Oil pulling has my full attention – finally!
I’d heard about Oil Pulling (OP) from Facebook friends’ comments, often with amazing results, but for some reason oil pulling had just seemed too simplistic to me.
I have compiled 6 selected personal accounts of how diligent oil pulling has saved money, pain, and worry, as well as prevented numerous dental procedures. I wish I had done oil pulling years ago! After my recent 7 months of dental nightmares – 2 bone grafts and an implant after finding a deep bone infection with bone loss – I write this because it’s time we embrace that we can PREVENT many dental issues!
We now know bacteria from gum disease can increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction. We also know that invasive dental work ‘increases the bacterial risk‘, so let’s prevent it if possible!
At the end I give directions for HOW to oil pull, if it’s SAFE to oil pull with amalgams (metal fillings), and if it makes filling fall out.
6 Real Life Stories about the Effectiveness of Oil Pulling
“I had an old filling fail and get infected. The dentist said I needed a root canal, but I did not have $1100 for the procedure. I had heard about oil pulling with virgin coconut oil and decided to try it. I added a few drops of myrrh oil for good measure. After 48 hours all my pain was gone and in 3 weeks there was no sign of infection. (Oh, the dentist’s face when I came back 30 days to have a cap instead of a crown. It’s been 6 years ago and I’ve had no problems.) I now oil pull for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. No more plaque buildup and no more bleeding gums. I OP in the shower when I wash my hair.” ~Michelle A.
“My daughter had an infected incisor….pus pocket on the gum and everything. TWO dentists wanted to do a root canal, of course. She healed it COMPLETELY by using organic coconut oil pulling 3-4 times per day. Salt water rinse after each time. Also 2-4g of vitamin C (buffered ascorbic acid) and detox tea (like this one) often. It was gone in 10 days and has not returned. Saved me $1400.” ~Melena B.
“I did a few things that saved a tooth the dentist told me was unsavable! Swished regularly with salt water, dabbed clove oil on the gums, took Christopher’s Infection Formula, and oil pulled with coconut twice a day for 10 mins before cleaning my teeth with Christopher’s Herbal Tooth & Gum Powder.. I think it’s difficult to clear something like that without trying more than one thing… but I’m sure that oil pulling played a big part.” ~Lisa H.
“Oil pulling reversed two small cavities and is helping with tooth sensitivity for me. I didn’t see a dentist for over three years because of having babies, When I finally did, I had SIX cavities! I held off on having them filled and was diligent about oil pulling AND taking CalFluor (also known as ‘Cell Salts’). A few months later I only had four cavities.” ~Ange C.
“I’m a dental assistant. This combination is super strong in removing infection. Take it like you would an antibiotic; for a week and you will notice a huge difference. The essential oil is Thieves, that should be applied topically or apply it on the cheek where the painful tooth is. For children I wouldn’t suggest the internal use – it’s horrible tasting! You can stave off getting a root canal with this remedy. Because it is all natural you can experiment a bit. When I’m very worried about the infection I start with two garlic and two oregano and two grapeseed at once. Drink A LOT of water with it (and take with food)! I then take one of each every four hours. Applying Thieves every fifteen minutes will give you quick results! Usually I only need to take it this strong for a day and a half or two days – then back off to taking it twice a day. It’s very effective for any kind of infection; colds and wounds etc…” ~Christina VZ
“A friend of mine had her son start oil pulling when he was having some problems with his gums. When he went back to the dentist after having oil pulled for a few months, the dentist was shocked at how much better his teeth and gums were. It was the only thing he did differently. Saved himself from having to have painful deep cleaning for his gums! I’m in a great FB group for learning how to remineralize your teeth. Oil pulling is one of many things people use to help heal their teeth. ~Rebekah W.R.
Is Oil Pulling Safe with Amalgams?
Yes, it is safe to oil pull with amalgams, according to Dr. Ted Reese, DDS, MAGD, NMD.
“Much of the mercury from amalgams is absorbed directly through the tissues of the mouth and into the many nerve endings that serve the region, from where the mercury tracks into the central nervous system. Regular oil pulling can reverse this process causing the mercury to progressively be pulled out of the nerve endings (and ultimately the CNS).
“Oil pulling…dissolves fat-soluble toxins such as elemental and organic mercury. As these toxins are pulled from the mouth and expelled, more fat-soluble toxins are progressively mobilized and redistributed from around the body, ready for another pulling.”
Can Oil Pulling Make Fillings Fall Out?
Dr. Axe addressed this:
“Oil pulling will not and cannot loosen properly placed crowns or fillings….The only reason that a filling will become loose is if you have a rot or infection in the tooth. Then you will want to address this issue to keep the infection from spreading to your body.”
How To Oil Pull
- Put a teaspoon off virgin coconut oil in your mouth and swish for 10 mins (see video). You can add a drop of myrrh or clove oil to it.
- Sesame oil is another good option and is the Ayurvedic oil of choice. It must be fresh!
- You can do this as you shower
- Push and pull the oil through your teeth gently, hence the term ‘pulling’
- DO NOT SWALLOW, because it’s filled with all kinds of nasties from your mouth (bacteria and other microbes)
- When you’re done spit oil out in a paper cup and throw away in the trash. Do not spit in the drain as it will clog your pipes
- Within a few days of oil pulling you will begin to see improvement
Although it is unfortunate that science has taken so long to take this ancient art seriously, there are 21 oil pulling research studies reporting on the health benefits of oil pulling.
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“Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young.” ~Song of Solomon 4:2
Eliza
Interesting! So then after spitting out what do I do? Can I brush/floss or do I need to wait? Thanks!
Jacqueline
Eliza, If you get a chance to watch Dr. Axe’s video in the post, he talks about rinsing the mouth afterwards. You can also lightly brush. I am going to stop flossing!
Eliza
Thank you for replying. Thank you for your blog. It’s an encouragement to me.
Karin
I have been oil pulling for about 3 or 4 years now. I have a history of dental issues. I had read about it and since I had retired and could not afford to go to the dentist, I decided to give it a try. I do it first thing in the a.m. and spit the oil directly into the garbage once I am done. I then rinse my mouth out. I have no dental issues – the receding gums, gingivitis, etc. that had troubled me are gone! I highly recommend it and thank you for bringing it out in the open.
Jacqueline
Karin, thanks for the encouragement to others here! I am most excited to hear that the receding gums can be helped or halted! And I’m so glad to hear that you are doing well and that it has helped with your dental issues so you probably are far healthier now! Blessings! ~J
Katie
Thanks for posting this! I have tried this in the past and didn’t keep it up for long. Maybe I’ll try again! I’ve had very healthy teeth/gums all my life until after having babies, then started having some problems. What helped the most for me was increased nutrient-dense foods (like what the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends) and switching to a homemade tooth powder (loosely based on a recipe from Wellness Mama’s website). The tooth powder has Calcium Bentonite Clay, sea salt, and baking soda as the base, activated charcoal and orange peel powder for whitening, then powdered spices for flavor/antimicrobial value (cinnamon, cloves, peppermint). My dental issues abated, so I stopped going for regular teeth cleaning, etc. After several years away from the dentist, I had my teeth checked and had NO PLAQUE.
Most recently I’ve quite sure I’ve had even more improvement of dental health with adding in a probiotic called MegaSporeBiotic. It’s a probiotic designed to survive the digestive tract intact to repopulate the entire gut (small and large intestines) with good microbes.
For those who want to use cell salts, a dose each of Calcarea phosphorica 6X and Silica 6X (also called Silicea) can be taken together with the Calc Fluor 6X. The combination of these three works well to remineralize teeth.
Wendy
Hey! I really like your blog and I think your advice in this article is very helpful. I just wondered if maybe you could advise me as to what I should do my specific case. Ive suffered from Anorexia for around 5 years and it has caused some damage to my teeth. A couple of cavities and one of them ended up needing a root canal recently. I have also recently developed extra sensitivity in 1 or 2 of my molars. I can’t see any significant decay on or around these teeth. Can you advise me as to what I should do?
Jacqueline
Wendy, I would just start to pull with coconut oil twice a day for as long as you can, then go to just once a day. I also use a water pick right after I brush, but I brush very gently. I aim to get any food material caught between teeth and in the gum pockets. This PDF is super helpful and you can download it! https://limepublish.netlify.com/18-lori-goyette/kiss-your-dentist-goodbye-a-do-it-yourself-mouth-.pdf
Blessings! J
Iman
Hello! I really liked this, it gave me hope. I’m currently dealing with a gum infection. Several months ago, I noticed a crack in my back right molar but it didn’t cause any pain until August or so. So I’ve been doing oil pulling, also I got some oregano oil and Vitamin C has been helping as well. I also got Dr. Christopher’s Infection but didn’t notice much change with it; I guess it was very slow progress. I decided to order some antibiotics online and it’s helping out. But when I’m finished with them, do you have any suggestions. The dentist scares me and this infection is on the same tooth already had two fillings. I figured it’s hopeless to keep going back.
Jacqueline
Iman, I would definitely get that tooth out of you will have a systemic infection in the near future. Once a tooth is cracked, especially with 2 fillings, there will be decay that can sicken you. I hope that helps. Oil pulling can help keep it from being full blown until you get your appointment made.
Iman
Hey, so I just spoke to my mom. There was a surgeon I went to at 14 for my wisdom teeth. I got put to sleep, and this time I want to be put to sleep. I get too much anxiety when it comes to the dentist.
Jacqueline
Iman, I am praying for your tooth extraction and that your problems there are ended! It will be fine! You can do it!
Faye
My teeth are too close together to draw the coconut oil between them. What do I do?
Jacqueline
Faye, in case you are really curious and your question is not a joke, the answer is to just swish the coconut around in your mouth and that is sufficient.
Priyedeep Kaur
I have three crowns and two fillings. I have a lit of dental problems. I cannot afford any cost as I am an immigrant. I cannot work due to these issues. I read that if I oil pull my crowns will come out. I cannot afford the cost to get a crown back as they are very costly in canada. Can I oil pull ?
Jacqueline
Hi, Priyedeep Kaur!
I have read both ways on oil pulling. I do not believe that a sound, healthy crown will be harmed by oil pulling, but in those crowns bacteria and viruses can grow. If you have dental problems, they could lead to deeper and life-threatening heart problems. I will email you with your options.
Blessings, ~J
Priyedeep Kaur
Thankyou so much . I really appreciate your concern.
Joy
I have had a multitude of dental issues due to having cavities filled in my teen years. I still have a couple of amalgam fillings. I can’t afford to get them replaced. Is oil pulling okay to do with these fillings?
Jacqueline
Hi, Joy!
yes, if you read in the post, it is mentioned that it is okay to oil pull, but if you are concerned about leaching mercury, a product my husband and I use called TRS detoxes mercury from amalgams and removes it from the body. This post will explain how and why it works: https://deeprootsathome.com/heavy-metals-need-to-go-they-are-food-for-viruses-bacteria-fungi/
If you want to know more, I can email you with greater details.
Blessings, ~J
Jeannette
Thank you for sharing this information. There is a link between dental plaque and cardiovascular plaque/disease. So even if a person sees no need to do oil pulling such as a tooth problem, or can’t afford a dentist, it is good for overall health!
Kara
I’m not positive but one of my fillings may have fallen out after oil pulling. How would I know if this is due to rot or an infection? If so, should I heal the tooth first with natural care then have the filling replaced or is it too late at this point? There’s no pain or sensitivity. The dentist has already told me, I need two root canals for two other teeth. I’ve been trying to keep up with coconut oil pulling, brushing with a natural toothpaste & essential oils, flossing with thieves dental floss & using a water pik with a sea salt, baking soda & iodine solution. My dentist doesn’t seem big on natural dentistry & looks at me like I’m a nut case anytime I mention it or my concerns about dental work. I literally began sobbing last time I was there. He said, root canals or extractions are my only options. I’m scared to death of dental work but also scared of infections & not having any teeth! I can’t afford a holistic dentist or implants. How long can I safely try natural at home care before resorting to root canals?
Jacqueline
Kara, I just emailed you!! ~J
Sheena
I heard about Oil Pulling, but I’m not sure if it will help me prevent getting a root canal. I had a big cavity and that filling came off 6 months ago, I been pulling it off from going to the dentist because I have a phobia of dentists. When I went for my first cleaning, they said the hole that I left alone is borderline to my nerves and still in the denture area. Will this help reverse the denture area back to enamel where I could just get a filling instead of a root canal? I’m probably in the same boat as Kara mentioned above.
Jacqueline
Sheena, I doubt it will help you prevent a root canal and pretty sure it will not help reverse the denture area back to enamel (so you could just get a filling instead of a root canal).
Oil pulling will help heal the pockets that are the sign of periodontal disease and keep plaque from building up on teeth, but these other things you mention have deeper root causes.
It is a great first step, but it sounds like that cavitation id fairly deep to be close to the nerve.
I wish I could guide you more, but I am not a dentist.
You may want to read the book Root Canal Cover Up: https://amzn.to/3iuo1gb
I am praying that you can find an alternative to getting a root canal. I had a tooth pulled instead of doing a root canal. It was way back near the molars but I felt it was the best option I had. ~J
Connie
Dear Jacqueline,
I have read your Deep Roots At Home for a few years and I often share what you have written with others. Thank you for doing all the research and sharing it. You have been quite a blessing to me! I think we are about the same age too. I have a few questions that I’m hoping you might answer. You have shared many wonderful recipes, two in particular I’m thinking of are the salt sole and lemon water. You recommend both be taken in the morning. But how do you do it? Would you do both on the same morning? Or do you alternate days? Or do you do one for a week or two and then the other for a week or two? The next two questions are a little more personal. I’m just wondering if you live in the mid-west, north, south, east, or west. And lastly, I’m curious as to your church affiliation. You seem to me to be “reformed”, but perhaps I’m wrong.
Thanks again for your little spot on the Internet. I can’t even remember how I found it! But it must have been a “God thing!” May the Lord continue to bless and use you as you are a blessing to us!
Abigail Liss
A couple years ago I had horrible pain in a couple molars and then it went away. I didn’t realize the pain was infection getting into the nerves and effectively killing the teeth. Beginning of this year, they started breaking down. I oiled pulled everyday but it didn’t seem to stop it, only slow it down. I guess once the infection is so deep in the tooth or the nerves are dead, oil pulling isn’t going to save it. I got one extracted, the crown was practically gone and it was abscessing. I have another one that I am told I need to either get extracted or root canal but in order to do the root canal, he has to shave down a little of the bone in between the tooth. Which do you recommend?
I already lost my biggest molar on one side, would rather not have to lose the other one.
Jacqueline
Hi, Abigail!! I will answer you on email right now!
Blessings!
Jacqueline