Los Angeles dentist Dr. Greg Rubin examines the benefits of oil pulling on teeth and gums

June 13, 2014 - PRLog -- CALABASAS, Calif. — The oral health practice of oil pulling, or swishing oil in the mouth, has generated a lot of publicity lately as the latest alternative trend for maintaining a healthy mouth.

But does this practice actually produce legitimate and beneficial results?

As a dental professional for more than three decades, Dr. Greg Rubin of the Calabasas Dental Institute takes a closer look and shares his expert opinion.

He says that using various oils, such as sesame or coconut, as methods for promoting oral health is nothing new. In fact, oil pulling, or gargling treatments that contain an oil, have been around since ancient times and used in traditional and alternative Hindu medicine known as Ayurveda.

Anecdotal evidence shows that oil pulling can relieve conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes, asthma, acne and even can whiten teeth.

But Dr. Greg Rubin is skeptical about the treatment’s medicinal viability. He says that until further research is conducted, he believes the benefits of oil pulling is limited to gums and teeth, a claim that is supported by a recent study at the Faculty of Dentistry at Mahidol University in Bangkok.

He says that when a person swishes the oil in their mouth, an emulsion is created between the saliva and the oil, which penetrates the hard to reach places in the mouth where bacteria live and multiply. The oil droplets attract food particles and lock in bacteria that are removed when the person spits. As a result, this practice helps reduce oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Dr. Greg Rubin says oil pulling offers preventative measures as well because the oil droplets leave a thin film on the teeth, acting as a barrier against bacteria and thus reducing the development of cavities.

“I have recommended swishing with an oil to many of my patients for years,” he said. “And while I believe the practice has several oral benefits, more research in the area is needed to validate other health claims.”

The Calabasas Dental Institute is located at 4764 Park Granada #107, Calabasas, CA 91302; (818) 224-2420.

Using the latest in high-tech digital technology, this group of dental experts and specialists provide first rate personalized service in all aspects of cutting edge general and cosmetic dentistry. A sleep apnea treatment center, which offers the most advanced oral treatments on the market, is also conveniently located on the premises. Doctors at the Calabasas Dental Institute, which is the first dental office in Southern California to accept Bitcoin as payment,  have pioneered some of the leading technologies in the treatment of bad breath and operate a one-stop bad breath treatment facility at the Calabasas location. For their innovation, they have been recognized nationally as leading experts in bad breath treatment by HealthTap.com, which ranked the group #1 among other health experts in the field. For more information, please visit CalabasasDentalInstitute.com.