Without any stated negative effects. Since the world has become so widely dispersed in ethnicity, the likelihood of encountering a patient who practices oil pulling is very possible, and dental professionals should be knowledgeable regarding practices that have been used for centuries in other cultures. These practices should be taken into consideration when suggesting home care and any treatments such as oral medications. The combination of the oil with other oral medications has not been studied.
Since the segment appeared on the Dr. Oz television series, more individuals who adhere to advice given in this series may be practicing this procedure. In one publication newsletter by Dr dental equipment. Andrew Weil, a bottom line comment was: “Oil pulling won’t hurt you, but I wouldn’t depend on it to help you improve your overall health or treat significant medical problems.”
Keep asking good questions and always listen to your patients.
NANCY W. BURKHART, BSDH, EdD, is an adjunct associate professor in the department of periodontics, Baylor College of Dentistry and the Texas A & M Health Science Center, Dallas. Dr. Burkhart is founder and cohost of the International Oral Lichen Planus Support Group (http://bcdwp.web.tamhsc.edu/iolpdallas/) and coauthor of General and Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist. She was a 2006 Crest/ADHA award winner. She is a 2012 Mentor of Distinction through Philips Oral Healthcare and PennWell Corp. Her website for semi- nars on mucosal diseases, oral cancer, and oral pathology topics is www.nancywburkhart.com Dental Chair.
Oil Pulling Therapy Protocol
Purchase a quality, cold pressed oil. Sesame oil is highly recommended because the plant is known for its nutritional value. Instead of sesame oil, some individuals also use sunflower oil, red palm oil, and coconut oil. Dark bottle containers are recommended to ensure stability.
For adults, one to two tablespoons are sipped, held in the mouth, and swished for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. In Ayurvedic medicine, children over 10 years old would use the oil in a quantity of one teaspoon.
The oil is swished throughout the mouth and pulled through the teeth and oral structures. The liquid is never swallowed.
The liquid becomes watery and white as it is mixed with saliva, debris, oral bacteria, etc.
The individual then expectorates into a cup or tissue and the mixture is discarded into a trash receptacle. Expectorating into a bathroom sink may eventually cause clogging of the pipes Ultrasonic Scaler.
Oil pulling should be followed by vigorously rinsing the mouth. Thoroughly brushing the teeth and flossing is also extremely important to remove any existing residue and debris. Some authors recommend rinsing with warm saltwater after expectorating and before brushing.
Using a tongue cleaner after brushing the tongue removes lingering residue left in the papillae from the oil pulling.
The protocol is recommended for first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Gargling with the liquid is also practiced, without swallowing any liquid; this is also practiced for dryness of the throat area.