Improving Dental Health: Positive Correlations Between Oil Pulling & Dental Health

Posted on: 19 January 2015

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Did you know that around 23% of adults and 15% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 have untreated dental cavities? These statistics don't even include other dental conditions and problems that plague Americans. Many people just have poor dental health in general.

If you're concerned about your dental health, consider adopting better daily habits that can improve your overall condition. Oil pulling has been highly recommended by many dentists lately due to recent studies that have come out supporting its correlation with dental health.

The Basics of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling was first introduced into the US in the 1990s by Dr. F. Karach, but it is actually an ancient tradition that has already been around for a long time. It involves swishing 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, preferably coconut oil, in the mouth for approximately 20 minutes before spitting it out.

Most dentists recommend practicing oil pulling in the morning before eating breakfast. Some dentists would go even further and recommend practicing oil pulling before every meal in order to treat severe infections or bacterial problems.

When practicing oil pulling, remember to never swallow the oil, as it contains an abundance of bacteria and other toxins. After you spit the oil out, rinse your mouth with warm water to get rid of any remaining residue, especially the thin film that may still be on the surfaces of the teeth, and brush your teeth. Brush your teeth with a toothbrush positioned at a 45 degree angle from the gum line for at least two minutes for optimal effectiveness.

The Mechanism Behind Oil Pulling

Most people are quite hesitant to try oil pulling, as it sounds absurd; however, when you understand the mechanisms behind oil pulling, this practice may seem a lot more practical than you could ever imagine. Your teeth contain many pores. Trapped within these pores are toxins and bacteria, which cannot be removed through regular brushing.

The oil from oil pulling will enter these pores with ease, and will even reach the crevices that are found between the teeth and the gums. The oil is soluble to bacteria and toxins, and they become easily trapped within the oil. As a result, the oil becomes contaminated with the bacteria and toxins that have accumulated, and can remove them with ease. This is also why you should never swallow the oil after swishing it around your mouth.

Scientific Results from Oil Pulling

If you still think that oil pulling is hogwash, you might want to take a look at several scientific studies that have been conducted and come up with positive results that back up the claims that most dentists are making about oil pulling.

For example, in a study conducted in 2008, 20 patients practiced oil pulling for just 2 weeks. The study shows that oil pulling is able to significantly reduce the presence of Streptococcus mutans in the plaque and in the saliva. These bacteria are responsible for eating dietary sugars and converting them into lactic acid, which causes teeth demineralization and cavities. 

The same results were found in a study conducted in 2007. This study found that gingival condition was also improved in patients who participated in oil pulling. 

Oil pulling can help maintain dental health and even improve it. It takes only 20 minutes of your time in a day, and the results can be seen within a short period of time. If you are interested in this practice, consider using coconut oil, as it has been found to be extremely effective in targeting the bacteria that are found in the mouth. Learn more by talking to dental clinics such as Valley Oak Dental Group Inc.