The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Help Me I'm Scared (Malaysia) on 08/06/2016
★☆☆☆☆
Hi!
I don't have reports for a cure or anything, but I need your help, I really don't know what to do. My dentist has said before that I have a dying tooth and one day I would need a root canal, I was and still am against it and within last week I noticed an area above the dying tooth starting to ache and swell a bit, especially when I touched it. After 5-6 days I decided I needed to do something as I suspected it was either a tooth abscess or an infection.
To try and combat this, I oil pulled with coconut oil. The first day it didn't swell as much and there were not much changes, however, the next day (which is today) when I OP and rinsed with salt water, I think I saw a small little hole thing draining out the pus, a fistula was it called? That didn't feel too bad, but then throughout the day it started getting worse, especially after I ate some durian (I'm thinking as the durian is pretty heaty, it might have triggered something?) so as soon as I got home, I OP again and rinsed with salt water after. I took a nap and woke up 2 hours later to find the swelling has seemingly doubled in size. Is this normal?
I know some people have bad healing reactions and I was wondering whether this was one of them. Please help, I really dont know what to do.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Courtney (Granite Bay, Ca) on 08/06/2016
Yikes! I wouldn't have OP'd with a sore tooth. The sucking/swishing could aggravate it. In this case, it sounds like it did.
Have you tried raw garlic? I swear by it, as do many others. If you haven't tried it, please do. The relief comes quickly.
Peel one clove of garlic, then slice the clove in half or in thirds. Place the cut side of the garlic on the gums near and surrounding the tooth and leave it there for as long as you can. (It will burn at first, so take it off when you feel like you can't take the burn for another second, then put it back on.) Move the clove around the gums on both sides of the tooth, either using your tongue or holding it with your fingers. Leave it on one spot for about 30 seconds, then move it to the opposite side of the tooth/gums.
Repeat this process every few hours, but you should feel some significant relief after the first use.
For a double whammy, take another clove of garlic, chop it into small pieces, put the pieces on a spoon and down it with a few chugs of water to attack it from the inside and outside. (Repeat garlic ingestion 3x/day.)
Hope you feel better, soon!
Oil Pulling
Posted by Katzie (Calgary) on 05/24/2022
I feel your pain; I have "been there". You could go to a health food-type store and buy a bottle of Colloidal Silver (lots of info on that on this site; it's a miracle).
I once sprouted an infection at work one morning (9am) and was starting to swell. I keep a bottle of Colloidal Silver water with me at all times, so I took 3 or 4 shotglasses of it, then took another shot every 30 mins until it was gone. The swelling was gone by 12pm. Try it. Best of health, cause with Colloidal Silver on your side, it won't be luck that beats the infection.
Do not worry about brand or strength of the Colloidal Silver, just buy some and get it into you. I buy small plastic shotglasses from the dollar store. Don't use metal spoons for dosing; every colloid particle carries a small electrical charge and a metal spoon would ruin it.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Tashimoto (Vancouver, BC) on 12/22/2014
Thank you for taking the time to chronicle such a detailed account of how you remedied a tough situation. Most appreciated.
Oil Pulling
Posted by jason (singapore) on 07/06/2022
I remember reading your post several years back when I was having a similar problem with my top front tooth. the reason why I was searching for your post is that I'm suffering a similar fate presently, this time with my bottom molar. while reading your post again I notice even more similarities. I'm also having a ball at my gum. been taking ibuprofen and rinsing with listerine regularly several times daily but the prob seems to still be there. symptoms started since 1st of july and the "ball" appeared just 1 or 2 days back.
Anyway, I'm truly inspired by your post (even more inspired now actually) and will be doing the oil pulling several times daily till this ball and infection is history. and once its gone to do it on a daily basis. thanks so much again. I even copied your post to my notebook and saved it if I do need to read it again. hope that all is well with you -jason
Oil Pulling
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc, Canada) on 06/22/2013
★★★★★
Jensen from Kailua -- please visit paradise.net-healing.html. You'll be amazed . I oil pull too. If there is an abcess you will find what you need. I have been oil pulling for nearly two years. I deal with cavities , pockets and abcesses myself. My teeth are firm, the gums healthy and teeth also get whiter over time. Good luck. Om
Oil Pulling
Posted by Elaine (Houston, Tx) on 07/05/2009
★★★★☆
Hope you can help with my tooth/gum/bone problem. Back in February I had a severe toothache (molar with a crown) along with a sinus infection. I used all kinds of Earth Clinic remedies, and they all helped: garlic, OP, tumeric, charcoal, cloves, etc. The major pain subsided and I was left with pressure pain only, as in chewing or clenching. Sometimes there is a dull ache. Then I noticed that the gum was very sensitive or rather the bone under the gum on the outside and inside (palate). Went to the dentist. He said the root was dead, calcified, but that there was infection present in the dead root that seeped into the surrounding bone. He said since the root is dead there is no blood supply so antibiotics (or presumably all natural remedies) cannot get inside to stamp out the infection. According to him there are two solutions: 1) root canal and 2) extract the tooth. I have been oil pulling (sesame oil) twice daily for almost three weeks now. All pain has essentially subsided except if I press with my finger on the tissue around tooth (bone underneath), then it is very sensitive, which leads me to believe that infection is still present. I feel that this infection is taxing my immune system and causing me to have low energy, tire easily and catch colds, etc. easily, which I normally don't. I sincerely believe that there are other options, I just haven't stumbled on them yet.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Gigi (Driggs, Idaho) on 06/05/2009
★★★★★
Hi Lisa: The best and quickest remedy I have found for sensitive teeth is oil pulling with extra virgin olive oil. You will feel the effects after the very first use. Hope you find it beneficial too. Smart to not go for the root canals - those dentists! Gigi
Oil Pulling
Posted by Katy (Lynwood, WA) on 06/05/2009
I used to have very sensitive teeth and could not eat citrus drink cold liqueds etc. I have done many things and I no longer have sensitive teeth. 1. I got a night guard. I believe this helped with certain aspects of sensitivity. 2. I had some dental issues corrected. 3. I started brushing with baking soda in a very specific manner. I no longer "brush". I dip my brush in a watery paste and set the bristles next to the gum line and "try to "push in" the baking soda below the gum line. gently miniscule, up down movements. 4. I have used dental oils which I have found on line. I have also tried making my own, using recipes I have found on line, as well as the ingredients on the labels of the commercial brand I have used. 5. I have used an "alternative dental paste that is wholy nutritional which I also found on the internet. I believe my sensitivity springs mainly from the deep etching at the gumline. The alternative dental paste is actually the product that took away pain and sensitivity and it has not returned with the regular use of baking soda. I no longer brush with regular toothpaste. I believe it is toxic to the oral cavity. I have not tried tooth soap. When I used regular toothpaste, I always had a film form on my teeth within hours of eating. My teeth and gums felt slimy and I had was always rubbing my tongue against the back of my teeth trying to smooth out the rough feeling on my teeth. I no longer have any of these issues. Warning. The oils range from 12 to 50.00 per bottle. The nutritional paste, cost about 80.00 for 5 ounces. Baking soda is about .50 for enough to last a year. The oils reach deep below the gums and work around the teeth killing germs that the brush can't see. This is a good precursor to the dental floss. The nutritional paste feeds the teeth, and gum tissues. I am on my 3rd jar. There is also a regular strengh that sells for about 45.00 for 5 oz. The baking soda is what I use now most of the time. I was scared I was going to loose my teeth and that is why I searched out all of these different alternatives. I think flossing is also extremely important. I have done oil pulling also. I took my mouth through a crisis spending at least 15 minutes twice a day brushing the gums and teeth. I believe you have to strengthen the gums and surrounding tissues to iradicate the sensitivities. When I was using the baking soda at first, I also mixed with a little salt and I actually had sores on my gums I had sores that I had to keep brushing, It was very painful. Some other things I did were to pop co q 10 capsules in my mouth and hold the fluids in the mouth for as long as possible.I did this also with vitamin e. The neat thing about the paste, is that you swallow it when you are done brushing and it is green. Don't waste time brushing in front of a mirror. Do your brushing in a location where you will not be in a hurry to finish. 2 minutes is not long enough. I like brushing while watching tv. My quality of life is so much better since I no longer have the sensitivity. Previous to this protocol, I had lived with sensitivity to citrus for at least 12 years.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Lucille (Jersey City, USA) on 04/23/2007
★★★★★
Wow! I just read this cure [oil pulling] for the first time and decided to try it with my organic coconut oil. I still can't believe it but the chronic sensitivity I had in two of my teeth is gone! It's hard to tell which teeth were hurting! And my teeth feel different.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Victoria (Florida) on 09/03/2014
It does help immensely. You are wonderful, thank you.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Annie Sunshine (East Coast USA) on 04/27/2023
I just gave my gf some of my medicines I take for my asthma (crazy lung damage asthma). She has had it since she was 2. Had been using an inhaler every day. She said the medicines have worked wonders for her (like they did with me) and she has not used her inhaler in many weeks now. The remedies are the following.... A 50/50 mix of Osha Root and Lobelia. I take 1-2 drops under my tongue. Initially I did this several times a day. I also have a blend that I added some Yerba Mansa, Yerba Santa, Licorice Root and Lomatium. Again, I only use very small doses. The homeopathic remedies are I use are BHI Mucous formula (it works amazing for asthma! ) and the Newton Homeopathic Cough and Airway formula. These remedies have been life changing for me; and for my girlfriend. Maybe check them out. I wish you the best of luck. Not being able to breathe SUCKS. Also, how did your tooth situation turn out?
Oil Pulling
Posted by Bri (Templeton) on 07/26/2015
Just wanted to add the reason no medicine was helping honey is because oil pulling (OP) pulls the medicine out too. You should always do it prior to taking any otcs and wait to do it again just before your next dose. That's also why OP is a great hang over cure. But please if you take any pharmaceutical drugs OP before and only every 24hrs because it removes everything. So please do be careful. Educate yourselves on OP for these reasons and more because it is an incredible remedy!
Oil Pulling
Posted by Debbie (Punxsutawney, PA) on 07/05/2009
I would up my intake of Vitamin C alot to help my immune system fight off the bacteria. When I was having periodontal problems I started taking Vitamin C, bioflavanoids, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, a good bone builder supplement that must remain un-named, Magnesium and Boron. The dentist couldn't believe how I grew the bone back and how the pockets diminished. I went from being a candidate for a full set of dentures to having my teeth once again firmly anchored in my jaw. But if the tooth continues to give you problems, I would have it out; I think root canals are a major source of whole-body inflammation and do more harm than good to a person's over-all health. A root canal is like having a splinter in your jaw and is nothing but a well of bacteria and inflammation constantly seeping into your body. Root canals put a strain on your entire system 24/7.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Rebekah (Athens, Ga) on 09/08/2009
I believe horsetail herb can be used to rebuild bone. I don't have a dosage to recommend to you but when I did a bunch of research on how to help my teeth, I kept being led back to horsetail. It wouldn't hurt to look into it. Best of luck!
Oil Pulling
Posted by Lori (TX) on 09/03/2025
Silica-liquid supplement will build back bones, connective tissue. Great for hair and skin too.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Tim (LA, CA) on 06/05/2009
Hi, I don't know if you use a lot of lemon, but at least in my case, I used to drink a table spoonful or two of lemon juice with my morning class of water and my teeth become sensitive. As soon as I stopped that, the sensitivity stopped. I think AVC will do the same; that's why it should be taken with baking soda.
PS don't trust dentist, most of them try to sell you procedures that you really don't need, especially if they don't have too many clients. Yes they will drill completely healthy teeth if they need money, they are that greedy- they have needs like all of us. House payments and someone must pay for the their Mercedes too :-) This is a dark side of dentistry that nobody talks about.
Oil Pulling
Posted by S (Ohio) on 07/02/2021
It typically takes time for these remedies to work and since you just started, the abscess probably hasn't started the process of reversal. Get some hydrogen peroxide and mix that with equal parts water. That should kill some of the bacteria. I would also immediately get some fresh ginger to help with inflammation. It could also be possible that you're allergic to coconut oil.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Charity (Faithville , Us) on 02/27/2015
ActivatedCharcoal helps in the mouth, buy caps in stomach remedy isle . Open over a plate or paper and sprinkle on damp toothbrush at night before bed. Brush on and leave overnight. You can also take the caps with plenty of water to detox.
Alpha lipoic acid helps with pain , take in the morning. Google 'remineralize teeth', there are some bloggers out there getting amazing dental healings for cracked, infected teeth and gums.
There is HOPE
Oil Pulling
Posted by Mike (North Carolina) on 03/09/2022
"... because oil pulling (OP) pulls the medicine out too" - do you have any studies to show this? You are making a fantastic claim and it's very dubious/unbelievable. What is your anecdotal evidence for such a statement?
Oil Pulling
Posted by Jensen (Kailua, Kona, Hawaii) on 06/22/2013
★★★★★
I just had a root canal and a filling, I need to go back and get a crown thing. The tooth right next to it pretty much guarantee has a cavity. Likely another abcess. I hate going to the dentist. So I've been oil pulling for 10 days and my mouth has never been so clean and my teeth look great. Just wondering if I really need to go back or just keep oil pulling.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Barb (Massachusetts) on 06/27/2014
I'm currently taking a product called fermented cod liver oil that remineralizes teeth and heals cavities. The premise is that if your bones can heal, so can your teeth. There was a little brown spot on a front tooth for many months and now after taking the cod-liver oil for a few weeks the spot is much smaller. It has to be fermented or any processing will kill the beneficial qualities of the cod-liver oil.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Me (Us) on 09/09/2020
This is not normal.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Madeline (New York) on 05/22/2022
Dear Help Me,
I found your post from 2016, how did your story turn out? I am trying to decide whether to take time with natural remedies trying to heal my tooth infection or go with a complex surgery or tooth removal.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Alison (Peachtree City Ga) on 12/04/2013
Never heard of oil-pulling. Have dental infection. Can't get to dentist and they won't call in scrip for meds. I am going to get a bottle of coconut or saffron oil tonight. Can't wait to try it! Love this site. Thanks:)
Oil Pulling
Posted by River (West Of Seattle, Washington, Usa) on 09/07/2009
Debbie, if you are able to rebuild bone in your jaw, please, please, share the rest of your formula including the bone builder. I am a dialysis patient with diabetes and the diabetes, though well-controlled, has really shrunk down the bone in my jaw, to the point that I cannot take regular implants for fear of opening up a hole into my sinus cavity. I am desperate to find out anything that will work, since I cannot afford a bone graft (many thousands of dollars, not covered by insurance) and am also concerned that getting a bone graft or any type of transplant may harm my opportunities to get the kidney transplant I need.
If you have information on ways to rebuild bone in the jaw, please share it with me. Many thanks.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Lisa (Coto de Caza, CA) on 06/04/2009
I have several sensitive teeth and was wondering if anyone knows what could help. Tried some remedies for Tooth, absess like garlic, but didn't work for sensitivity. Most teeth on left side sensitive to heat, cold and pressure, as well as one tooth on right. Dentists are not any help since he offered to do 6+ root canals for me-- no thanks.
