
Could oil pulling put you at risk?
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



Register now to watch the Holistic Tooth Fairy's FREE online workshop recording on how to maintain oral health at home. Learn how to:
- Prevent dental emergencies with teeth & gum nourishing foods, herbs and supplements
- Protect your gums by fine tuning your oral hygiene habits
- Relieve jaw tension to avoid breaking enamel or fillings
- Do your own oral health self assessments to identify any issues
- Evaluate whether an issue needs a dentist urgently or can wait
- Manage issues with holistic home remedies until normal dental services resume
What is oil pulling doing to your fillings?
Avoid oil pulling with amalgam fillings


Register now to watch the Holistic Tooth Fairy's FREE online workshop recording on how to maintain oral health at home. Learn how to:
- Prevent dental emergencies with teeth & gum nourishing foods, herbs and supplements
- Protect your gums by fine tuning your oral hygiene habits
- Relieve jaw tension to avoid breaking enamel or fillings
- Do your own oral health self assessments to identify any issues
- Evaluate whether an issue needs a dentist urgently or can wait
- Manage issues with holistic home remedies until normal dental services resume
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