Summary
Dr. David Jockers explains why he practices oil pulling every morning and walks through five key benefits of the practice. He covers how dysbiotic oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans secrete toxins into the bloodstream, elevating inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-12 that damage blood vessel linings and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Jockers recommends using a half teaspoon of organic coconut, sesame, or olive oil combined with one drop of an antimicrobial essential oil like tea tree or oregano. He details his personal morning routine of oil pulling while grounding barefoot on grass, and addresses common questions including safety with amalgam fillings, dizziness from vigorous swishing, and frequency recommendations ranging from once daily for general wellness up to four times daily for people with root canals.
Key Points
- Oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans can enter the bloodstream and elevate interleukin-12, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and dementia
- Oil pulling binds and traps microorganisms in deep pockets around teeth and root canals that brushing and flossing cannot reach
- Use half a teaspoon of organic coconut, sesame, or olive oil with one optional drop of antimicrobial essential oil
- Swish gently for 10-15 minutes, then spit into trash (not the sink) to avoid clogging plumbing
- Benefits include improved oral microbiome diversity, reduced endotoxins, better breath, whiter teeth, and stronger gums
- Most people notice improvements within two weeks, including whiter teeth, better breath, less joint pain, and improved energy
- Safe with amalgam fillings when using only carrier oils, but avoid essential oils with amalgams
- Recommended 1-4 times daily depending on dental health; 3-4 times for people with root canals
Key Moments
Oral bacteria enter bloodstream and raise interleukin-12, driving heart disease and dementia
Dr. Jockers explains how Streptococcus mutans multiplies in the mouth and secretes toxins into the bloodstream, elevating inflammatory cytokine interleukin-12 that damages blood vessel linings and is correlated with heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
"One of the major oral bacteria is Streptococcus mutans, which when left unchecked will multiply in the mouth and secrete toxins into the body's bloodstream. These toxins increase the inflammatory associated cytokine innerleukin-12, which is a strong contributor to the development of chronic disease."
Oil pulling reaches deep pockets and root canals that brushing and flossing cannot
Oil pulling binds and traps microorganisms in areas around root canals and deep tooth pockets that are inaccessible to brushing and flossing. Jockers recommends half a teaspoon of coconut oil with one optional drop of antimicrobial essential oil, swished gently for 10-15 minutes.
"Root canals are a constant breeding ground for bacteria as they're essentially dead tissue that bacteria consistently feed upon. You can't brush or floss enough to get the infections out of the root canal, but 10 minutes of oil pulling, one or two times a day, can be extremely effective at minimizing infectious bacteria and their toxins in the root canal."
Safe with amalgam fillings but skip essential oils — and most people see results in two weeks
Jockers addresses common concerns about oil pulling with amalgam fillings, confirming carrier oils are safe but essential oils should be avoided with amalgams. He notes most people see benefits within two weeks including whiter teeth, better breath, less joint pain, and improved energy.
"Most people notice the health improvements within two weeks of beginning the oil pulling process. Although your mouth may feel cleaner right away, the typical benefits most people experience include whiter teeth, better breath, better body odor, less joint pain, and improved energy."
