Oil pulling to relieve medication-induced xerostomia: A randomized, single-blind, crossover trial

Objectives To determine the subjective effectiveness of oilpulling on medication-induced xerostomia with regard to symptom relief, quality of life, taste, mucosal moisture and oral parameters. Materials and Methods In a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial in participants with medication-induced xerostomia (n = 26; mean age 64.71 (standard deviation (SD) 15.60) years), we investigated oilpulling efficacy (sunflower oil) versus mineral water after one-week use. Xerostomic burden (visual analogue scale, VAS), symptom relief and oral examinations (gingivitis index, plaque index, whole stimulated and unstimulated salivation rates) were investigated at baseline and the end of the follow-up. Results Oilpulling reduced the xerostomic burden (baseline value 6.46 (SD 1.80), decreasing to 4.93 (SD 2.97)) (p = .003), without difference between oil versus water (p = .067). Baseline values for water were 6.08 (SD 2.17) decreasing to 5.72 (SD 2.17) (p = .124). Compared to water, oil made swallowing easier (p = .031), caused a pleasant mouthfeel (p = .031) and caused less waking up at night (p = .031). Effectiveness (p = .002) and duration (p = .007) of symptom relief showed differences between products in favour of oil. Conclusions Oil pulling alleviated the overall xerostomic burden. In the comparison between oil and water, no difference regarding symptom relief could be shown. Patients should be informed of possibilities and limitations of oilpulling as inexpensive and easy-to-obtain alternative to commercially available products for short-term symptom relief.

Automated summary

Oil pulling can alleviate medication-induced xerostomia symptoms, but there is no significant difference in symptom relief compared to water. Oil pulling reduces the overall xerostomic burden, making swallowing easier, providing a pleasant mouthfeel, and reducing nighttime awakening. Oil pulling can be considered as a cost-effective and easily accessible alternative for short-term symptom relief.