This post is about 3,500 words long, and takes about 22-25 minutes to read.
The Nightmare
There you are, trapped in a fiendishly vulnerable position. Head cranked back, light blinding your eyes, limbs frozen in mock relaxation. Frightening potions are at the ready to be injected into your quivering jaw. All around you, an array of the most heinous looking torture devices. Sharp hooks, stainless steel daggers, horrifyingly long needles, and a host of power tools that are obviously used for lobotomies. You cringe as you hear whirring followed by groans from nearby. Your nostrils are filled with the smells of antiseptics and burnt flesh. Worst of all, the waiting and waiting while being forced to endure the Muzak version of Eddie Rabbit's, "I Love a Rainy Night."
Then, you hear footsteps approaching…
"What am I doing here?"
"How did I get here?"
"Please God, help me to wake up from this nightmare!!!!!"
Suddenly, the worst horror of all dawns on you. You agreed to put yourself here, to be tortured, and to pay thousands of dollars for the privilege! Ohhhh nooooo!
That's right patrons, friends, and Inceptional people, you are at the dentist!
For many, it's the worst place in the world, and we avoid that trip to the dental dungeon at all costs. That avoidance is less than advisable, just ask your dentist. It would be great to avoid the common reasons for needing to go to the dentist though; so, we search for solutions, magical dental potions, and the promise of hassle free pearly whites. The question we often want answered is, "What's the one thing I can do to help my mouth so it doesn't become a complete wreck?"
We are going for entirely practical in this post, by addressing this question (one that comes up in my interactions with clients and patrons quite consistently). Is there a way we can improve oral and dental health? Is there something we can discover with Coherence Verification, that keeps us all out of the dentist's chair, or at least, avoid major oral health problems?
So, some time ago I used Coherence Verification (CV) to examine this question for some interested clients. The underlying concern for most was general oral health, but many people wanted to specifically know what all the hub bub was regarding "oil pulling."
Is this seemingly odd practice of swishing some oil around in the mouth really a key to happy gums and teeth, or is it just some ancient nonsense? I'm not a dental health professional, but we can use CV to identify objective facts, and so I did a thorough examination of the practice of oil pulling. As this issue of the condition of the mouth continues to come up in conversation with clients and patrons, I decided to update that CV report, and release it here for your benefit. It's a little slimy, but please enjoy it anyway!
Coherence Verification Report Premise
A variety of mouth rinsing techniques have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Some of these techniques are for disease or injury resolution throughout the body, while some are specifically for oral health. One of the oral health improvement methods is commonly known as “oil pulling,” and that practice is what is being verified for validity.
The general practice of “oil pulling” for improved oral health has become more wide spread of late, and this Coherence Verification report is designed to gauge the efficacy of the practice. This protocol was completed after doing some historical research, some current anecdotal reading, and practicing it myself. While multiple studies on the subject were located, the value of these studies was not found to be as helpful as the direct verifications. This National Institutes of Health article was helpful for a background in oil pulling and related Ayurvedic techniques:
For those reading this not acquainted with oil pulling, the process is simple. Once daily about one table spoon of coconut, sunflower, olive, or sesame oil is put into the mouth and swished around for about twenty minutes. Caution is exercised to avoid swallowing any of the oil while in the mouth. Once the time is complete, the oil is spit into the trash and then the mouth is rinsed. Some choose to brush the teeth following the oil pulling, some do not. The primary intention of the practice is to ensure overall oral and dental cleanliness and health. Many other claims are made as to the physical health value of the practice, however, in this verification series we are primarily analyzing the oral health benefits.
As a reminder for those not practiced in reading Coherence Verification (CV from here on) protocols, each CV result below has been energetically and informationally verified, and rechecked at least twice for accuracy. The seeming redundancy of some verification statements have been put in where I believed absolute clarity was needed. The order of the verifications is not special, although I do put them in an order that follows a logical flow and grouping.
Remember that statement verifications do not result in “yes or no” type answers. The verifications are either confirmations of the statement being verified, or else they are “not yes” results. A “not yes” result is simply indicating that the statement is not resonant with a fact or truth, and thus there is nothing we can rely on in that statement. A few Truth Value verifications have been done as well. While I have not widely distributed the explanation for this system yet, know that any Truth Value test below 50% is considered fundamentally incorrect and valueless. Any Truth Value test above 80% is considered universally valuable. A concluding note has been provided at the end of this report to sum up the individual verification results.
Verifications of Oil Pulling Benefits
We'll begin by verifying whether there's any basic merit and truth to the oil pulling benefits claimed by those who promote it. If there's no validity to the basic claims, then there's no point in bothering with the report, or the oil pulling itself, so this seems like an excellent place to start out discovery process.
- Rinsing the mouth daily with a naturally occurring plant oil can result in a more thoroughly cleaned mouth than just brushing with a commercial toothpaste alone. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth daily with a naturally occurring plant oil can result in a more thoroughly cleaned mouth than both brushing with a commercial toothpaste, and flossing. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth daily with a naturally occurring plant oil can result in a more thoroughly cleaned mouth than brushing with a commercial toothpaste, flossing, and using a commercial mouth wash. CV result = Yes.
The basic oil pulling concept seems to be valid, so let's look at some further supposed benefits.
- The Truth Value (TV) of the statement, “Lipids in the oils used in oil pulling, pull out toxins from the saliva.” TV= 27% (an inaccurate, distorted idea)
- The TV of the statement, “Bacteria cannot live in the mouth when exposed to plant oils for over fifteen continuous minutes of oil pulling.” TV= 67% (accurate and specific information)
- The TV of the statement, “Fungi cannot live in the mouth when exposed to plant oils for over fifteen continuous minutes of oil pulling.” TV= 69% (accurate and specific information)
- The TV of the statement, “Other microorganisms besides bacteria and fungi cannot live in the mouth when exposed to plant oils for over fifteen continuous minutes of oil pulling.” TV= 58% (entirely factual and accurate)
- There exists a primary physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling. CV result = Yes.
- There are multiple direct oral health benefits that can result from the practice of oil pulling. CV result = Yes. (Total of 5 direct benefits.)
Note: "Direct benefits" are those experienced as an immediate reaction to the oil pulling. Indirect benefits are other health improvements that could be experienced as a secondary benefit to having better oral health. For example, with less bacteria in the mouth there is a reduced likelihood of having halitosis, or bad breath. The direct benefit of oil pulling is less bacteria in the mouth. The indirect benefit is the elimination of halitosis.
Now that we can see there are multiple direct benefits to be had from oil pulling, we'll define those.
- The primary physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling is the elimination of microorganisms of all sorts from the mouth. CV result = Yes.
- The second physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling is the stimulation of gum regrowth. CV result = Yes.
- The third physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling is the stimulation of beneficial enzyme production in the mouth. CV result = Yes.
- The fourth physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling is the replenishment and strengthening of tooth enamel by means of the elimination of plaque build up. CV result = Yes.
- The fifth physical health benefit to the process of oil pulling is the stimulation of healthy soft oral tissue growth. CV result = Yes.
It appears that many of the defined claims of oil pulling hold up to the stringent scrutiny of CV. We can now confidently continue on in this examination by defining the, "best practices."
Judy has brilliant whites, and always tells her friends,
"To achieve the most beneficial results from the oil pulling process, one can brush and floss teeth prior to rinsing the mouth with sesame oil."
Be like Judy and avoid the perils of dingy teeth and garbage disposal breath!
Verifications of "Best Practices"
Now that we have established five distinctive direct benefits to the practice of oil pulling, we can move on to verifying best practices in detail. This will include oil types, minutes spent rinsing, timing, and use in conjunction with other methods.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15-20 minutes daily with organic unrefined virgin coconut oil does eliminate counterproductive bacteria from the mouth. CV result = Not yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15-20 minutes daily with organic unrefined virgin coconut oil does help to repel counterproductive bacteria from the mouth. CV result = Not yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15-20 minutes daily with organic unrefined virgin coconut oil does help to eliminate plaque from the teeth. CV result = Not yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15-20 minutes daily with organic unrefined virgin coconut oil does help to stimulate gum health and gum regrowth. CV result = Yes.
- There is a particular amount of organic unrefined virgin coconut oil to use that will guarantee the benefit of the practice. CV result = Yes, 1 tablespoon.
So, coconut oil has the benefit of improving gum health, but none of the other considerable benefits we are looking for in this practice. The question now becomes, are other oils more beneficial? We'll verify those options now.
- Sunflower oil can be used in replacement of coconut oil to help to stimulate gum health and regrowth. CV result = Yes.
- Sesame oil can be used in replacement of coconut oil to help stimulate gum health and regrowth. CV result = Yes.
- Olive oil can be used in replacement of coconut oil to help stimulate gum health and regrowth. CV result = Not yes.
- There is an oil that is critically beneficial to use for oil pulling, for the purpose of stimulating all aspects of oral health. CV result = Yes. Sesame oil is the one after additional verifications.
- There is an oil that is more critically beneficial than sesame oil to use for oil pulling, for the purpose of stimulating all aspects of oral health. CV result = Not yes.
- The sesame oil used for maximum benefit from the oil pulling practice must have been processed with a particular method. CV result = Not yes.
- The sesame oil used for maximum benefit from the oil pulling practice must have been “organic” by accepted industry standards. CV result = Not yes.
For the remainder of this verification series we will use sesame oil as the primary oil being tested because it appears to be more effective than the other oils. There is also research evidence to back up this verification. Sesame oil has been traditionally considered the most beneficial of all oils, and this is borne out in Ayurvedic medicine as well. However, if for some reason a person had a reaction to sesame oil, then sunflower or coconut oils would be recommended.
- There is a generally beneficial number of rinsing minutes that will result in sesame oil providing oral health improvements. CV result = Yes. (15 minutes was determined after many additional verifications.)
- More than 15 minutes of rinsing the mouth with sesame oil is more beneficial generally. CV result = Not yes.
- Less than 15 minutes of rinsing the mouth with sesame oil is more beneficial generally. CV result = Not yes.
Fifteen minutes seems to be the ideal time frame for oil pulling with sesame oil. More than that, and you aren't likely to achieve additional benefit. Less than that, and you may be limiting the benefits. Now we can look at what additional practices can be done in conjunction with oil pulling to ensure maximum oral health.
- To achieve the most beneficial results from the oil pulling process, one can brush and floss teeth prior to rinsing the mouth with sesame oil. CV result = Yes.
- To achieve the most beneficial results from the oil pulling process, one can brush teeth after rinsing the mouth with sesame oil. CV result = Yes.
Brushing the teeth thoroughly before oil pulling, and briefly after, makes perfect sense as a detailed strategy for oral health as any "junk" cleared in the oil pulling can then be cleared out with a quick brush after the oil pulling.
Verifications of When to Practice Oil Pulling
Now the question arises, when are the advantageous times of the day to practice oil pulling. Let's look at verifications to establish that answer.
- There is a particular period of the day that is generally most beneficial to practice oil pulling. CV result = Yes.
That timing is:
- First thing in the morning after awaking. CV result = Not yes.
- After breakfast, and before work or the greater portion of the day. CV result = Yes.
- Mid afternoon. CV result = Not yes.
- After dinner and before bed time. CV result = Yes
- Anytime there is likely to be many hours before the next occasion for mouth & teeth cleaning. CV result = Yes.
If you are going to be entering a part of the day where you will not have a convenient opportunity to clean the mouth, like during the work day or at night, then that is the ideal time to practice oil pulling. This too makes perfect sense.
Verifications for Detailed Oil Pulling Benefits
With the basic procedures established, let's dive into whether sesame oil pulling has very specific positive benefits to the the body, other than just generally clean teeth.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does eliminate counterproductive bacteria from the mouth. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does help keep counterproductive bacteria from accumulating in the mouth. CV result = Yes. (It doesn’t actually repel the bacteria, just helps to slow the collection of it by killing it, and then slows subsequent formation into colonies.)
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does kill counterproductive fungus in the mouth. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in overall strengthening of the teeth. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does help to eliminate plaque from the teeth. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in overall strengthening of the gums. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in overall strengthening of the jaws. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in the prevention of gingivitis. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in the prevention of bad breath. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in resolving chronic bleeding gums. CV result = Yes
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in preventing diseases of the mouth and throat. CV result = Yes
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in resolving TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does cleanse the teeth resulting in a whiter appearance. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in resolving other physical stressors, diseases and imbalances. CV result = Yes.
- Rinsing the mouth for 15 minutes daily with sesame oil does assist the body in tooth enamel strengthening through replenishment. CV result = Yes.
Wow, that is an amazing list of benefits to an inexpensive and simple practice. Examination of the history of oil pulling shows significant precedent for the practice. Clinical examination of the practice reveals positive benefits. The basic chemistry assessment bears up under scrutiny, and now we have extensive CV results to back up all these areas of study. It appears that there aren't any serious justifications for not practicing oil pulling. I suspect there may be some push back from interested parties in the industry of oral health though, so let's do a number of comparison verifications to popular mouth washing brands and methods.
Verifications of Other Mouth Cleansing Methods
- Generally speaking, practicing oil pulling daily with sesame oil for 15 minutes has greater oral health benefits than rinsing the mouth with Listerine mouthwash for the recommended amount of time. CV result = Yes.
- Listerine brand mouthwash is beneficial to oral health. CV result = Not yes.
- Generally speaking, practicing oil pulling daily with sesame oil for 15 minutes has greater oral health benefits than rinsing the mouth with Scope mouthwash for the recommended amount of time. CV result = Yes.
- Scope brand mouthwash is beneficial to oral health. CV result = Yes.
- Generally speaking, practicing oil pulling daily with sesame oil for 15 minutes has greater oral health benefits than rinsing the mouth for the same amount of time with clean (free of contaminates of any sort) water. CV result = Yes.
- There exists a different method of mouth rinsing or cleaning that would yield more effective results than practicing oil pulling daily with sesame oil for 15 minutes. CV result = Not yes.
The Big Conclusion
It would appear that the timing and execution of the practice of oil pulling is relatively simple. Before portions of the day when the teeth are unlikely to be cleaned, like before the work day or before bed time, brush the teeth as you normally would. Then, take 1 tablespoon or so of sesame oil and swish it around in the mouth somewhat vigorously for 15 minutes, taking care to "pull" the oil through the teeth at least a few times, while avoiding swallowing any of the oil. Then, spit the oil into the trash to avoid any drain clogging. After that, rinse the mouth and then lightly brush the teeth again. There is no need for “special” sesame oil, as any will do.
While this verification series was not painfully exhaustive, it does appear that the direct and indirect benefits to oil pulling, especially when a tablespoon of sesame oil is used, are too numerous and extraordinary to ignore. The above referenced NIH article also seems to back up these CV findings. While this may not result in a dental and oral health revolution, for those already concerned with a healthy lifestyle, this is an easy addition to daily mouth cleaning practices that must be implemented to help in avoiding all the classic oral challenges. Avoiding the pain and expense of most dental problems alone would be worth the effort.
For those with exceptional dental problems, including the all too common problem of receding gums, oil pulling is probably a major benefit. Also, for anyone with extensive dental work and appliances, this may be the key to keeping the teeth you have left. Remember too, many physical challenges throughout the body can be linked to poor oral health. Increasing the health status of the mouth is definitely a key to a truly wholistic approach to physical health, and oil pulling, despite its unappealing name, appears to be a vital tool in maintaining, and even improving oral health.
I hope this has been useful to you!
