Many people like to use all natural ingredients and home remedies for aches, pains, illnesses, and health care. Natural is always better, but does natural always work? There are many home remedies that have been proven to work, others not so much, and still others that we remain skeptical about. Today your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, has news about oil pulling.
What is Oil Pulling?
The topic of oil pulling has been all the rage lately. It has been claimed that oil pulling can improve your dental health, overall health, and even whiten your teeth. The practice consists of swishing a tablespoon of edible oil such as coconut, olive oil, sunflower, or sesame oil in your mouth or “pulling” it through your teeth. It can be swished for anywhere from 1 minute to 20 minutes or even longer if you can tolerate it.
Oil pulling has been practiced in India and southern Asia as an ancient, traditional folk remedy for centuries. It has been hailed as a remedy for numerous disorders including headache, bronchitis, digestive disorders, heart, kidney, liver, and lung illnesses. Regarding oral health it has been said to strengthen teeth and gums, and prevent decay, bad breath, and bleeding gums.
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association (ADA) does not support oil pulling as an oral health therapy due to the lack of reliable scientific evidence. According to the ADA, proper oral health care should include brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and refraining from tobacco use.
About Your Lake Forest Dentist:
Aside from providing dependable general, and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.