NORTH TEXAS PERIODONTICS & IMPLANTOLOGY, PLLC

Diagnostic technology and new surgical techniques have broadened dental horizons, but it is still the caring attitude and concern for our patients that is most important. While there have been significant advancements in periodontal therapy, there is no cure for gum disease. Even after successful, corrective therapy and surgical intervention, your gum disease can recur. For the majority of patients with periodontal disease (~90%), regular periodontal maintenance cleanings have proven to be effective in preventing recurrence of gum disease. This phase is an essential part of treatment. Often, this can be the most important part of your therapy.



OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Our hygiene mission at North Texas Periodontics & Implantology is to propel our patients toward optimum oral & systemic health utilizing the best techniques, technology, and education available to us.



Monday, July 7, 2014

Oil Pulling

Lately, the practice of oil pulling has been put in the spotlight by news media programs and the social networks. This has sparked a lot of questions from my patients. So, let me share what I know.



What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient, traditional folk remedy that has been practiced for centuries in India and               southern Asia as a holistic technique.
(Singh A, Purohit B.  Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health.  J Ayurveda Integr Med.                     2011 Apr-Jun; 2(2): 64–68.  Available at: “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131773/; Accessed April 23, 2014.)

How do I practice oil pulling?
Place a tablespoon of edible oil (sesame, olive, sunflower, coconut) inside the mouth and swish, or                 pull, the oil through the teeth from 5-20 minutes.  

What is the benefit of oil pulling?
Oil pulling claims to enhance oral health, whiten teeth and enhance overall well being.

Does science or research support these claims?
            
“Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities. The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.  Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.”
(ADA. “The Practice of Oil Pulling”)

Are there any side effects or risks associated with oil pulling?
Potential adverse health effects associated with oil pulling are lipoid pneumonia or mineral oil                         aspiration. In addition, cases of diarrhea or upset stomach have been reported.
(Kim JY, Jung JW, Choi JC, et al.  Recurrent lipoid pneumonia associated with oil pulling.  Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2014 Feb;18(2):251-2Bandla HP, Davis SH, Hopkins NE.  Lipoid pneumonia: a silent complication of mineral oil aspiration.; Pediatrics 103:2 1999 Feb pg. E1.  Available at: “http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/103/2/e19.abstract”.  Accessed April 24, 2014.)

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