Book An Appointment (Moonee Ponds) Book An Appointment (Sunbury)
payment plans available
Moonee Ponds Location Moonee Ponds 03 8400 4104 Book An Appointment
Sunbury Location Sunbury 03 8001 6021 Book An Appointment

Sunbury Holistic Dentist explains the Benefits of Oil Pulling

Posted By: | Published On: | Holistic Dentistry

The terms “oil pulling” and “oil swishing” may be new to you, but the practice dates back thousands of years. It is believed to have its origin in the traditional Indian medicine called Ayurveda. I am Dr. Terry Rose, one of the dentists providing care to patients in the Moonee Ponds and Sunbury VIC areas at the Smile In Style Dental Practice. I’d like to talk with you about the benefits of oil pulling as a form of modern dentistry.

Oil Pulling from dentist in Sunbury VIC

The procedure is actually quite simple. Each morning you put about a tablespoonful of oil in your mouth, swish it around, and pull it through the spaces between your teeth for about 20 minutes. This should be done before you eat anything, so oil pulling during your morning shower works well for most patients.

Traditionally, sunflower or sesame oil was used, but I recommend coconut oil. It has a pleasant taste and a natural antimicrobial property. The oil grabs harmful oral bacteria, fungi, and viruses so it is important to spit it out (not swallow) after pulling. Then you brush your teeth as you normally would.

Coconut oil cleanses more thoroughly than just brushing or flossing, because it reaches every surface, nook, and cranny of your teeth and mouth. It even gets into the pockets below the gum line.

This simple, natural cleansing practice returns a host of benefits:

  • Improves oral health.
  • Reduces plaque levels.
  • Improves halitosis (bad breath).
  • Helps to control gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
  • Strengthens gum tissue.
  • Reduces risk of tooth decay.
  • Reduces sensitivity.
  • Improves dry mouth, throat, and lip conditions.
  • Whitens teeth.

Read the article: Using Essential Oils to Enhance Your Home

Oil pulling also helps to draw toxins (including heavy metals) out of the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and nose by stimulating salivation. Ultimately, that can have systemic benefits, such as improved kidney function and holistically helping to control:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Chest congestion
  • Diabetes
  • Eczema
  • Headaches
  • Inflammation
  • Peptic ulcers

Basically, there are no harmful side effects and many potential benefits. I strongly recommend that you give it a try for just a week to ten days. I believe you’ll realise noticeable results and eagerly make oil pulling part of your daily hygiene routine. Call Smile in Style at 03 8001 6021 in Sunbury VIC or 03 8400 4104 in Moonee Ponds VIC if you’d like more information on oil pulling.

Back to Holistic Dentistry Page

Share this Article





Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

Why Choose Smile In Style
For the latest techniques in dentistry

Connect with Smile In Style


Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Oil Pulling from dentist in Sunbury VIC

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.