• Our Practice
  • Categories
    • Oral Health = Whole Body Health
    • Common Dental Issues & Procedures
    • Consumer Guides & Information
    • Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening
    • Implant Dentistry
    • News/PR
    • Orthodontics, Braces, & Invisalign
    • Pediatric Dentistry & Children
    • Uncategorized
  • Book An Appointment
LOOKING FOR A GREAT DENTIST IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA? START HERE!
1st Family Dental Blog1st Family Dental Blog
  • Our Practice
  • Categories
    • Oral Health = Whole Body Health
    • Common Dental Issues & Procedures
    • Consumer Guides & Information
    • Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening
    • Implant Dentistry
    • News/PR
    • Orthodontics, Braces, & Invisalign
    • Pediatric Dentistry & Children
    • Uncategorized
  • Book An Appointment

The “Tooth” About Oil Pulling, Amalgam Fillings, Fluoride, and Dental Trends In the News

Home Common Dental Issues & ProceduresThe “Tooth” About Oil Pulling, Amalgam Fillings, Fluoride, and Dental Trends In the News

The “Tooth” About Oil Pulling, Amalgam Fillings, Fluoride, and Dental Trends In the News

May 23, 2014 Common Dental Issues & Procedures, Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening
FacebookTwitter

Chicago Dentist Dr. Mo Pezeshk, DDS - 1st Family Dental of Albany ParkToday’s guest blogger is Dr. Mohamed “Mo”Pezeshk.  Dr. Pezeshk is a general dentist who enjoys seeing children and families, and also likes to help us stay on top of emerging trends in the dental field.

Oil Pulling

Truth About Oil Pulling using Coconut Oil with Chicago Dentist Dr. PezeshkYou may have heard about the trend called “Oil Pulling.”  This concept has been around for awhile – oh, say, the past 1,000 years, but recently been revived and gone viral. “Oil Pulling” means swishing with coconut oil or similar cold-pressed oil for about 20 minutes per day.  Various studies of oil pulling state that different oils can have many positive results, including whiter teeth, fresher breath, and also provide a variety of other health benefits from weight loss to detoxification and removal of impurities in the body.  Today we’ll focus on coconut oil.

The Pros: Coconut oil is known through scientific research to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help to fight off germs and bacteria.  Coconut oil is on the affordable end of many other health and beauty trends and products out there.  It is a natural plant product, with no chemicals or preservatives.  In addition, coconut oil has myriad other uses: as a natural body moisturizer or deep conditioner for hair, replacing vegetable oil in cooking and baking for a healthier alternative, boosting a green smoothie, or simply replacing the butter on your toast.

The Cons: 20 minutes can be a very long time to swish something around in your mouth.  For those of us that have a hard time finding the few minutes it takes to brush and floss properly, this may not be a realistic expectation.  Also, coconut oil tastes like, well, coconut.  If you don’t like the flavor, this may not be for you.

Our Opinion: Pull away!  Of course this is provided that your oil pulling routine does not replace flossing, and brushing for 2 minutes, twice per day.  The friction from brushing and especially flossing are essential steps to help to dislodge bacteria and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth.  The most important part of oral hygiene home care is keeping up with the routine.  If you’ve tried oil pulling or have made it a part of your daily routine, we’d love for you to tell us what you think.

Amalgam Fillings & Mercury

Oil Pulling with Amalgram Fillings - Dr. Pezeshk - Chicago, ILAmalgam is most commonly referred to as “metal” or “silver” fillings.  In early March 2014, a lawsuit was filed against the FDA challenging the agency’s stance on the safety of elemental mercury. We will be keeping track of the progress of this suit as well as related rulings and findings, and will keep you up to date on key information.

1st Family Dental does not use amalgam material for fillings and dental restorations. Instead, we use composite resin material at all of our locations for fillings and restorations.  We made this choice because we believe composite material, also known as “white” or “tooth colored” fillings, to be an effective treatment option for our patients.  Composite material is also more natural looking than amalgam.  We also made this choice because while we follow the guidelines provided by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, we always go the extra mile to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable with our clinical practices.

Replacing Fillings & Regular Checkups: 1st Family Dental recommends only replacing fillings of any kind when there is an issue such as wear, decay, pain, cracking or breaking of the tooth or filling.  If you notice any of the issues listed above, we recommend you see your dentist as soon as possible for an exam.  Tiny cracks and wear in fillings can often be detected during regular exams and x-rays at a dental checkup.  We recommend dental health checkups every 6 months.  If the dentist notices any issues with your existing fillings, he or she will discuss their findings with you as well as provide you with treatment options.

Fluoride

Flouride Treatment Packets - Chicago, ILFluoride is another hot topic in the news.  There are claims and concerns across the Internet about Fluoride and potential safety or related health issues including certain types of cancer, autism and attention deficit disorder.  In some cases, studies have not conclusively identified a clear correlation between fluoride and these health issues, and in others, connections have been made, usually at levels already known to be toxic.

What We Recommend: We recommend the supervised use of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 2 and older and adult patients, at safe and recommended levels.  Fluoride treatment for children is a standard practice at 1st Family Dental during regular cleaning visits.  However, our doctors and staff are more than happy to omit fluoride treatment if requested by the parent or guardian.

1FD-Blog-ToothpasteTipHome oral health care routines that include flossing, and brushing for two minutes, twice per day, in combination with regular professional dental cleanings, are the best way to prevent cavities in both adults and children.  There are an increasing number of options of fluoride-free and natural toothpastes.  Regardless of the type of toothpaste you choose, children should always be closely supervised, and the proper amount of toothpaste should be used.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.  Feel free to post a response below, or send us an email anytime at email@1fd.org.

Share

You also might be interested in

1st Family Dental Does The Harlem Shake!

Feb 27, 2013

FacebookTwitter Who says going to the dentist can’t be fun?[...]

Patient Undergoing a Procedure

Highlights from our Free Dental Care Days in the Suburbs

Mar 11, 2013

FacebookTwitter 1st Family Dental gave patients an extra reason to[...]

Free Dental Care Day at 1st Family Dental of Logan Square

Mar 14, 2013

FacebookTwitter On Wednesday, March 13, 1st Family Dental hosted its[...]

12 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • Terry OMalley
    · Reply

    August 15, 2018 at 5:44 PM

    I tried coconut oil pulling recently. For 24 hours after, I had the worst toothache of my life, from my crown. Extreme sensitivity resulted. Could not even eat. My crown is 3 years old. Perhaps the oil got inside my crown. I’d exercise caution, in case you are at risk for the same adverse consequence.

  • Christina
    · Reply

    October 30, 2017 at 6:40 AM

    Is oil pulling safe if you have an implant?

  • Tom
    · Reply

    September 15, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    Doctor, I think you’re wrong about oil pulling in the presence of amalgam fillings. I’ve read that oil pulling leeches toxins of all kinds including heavy metals…of which mercury is one. I first googled whether there was a connection after I had a couple of fillings fall out following a week of oil pulling two or three years ago. I do think it’s a very healthy practice…as long as you have no amalgam fillings.

  • joe knapp
    · Reply

    November 22, 2016 at 4:50 PM

    I have been oil pulling for a few weeks now. My gums have become very healthy and I can literally notice a difference. I have pretty sensitive teeth and teeth bleaching was never an option for me. I can tell my teeth are at least a shade whiter than before and I have no sensitivty to cocunut oil. I think this is a good option but you still need to brush/floss/mouthwash. I brush 2x per day and mouthwash 2x per day, usually floss 1 time. Just my regimen but my teeth are pretty healthy and have never had a cavity.

  • Muskan
    · Reply

    September 26, 2016 at 2:54 PM

    Is oil pulling safe for teeth with filling done..do answer me please !

    • 1st Family Dental
      · Reply

      September 26, 2016 at 3:46 PM

      Thanks for your question, Muskan. The structural integrity of dental fillings should not be affected by oil pulling or any other regular dental hygiene routine. Amalgam, or metal dental fillings, like all dental restorations, should be checked regularly by a dentist (or sooner if they appear damaged) to make sure that they are protecting the tooth from further decay.

  • Nadia
    · Reply

    April 12, 2016 at 11:31 AM

    Can oil pulling help mercury fillings drop out over time?

    • 1st Family Dental
      · Reply

      April 13, 2016 at 7:17 AM

      Hi Nadia,

      Thanks for your question. The structural integrity of dental fillings should not be affected by oil pulling or any other regular dental hygiene routine. Amalgam, or metal dental fillings, like all dental restorations, should be checked regularly by a dentist (or sooner if they appear damaged) to make sure that they are protecting the tooth from further decay.

  • kymberly
    · Reply

    June 19, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    In your opinion, ia oil pulling safe for composite veneers?

    • DD
      · Reply

      September 13, 2015 at 3:57 AM

      I have the same question. Is oil pulling safe for composite veneers?
      I see that Kymberly did not receive a response. I am sure that others would like to know the answer to this question and hope that a reply is posted.

      • Jessica F.
        · Reply

        September 16, 2015 at 4:32 PM

        Hi There DD – You’ve got a great question. We recommend discussing oil pulling during a check-up visit with your dentist, so that they can take a look at your overall oral health as well as the condition of restorations and dental work such as composite veneers. It’s great to review options like oil pulling in theory like we can on our blog, but it’s important to make sure that our patients have the best chance of seeing good results based on their own unique oral health needs. Yours in Health – Admin Jessica

Leave a Reply

Comment
Cancel Reply

Categories

  • Common Dental Issues & Procedures
  • Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening
  • Implant Dentistry
  • Oral Health = Whole Body Health
  • Orthodontics, Braces, & Invisalign
  • Pediatric Dentistry & Children
  • News/PR
  • Testimonials

Archives

blog.1stamilydental

1st Family Dental offers a full range of general, specialty dental and orthodontic services for the whole family. With online appointment booking and several convenient locations in and around Chicago IL, taking care of your dental health needs for you and your family couldn’t be easier.

OUR CHICAGO DENTAL CLINICS

Albany Park
Andersonville
Little Village
Logan Square
Old Town
Pulaski Ave.

OUR SUBURBAN DENTAL CLINICS

View our locations in the Chicago, IL Suburbs here

For Press Inquiries

Please contact:
Vicky Khawaja
vicky@1fd.org
(773) 294-0378

All logos, text, and images subject to terms of use and privacy policy. Click Here to download our logo.

1st Family Dental © 2025 · Privacy Policy · Internet Marketing Services by Conversion Strategies, Inc.

Prev Next