Gargling oil can prevent oral problems

Gargling oil could stave off cavities and gum disease much better than your usual mouthwash.

Oil pulling-or swishing and gargling oil in the mouth-has long been used in traditional Indian culture because it was thought to prevent disease and eliminate toxins from the body. As CBS affiliate KHOU in Houston points out, some modern practitioners believe it improves oral health.

Proponents claim 20 minutes of gargling oil-such as sunflower or sesame oil-may prevent plaque buildup, whiten teeth, treat gum disease and kill bad breath.

Some even claim it has health benefits for conditions ranging from arthritis to a hangover, according to KHOU.

The Indian alternative medicine practice Ayurveda claims oil pulling can prevent 30 different diseases by pulling toxins from the mouth that you can spit out.

A 2011 study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine says that it has been used extensively as a folk remedy for many years to prevent decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, dryness of throat, cracked lips and for strengthening teeth, gums and the jaw.