Oil Pulling and Dental Health, Coconut Oil

Some may have heard or see the term "oil pulling" which some swear to its positive effects.  Not sure what it is?  Let's find out...

WHAT IS OIL PULLING?

Oil pulling has actually been used as an traditional old style remedy in India, originating from Ayurvedic medicine.

It involves swishing your mouth with oil anywhere for 5 to 15 to 25 minutes so it coats your teeth and gums with the oil.  The oil is then spit out from the mouth.  That's it.  

So which oil can be used?  The most common oil used is coconut oil; other oils used to a lesser extent include sunflower oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, and soybean oil.

HOW DOES OIL PULLING WORK ON THE TEETH AND GUMS?

The concept is simple and as follows: There exists in everyone's mouth a colony of microbial bacteria that are beneficial and bacterial that are harmful.  The mouth has an extremely favorable environment for bacteria: it is constantly warm due to body heat, moist with saliva, has a narrow neutral pH of ~7.0, and has a constant source of nutrients from food and liquid ingestion. 

Some of the beneficial bacteria include: Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Neisseria subflava, and Veillonella dispar.  Some negative bacteria include: Streptococcus mutans, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

The body's goal is to keep the "good" bacteria and the "bad" bacteria in check and in balance.  If such microbial are dominated by the negative bacteria, the result in one's oral health and dentition may include dental decay (cavities), gingivitis, and periodontal disease (gum disease with bone loss).  Bacteria causes such negative oral health effects by creating a visible biofilm, or a thin layer of plaque on the teeth.

The theory with oil pulling is that the oil disrupts the binding of bacteria to food particles, and that the oil traps and kills the bacteria.

WHAT IS THE COMPONENT IN THE OIL THAT IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST BACTERIA?

Coconut oil appears the most effective oil in oil pulling.  Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid.  Lauric acid is rarely found in nature; aside from coconut oil, which contains the highest concentration of Lauric acid available, human breast milk also contains Lauric acid.  

The body converts Lauric acid into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound that has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.  The monolaurin disrupts the mechanical formation of the gram negative bacteria's lipid membranes, hence destroying the bacteria.  The monolaurin is also high effective against fungus (Giardia Lamblia) and lipid coated virus (ie. HIV, herpes).

Sesame oil and sunflower oils contain high concentrations of Oleic acid and Linoleic acid and are regarded as less desired than coconut oil.  Sesame and sunflower oils are lesser used oils as such  acids are respectively omega-6 fatty acids (high concentrations can disrupt the healthy effects of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts) and omeg-9 fatty acids (a nonessential acid the body can manufacture).

OIL PULLING STUDIES AND EFFECTS ON ORAL HEALTH

Studies of oil pulling remain unfortunately not widespread.  I was able to find a few published studies of oil pulling below.

A 2008 oil pulling study of S. Mutans count in plaque and saliva demonstrated the benefits of coconut oil on reducing the level of S. Mutans in the mouth, and has been shown to approach that of chlorohexidine, though not as effective as the chlorohexidine. 

A 2010 study of oil pullling on microorganisms showed similar results of reduced bacteria count.

CONCLUSION

Oil pulling originally started in India many years ago, but its use is currently not commonplace in the United States.  Though it has started to gain traction and popularity due to recent media events, it is the humble opinion of this author that oil pulling holds promise within its regard to positive antimicrobial oral health effects with respect to the teeth, gingiva, and periodontal bone structures, and that oil pulling has a sound scientific basis.  More and larger prospective epidemiological studies are needed and recommended before the author can deem oil pulling a definitive practical recommendation to practice as one's daily oral hygiene habits .

From your gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Busy lifestyle dental tips...

School is in full force and working parents are busy, constantly on the go.  It can be easy to forget about one's oral health.

Below are some ways to keep one's teeth healthy and in tip-top shape:

1) Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen your teeth's enamel.
2) Floss at least once a day to help remove bacteria and food trapped between the teeth (ie. the interproximal surfaces).  This will also help reduce your gums from bleeding, and help control gingivitis.
3) Eat healthy foods (ie. fresh meats, vegetables, milk) to promote good oral and systemic health.
4) Mouth wash to help rinse off excessive plaque and loosen food debris from the teeth
5) Drink milk fortified with Vitamin D, preferably 2-3 servings a day.  The calcium and vitamin D will not only strengthen your body's bones, but also the bones holding your teeth as calcium also plays a role in teeth retention.  For those lactose intolerant, look for milk products that are lactose free.
6) See your dentist regularly twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
7) Limit sugar frequency; it's okay to eat sugar, just make sure the sugar intake is in controlled quantities and that one brushes his/her teeth after sugar consumption to decrease caries/teeth cavities risk.
8) For those who travel, considering having a travel sized pouch with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Happy October 31st! Healthy benefits of sweets, and teeth!

October 31st is finally here!  Many kids and families celebrate harvest on this day, and it usually involves lots of sweets and sugars!  Believe it or not, your family dentist may actually be in favor of kids and adults eating sweets.  Below are some guidelines to follow from a dental perspective:

• If possible, avoid hard whole sugar candies.  People usually like to leave these candies long term in the mouth, as the sugars from these candies can promote caries and cavities.  The bacteria in the oral cavity metabolize the sugars, resulting in a release of lactic acid that can cause dental decay.  A good alternative is to look for sugar free hard candies if possible.
• Chocolate is good for you! JAMA and ADA studies have shown that cocoa has excellent health benefits for the cardiovascular system, and for your teeth and oral health.  Chocolate, which is derived from cocoa beans, contain antioxidants polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins.  Polyphenols actually inhibit bacteria effects, which can decrease bad breath and lower risk of tooth decay.  Flavonoids have been shown to decrease rate of tooth decay.  And tannins have been shown to prevent bacteria from adhering onto teeth.  Dark chocolate is best, and try to choose chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa for optimal health and dental benefits.  
• Chewing gum can help lower risk of cavities by promoting salivary flow.  With a healthy and excess flow of saliva, it helps "wash" teeth of plaque and sugars.   Watch out for gums that contain large amounts of sugars.  Sugarless gum is a good alternative to consider.

October 31st is a great time for adults and kids alike. Be safe everyone, and feel free to ask your family dentist if you have any questions on sugars and oral health.

From your local family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Center for Disease Control gets over 220,000 smokers to quit

A recent 2013 study conducted by the Center for Disease Control shows that due its 2012 anti smoking campaign, it has influenced well over 220,000 smokers to quit.  As part of a massive $50+ million advertising campaign via print and television ads, it featured patients who suffered diseases associated with smoking: head and neck cancer including tongue, palate, and jaw cancers, asthma, heart disease, and stroke.

CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, who explained in a video response to the study, said it best: 
"The impact of this ad campaign is further proof that sustained, hard-hitting media campaigns... save lives.  Tobacco companies spend more in three days than the CDC spends in a year running these ads. It is a David and Goliath fight."

The effects of smoking are well documented in medical, dental, and public health literature.  In addition to systemic side effects, smoking has been shown to cause teeth staining, dry mouth which may lead to increased risk of caries/tooth decay/cavities, periodontal disease, and higher likelihood of oral and tongue cancer.

There are products your dentist and doctor may be able to prescribe to help eliminate the smoking and tobacco habit.  Products to consider include Chantix, Zyban (Bupropion), and NicoDerm CQ patches.

If you have any questions, please discuss with your dentist which products and methods may be more suitable and helpful in your case.

From your Bellevue dentist, 

Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Toothbrush, stay away from....

Here's an interesting fact about toothbrushes.  Where do we usually brush our teeth?   Probably in the shower, or in front of the bathroom sink and mirror.  But have you given thought where the toilet is in relation to where you brush?

Did you know that when flushing the toilet, water particles from the toilet can travel airborne up to 6 feet away?  Yup, 6 feet, that's quiet a distance isn't?  It's a given that the toothbrush should be clean and only contain toothpaste and clean water, but what if it contained small particles of.... ok, I won't say it, but you get the idea :)

So next time you brush, you may want to stand a little further away from the toilet :)

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
4125-614-1600

Baby boomers!

Americans are living longer than ever, and the segment of population >65 years old is expanding.  Hence it's even more important to take preventive measures to maintain your oral health, and the best way begins at home.  Daily brushing with a soft tooth brush and fluoridated toothpaste after meals, along with flossing one to two times a day, is a great and effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of plaque.  If you have a denture, be sure to brush it every day as well so its free of plaque and food debris.  Soaking the denture daily it in a denture cleanser is also a good way to keep your gums and adjacent teeth healthy.

Be sure to consult your dentist if you have any questions regarding preventive oral hygiene.

Warm Regards from your family Bellevue Dentist,
 Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
425-614-1600

Now that summer is about to end and fall about to start, parents and kids alike are often in that "back to school" rush.  Mornings are often busy times as the family is getting ready for school and work.  Try to take a few minutes of everyone's time to sufficiently brush for at least 2 minutes in the mornings. A good measure would be to try singing the ABCD song 2 times.  By the time the song is over, the brushing is done!

Then in the evenings, try and repeat the 2 minute brush cycle.  With a regular routine set aside, brushing becomes "automatic" and promotes healthy gums and teeth :)

From your family Bellevue dentist at Bellevue Family Dentistry,
Peter Chien, DMD
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
425-614-1600

Hello everyone!

As the spring season begins, I thought you might enjoy this cartoon.  Made me giggle like a little kid...

Be sure to take time out and enjoy a moment of laughter at least once a day.  Your mind and body will thank you for it :)

From your Bellevue dentist office and staff serving Bellevue, WA and Redmond, WA,

Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Pregnancy and Dental Visits

As I see more and more pregnant women in the Bellevue, WA and Redmond area, I have found that pregnant women sometimes tend to neglect their own dental health.   They may delay or ignore their dental cleanings or treatment due to their pregnancy.   It is important to not only the mom-to-be, but also to the unborn baby, to continue with routine cleanings and careful management of dental decay and infection. Long term studies have shown pregnant women who do not take care of their dental health are at an increase risk for having an early premature delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low-birthweight baby. 

By working very closely with your primary care physician and obstetrician/gynecologists your dentist will work to ensure your oral health is at satisfactory so that mom and baby will be healthy and happy!   

From your family Bellevue dentist, 

Dr. Peter Chien

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 425-614-1600 or through our website:
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com