The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

This practice has immediate and tangible effect on conditions such as halitosis, gingivitis and dental plaque, but also various infections, heart disease and possibly contributes to cancer over the long term.

The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves the swishing a pure food-based oil in the mouth to draw toxins from the mouth and body. This practice has immediate and tangible effect on conditions such as halitosis, gingivitis and dental plaque, but also various infections, heart disease and possibly contributes to cancer over the long term.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene:

The balance of microorganisms plays an enormous role in the health of the overall body. Numerous studies have shown a connection between periodontal disease and increased risk of stroke, cognitive decline and other illnesses as well. One of the major oral bacterial species is streptococcus mutans, - when left unchecked will multiply in the mouth that secrete toxins into the bloodstream.

These toxins can increase the inflammatory associated cytokine Interleukin-12 (IL-12) which is a strong contributor for the development of chronic disease. Elevated levels of IL-12 are particularly associated with endothelial (inner lining of the blood vessel) dysfunction which is correlated with heart disease, stroke and dementia.

Oil Pulling Goes Beyond Brushing & Flossing

Brushing and flossing are obviously important for oral hygiene but oil pulling has some additional and unique benefits. Oil pulling has been shown to bind, trap and eliminate microorganisms that invade deep pockets within the gums and dental roots, especially in the presence of root-canaled teeth.

Root canals are a constant breeding ground for bacteria since after removal of a dental root, the tooth often ‘dies’ and becomes a harbouring ground for pathogenic bacteria. One cannot brush or floss to get the infections resolved when in a root canaled tooth. Any infection, whether is was present before the root canal was placed or grows after the procedure, will hide in tiny open tubules within the tooth root that are nearly impossible to sanitize or clear. Therefore when someone has a serious immunological disease such as cancer, best is to consider removal of a root-canaled tooth to allow a remediation by the body to that existent infection.

But only 10 minutes of oil pulling 1-2 times a day can be extremely effective at minimizing infectious bacteria in the mouth and can help to resolve an infected root canal as well as the overall oral cavity.