Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been a hot topic. Although an ancient Ayurvedic ritual, Dr F. Karach, MD introduced it into our modern culture in 1992 claiming that it could cure heart disease, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and a host of other conditions. For people who prefer to use natural ingredients this was good news, but what is the real scoop on oil pulling? Today your Park Ridge dentists, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas discuss oil pulling.

How to “Pull”

Oil pulling is claimed to whiten teeth, improve your dental health, and cure various conditions affecting your overall health. To reap the many claimed, yet unsubstantiated, benefits of oil pulling you must use a tablespoon of cooking oil such as olive oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil, and “pull” it through your teeth, or swish it, for up to 20 minutes at a time. It is a folk remedy that has been practiced in southern Asia and India for centuries to cure headaches, digestive disorders, heart, kidney, and liver illnesses among others. As an oral health remedy it is claimed to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, heal bleeding gums, and strengthen your gums and teeth.

Does it Work?

Our mouths are teeming with bacteria. Some are helpful but others are harmful. Oil pulling is said to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth by “sucking” them into the oil. When you spit out the oil, you are cleansing your mouth of harmful bacteria, which at the very least causes tooth decay and gum disease. However, because there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding oil pulling as a reliable dental therapy, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not support it as an oral health aid. For a reliable dental health regimen brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and attend regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings.

About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:

Whether you wish to protect your smile from dental disease and damage, or restore your smile after suffering tooth loss, we can help you regain your oral health and confidence through a new and improved smile. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.