Ancient oil pulling gets a modern test against plaque and gingivitis
NCT ID NCT07706647
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether an oil pulling mouthwash can reduce dental plaque, gum inflammation, and harmful bacteria better than a standard mouthwash or a placebo rinse. Healthy adults aged 18 to 70 with mild to moderate gum inflammation will use one of three rinses for a period. Researchers will measure changes in plaque, bleeding, and bacterial levels to see if oil pulling offers real benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- an oil pulling oral rinse (GuruNanda natural Oil Pulling oral rinse)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this oil pulling rinse could offer a natural alternative to standard mouthwashes for improving oral hygiene.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with a modest sample size, so results may not be conclusive or widely applicable. The oil pulling rinse may not outperform existing products.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2026
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult subjects aged 18-70, that are in good health. 2. Subject must have: 1. Baseline gingival inflammation (MGI) score of at least 1.80. 2. Baseline gingival bleeding (GBI) score of ≥ 1 on at least 20 sites. 3. An overnight (12 to 18 hour abstention from any oral hygiene) dental plaque (mean) score greater than 0.6 according to the RMNPI Index. 4. Have a minimum of 20 'scorable' teeth (excluding 3rd molars). 5. The subjects should understand the information provided about the investigative nature of the treatment, possible benefits and side effects. Subjects will sign the Informed Consent Form. 6. The subjects should be willing to comply with the study procedure and schedule, including the follow-up visits. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current or history of oral cavity cancer or oropharyngeal cancer. 2. Subject with destructive periodontal disease or those on antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drugs. 3. Pacemaker or internal defibrillator, or any other active electrical implant anywhere in the body. 4. Pregnant or nursing by subject report. 5. Known allergic reaction to any of the study mouthwashes or any of their component. 6. Any active condition, including but not limited to advanced periodontal disease or severe gingival recession, in the oral cavity at the discretion of the investigator. 7. Any surgery or recent dental procedure in the oral cavity within 3 months prior to treatment, or before complete healing. 8. Subjects that do not brush regularly. 9. Any condition that might make it unsafe for the subject to participate in this study, at the discretion of the investigator. 10. History of allergy or hypersensitivity to mouthwash ingredients 11. Significant medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immunosuppressive disorders 12. Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco 13. Presence of orthodontic appliances, except for removable retainers 14. Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days. 15. Individuals unable to comply with study requirements, such as regular product use or scheduled visits. 16. Habitual use of alcohol or drugs that may affect compliance or oral health
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Clinical Research Facility of the Center for Oral Health and Research, UTHSA
RECRUITINGSan Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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