical changes detectable only by trained personnels. Consequently, most patients are either unaware of it or unable to recognize it. Recent reports suggest that it is found in 46.6% of the adult Indian population.

The standard treatment of gingivitis is the use of antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine. Despite its wide use, chlorhexidine is recognised as a corrosive, irritant, health hazard and environmental hazard by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Chlorhexidine has known common side effects such as increased plaque, peeling of oral mucosa, dry mouth, tongue discolouration, teeth sensitivity, altered taste perception, short bursts of burning sensation, and teeth staining. More recent reviews concluded that the result of kavala / oil-pulling is comparable to that of chlorhexidine, without showing any side effects. But the oils tested in these studies— coconut oil, gingelly oil, olive oil etc.—were randomly chosen based on anecdotes, not based on an existing guideline from any traditional medicines.