The surprising origins* of oil pulling
*updated September 2021

Oil pulling can cause pneumonia
Researchers have found an association between oil pulling and the rare disease of lipoid pneumonia.
Lipoid pneumonia is caused by the inhalation of any oily or greasy substance into the lungs where it coats the surface of the lungs and inhibits breathing. It’s more commonly associated with putting butter or oil (eg Vicks Vaporub) in the nostrils, with fire eating, even with spending too much time around burning candles!
It’s also possible to aspirate oil while swishing it around in your mouth, and Dr Michael Greger points out the dangers illustrated by some recent cases of oil pulling leading to lipoid pneumonia.
Children are particularly at risk due to lack of muscle control to keep from inhaling particles of liquified oil.
Although lipoid pneumonia is rare, I would also caution that oil pulling may not be safe for adults who:
- have a history of asthma or any other respitory condition
- have persistant coughs or colds
- smoke or vape
- have a problem tooth or gum on the lung meridian (teeth #4, 5, 12, 13, 18, 19, 30, 31)
- frequently oil pull for extended periods



Have you ever wondered whether there's more to oral health than regular brushing or avoiding sugar?
Or whether there's an emotional or spiritual meaning to tooth decay or gum recession?
Or why dental problems sometimes rise and fall with stress?
I wrote The Secret Lives of Teeth: Understanding the emotional influences on oral health to help answer these kinds of questions from spiritual, psychological and energetic perspectives.
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What is oil pulling doing to your fillings?
Avoid oil pulling with amalgam fillings


Have you ever wondered whether there's more to oral health than regular brushing or avoiding sugar?
Or whether there's an emotional or spiritual meaning to tooth decay or gum recession?
Or why dental problems sometimes rise and fall with stress?
I wrote The Secret Lives of Teeth: Understanding the emotional influences on oral health to help answer these kinds of questions from spiritual, psychological and energetic perspectives.
Pre-order the paperback or e-book today, along with your choice of bonuses to enhance your reading experience on Kickstarter before 25 November 2022.
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