[SerraSun]

I was browsing Pinterest when I came across these gems. The first is natural toothpaste that can remineralize your teeth, and the second is on oil pulling, which pulls toxins from your teeth.

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/04/r...ation.html
http://simplehomemade.net/my-attempt-at-...ifference/

I thought I'd post these here in case others might be interested. I'm definitely eager to try this out since I'm not too crazy about the toothpaste and mouthwash I've been using.

Has anyone tried this stuff out before? Does it work?

Also, feel free to post your own research or findings. I'll try to update here when I find the time.

[SerraSun]

Be sure to check out Babakins' thread on her own experience with oil pulling. Apologies, I completely overlooked it.

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Keep in mind, I'm not an expert on any of this. I'll mostly be posting links and adding my own thoughts on the subject. This is mostly done to get myself, and others, thinking. Meaning while I might not be expecting anyone to reply to this, I'm keeping it open to others joining in with their own thoughts, comments, research, or even to correct me.

Basically, I'm learning.

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Sites on Oil Pulling:

http://oilpulling.com/oilforoilpulling.htm - There's loads of information on this site, but it's specifically linked here on what kind of oils are okay for OP. Also check out how to OP, and the free ebooks they have here.

I have some Neem oil so I did a search on if it was safe to use. One person used it straight and had the skin come off in some places of their mouth, but it isn't clear if it was just the skin being sloughed off or actual damage. Another site said had people who used only several drops of Neem in a base solution, one of whom reported positive results. Another site advocates it's use both to brush teeth with AND oil pull. This site also has some good info on dental health (use of dental picks, regrowing teeth, etc.)

I'll look into this a bit further later, but I think it'd be best to use Neem in small amounts at first, specifically in a base oil. Or just use it to brush your teeth since the issue with the first person seems to have been because she oil pulled with it for 20 minutes, while as brushing your teeth for 2 minutes wouldn't cause the same results (whatever those results actually were, but just to be on the safe side).

http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1...158633/pg1
http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=903942
http://www.therawpath.com/dental_health.html

I also have some Lavender oil, but I'm uncertain if this should be used since it has certain hormonal properties (if you've read some of the links on Neem, other people have said the same thing about Neem). And it's typically recommended that you shouldn't use any oil you wouldn't eat (hence the sesame, sunflower, and coconut oils as these are used in cooking). But Lavender oil is an essential oil and should be okay in moderation. Another site has a person who's used one drop of lavender oil in a tablespoon of oil she's been pulling with. Another person used Lavender oil to clear sinus congestion.

What I know about lavender oil is that it's good for skin and is used for rosacea. It's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it would make sense to use in oil pulling but not in high amounts (meaning use only a drop or two).

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.ph...e-2/page28
http://www.yinyanghouse.com/forum/oil-pulling

Just to clear up something about the Neem and Lavender oils - they're both used as but repellant but this is only because they're antibacterial. Some people have reported using Neem and Lavender oil to treat acne (Neem oil especially) so it isn't as if you're smearing chemical ridden insecticide on your face, which is what everyone in one of the links to oil pulling with Neem seem to have been suggesting. But to be on the safe side, if you're considering using either in OP, look up what the oils do beforehand. I'm only going by what I learned a long time ago, so there may be something I missed.

Here's some other sites I found:

http://campwander.blogspot.com/2012/09/t...detox.html
http://www.canopyavenue.com/2013/02/14/t...l-pulling/
http://www.relfe.com/07/oil_pulling.html
https://wholewoman.com/forum/node/3742

Some of them you just want to look at for the comments since there are some people who have a thing or two to add to what's already being said.

I'm going to look into ayurvedic toothpastes soon. I found some on ebay that have a lot of health benefits, and have some ingredients that are commonly used to oil pull. Until then!

[SerraSun]

I've started doing OP with olive oil (since that's all I have atm). So far I've only noticed fresher breath and a polished feel to my teeth after I brush. I've also switched from toothpaste to baking soda (sometimes mixed with salt). I noticed that it leaves my breath fresher longer than if I were to use the toothpaste I've been using. Also replaced my mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide.

I initially added a drop or two of neem and lavender to to the olive oil but I'm thinking now less is more. I also found some information on neem oil can cause infertility over a period of time (http://voices.yahoo.com/benefits-herbal-...html?cat=5). If you look further though, there's information online where neem oil can be used as birth control (http://www.sisterzeus.com/neem.html). The infertility seems to be reversible, however, women who're pregnant should be forewarned.

Info on Neem as birth control:

http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-oil-birth-control.html
http://oneearthherbs.squarespace.com/imp...ndica.html
http://www.neemfoundation.org/neem-artic...ntrol.html

The reason I was interested in natural toothpaste is because I felt that my regular toothpaste wasn't doing it for me. I also knew this guy who said he knew people who brushed throughout the day and still had bad breath, which is also kind of the case for me. So I'm hoping a natural alternative will be better.

What I've learned so far is that natural toothpastes are just as effective, if not more so, at killing bacteria as regular toothpaste. And since it's natural, it doesn't have the chemicals regular toothpaste has. So if you're interested, check it out.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/articl...paste.html
http://www.yunadent.com/blog/herbal-toot...oothpaste/
http://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fit...97104.html
http://bondibeachdental.com.au/dentist-b...oothpaste/
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/...toothpaste
http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/vol...ndles.html

I've been looking at the bondibeachdental and they have some good teeth whitening remedies that you can try out.

It was mentioned somewhere that OP can cause gagging for some. I learned from a friend that if you clench your left hand in a fist it'll reduce the urge to gag. I've tried it and it works for me.

[SarahSchilling]

Just use aluminum-free baking soda for toothpaste. (Not arm and hammer)

Even the flouride free toothpastes have sodium lauryl sulfate in them, or are insanely overpriced.