Researchers have known for some time that the same bacteria that are found in your mouth are also found inside arterial plaque and on the valves of the heart and the brain. (1,2,9,10) These unhealthy bacteria are thought to find their way into the bloodstream through the gums, especially when you have bleeding gums. Flossing and even chewing can irritate gum tissue, cause minor bleeding and open the door for bacteria exposure and access to the heart and arteries. (2)
There is plenty of evidence linking common undesirable mouth bacteria like Streptococcus mutans to a host of health concerns which include arterial, heart, lung, brain, and blood sugar health. (1) The prevalence of finding S. mutans is very high compared to other oral bacteria. In one report, S. mutans was found in 69 percent of heart valve cases and 74 percent of arterial plaque specimens. (2)
Recent studies have linked S. mutans to amyloid plaque that can accumulate in the brain. (9) It has also been linked to cerebral microbleeds that result in collagen deposits, plaque formation, and cognitive decline. (10)
Understanding the link between the potentially pathogenic bacteria in the mouth and your overall health cannot be understated. While dentists are adamant regarding oral hygiene, few of their preventative strategies actually reduce the population of mouth S. mutans in the mouth.
Ayurveda has been recommending a daily oral hygiene strategy for thousands of years that has been recently shown to reduce S. mutans, support healthy gums and reduce plaque. Oil pulling is a technique where sesame and coconut oil are swished inside the mouth for 10-15 minutes daily. (3-5,7) This is best performed after tongue scraping, brushing and flossing, and can be done while showering.
Studies show that the swishing of these oils creates a saponification or detergent effect that deters bad bacteria and plaque while supporting healthy gum tissue as a barrier against bacterial exposure to the bloodstream. (3-5,7)
In one amazing study, when coconut oil was partially digested by swishing in the mouth, it enhanced its antimicrobial effects. In other words, the act of swishing oil in the mouth actually boosts its ability to protect us from undesirable bacterial like S. mutans entering the bloodstream. (6)
Traditionally, turmeric was cooked into a blend of coconut and sesame oil (see LifeSpa’s Swish Oil Pulling Therapy) to deliver the best results.
>>> Learn more about Oil Pulling
According to a study investigating cognitive decline at the UCLA Buck Institute, good oral hygiene is one of the top 10 keys to longevity. (8) This is one of those examples where an ancient practice, which seems silly or “trendy” by today’s standards, is making a comeback as science continues to validate this practice.
Note: The Ayurvedic techniques of tongue scraping and oil pulling should be performed in addition to regular brushing and flossing as prescribed by your dentist.
Sheryl Bergstrom says
April 6, 2018 at 4:13 amMy gums bleeds if I consume too much cold like cold drinks, and as well as brushing even if i use the softest toothbrush. Any recommendations?
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February 24, 2018 at 6:10 amgreat work. totally agreed
Eileen Douglas says
July 8, 2016 at 1:42 pmAre there any downsides to oil pulling?
Cook says
February 21, 2018 at 8:36 amYes, absolutely. Speaking mainly from an ayurvedic standpoint, those who have open mouth wounds should not oil pull until the wound has fully closed. Those with necrotic tissue or cancer in the mouth would generally be advised to wait on oil pulling until the issue has been resolved. (The exception being that some practitioners may formulate or advise an herbalism oil gargling therapy that would be alright – the same going for open wounds of certain types.)
In addition, those who present with pitta mental imbalances, have acid indigestion, gall bladder problems, certain problems of the neck, face, or head (cancer, wounds, infections, etc), may be advised to hold off on oil pulling (“gargling”), or may need some degree of supervision or special advice. Any disease in which heat or improper handling of oil fats is involved. Oil pulling may not be recommended during severe dehydration (acute or chronic), radiation poisoning, or acute poisoning or toxicity related to heating substances, such as in alcoholic liver disease or consumption of certain hallucinogenic toxins, exposure to toxic fumes and smokes, bromine or chlorine poisoning, etc. Alternative therapies may be sought for these, and oil pulling may decidedly be contraindicated depending on the patient’s constitution and symptoms. Also, in some cases oil may be switched with ghee, cream, or other cooling fats, though the effect will be somewhat different.
By modern science: “It’s just oil. That’s a lot of calories.”
Dawn says
July 24, 2018 at 7:56 amWhat’s a Pitta mental imbalance? Also I feel like all my gum issues are very pitta or heat related. Can you say more about that?
Nan says
April 6, 2016 at 10:35 am“I can”–NOT “Ivan.” Gotta love that auto-correct.
Nan says
April 6, 2016 at 10:34 amIvan manage only about 5 minutes. Is there a benefit at that length of time? How did you get the coconut oil to be liquid at room temp? Just curious. Thanks!
John Douillard says
April 25, 2016 at 3:47 pmDear Nan:
The real benefit of oil pulling comes after 10-20 minutes. The studies being done find that the benefits of oil pulling such as: plaque reduction, decreased Streptococcus mutans populations, better teeth cleansing, healthy gum tissue and better oral hygiene, are only shown after swishing for 10-20 minutes. Some tips for making the oil pulling for that length of time is to do it in the shower while you are distracted with washing as well as adding some peppermint oil to the coconut or sesame oil, which helps to make it more palatable, which is part of the formula for the Swish product we carry.
wanzala julius Herbert says
March 29, 2016 at 6:22 amHi Dr. Am an African who leave in the sub Sarah according bto yoibemails I have so far read I have discovered that we need to parner to open up a clinical services in my country aalll that you published is a common ppphenomenon so pls am.waiting for your go ahead to start sensitive. My God bless.
Lisa Anderson says
March 26, 2016 at 8:38 amTo confirm, ideal order is:
tongue scraping
brush
floss
oil pulling
brush
Is that correct?
Tammy says
March 26, 2016 at 9:48 amLisa…that is what I got out of the article and the associated links too. Hope my second opinion helps clarify. I used yours as my clarification too…just in case you do not get a response from the professional.
One thing is for sure I have been doing it all out of sequence, LOL. I will have to memorize this the first two days and now brush twice in my morning routine!
Namaste, Tammy
John Douillard says
March 28, 2016 at 4:30 pmHi Lisa,
I recommend:
tongue scrape
floss
brush
oil pull
Here’s another article that helps lay out a morning Dinacharya routine: https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-daily-routine-dinacharya/
Be well,
Dr. John
Flora says
February 20, 2018 at 2:16 pmDr. Douillard,
I am longtime follower of your advice. I was recently introduced to the work of Dr. Greger at NutritionFacts.org.
He cites all this research against oil pulling.
I wonder what you think of this?
Thanks
Sylvia says
February 22, 2018 at 6:47 pmHi John, based on my studies of Ayurveda, Oil pulling should be done first to release the toxins, then the other practices to follow and coconut oil is never recommended for oil pulling as it increases the Kapha Dosha in the head. Your thoughts please?