One thing I'm aware of is that oils can dissolve rubbers, latex, and some epoxies. As has been noted it is acidic by nature. I'm not surprised that it affected the cement used to secure the temporary. It is something that anyone with dental work will have to keep in mind.

The other thing to remember is that OP is not intended to kill off all germs. So, some bacteria that is trapped against flesh by a temporary tooth will likely not be washed out with other toxins. Also, the excretions will affect the raw skin more than it would healthy skin creating a toxic environment for the bacteria to flourish. And while you may not notice it, the daily pressure of chewing on a tooth, especially a temp that is losing epoxy, will cause scratches and scrapes to your gums in that area which will allow for more toxic build up. Basically, it seems you had an open wound created by the temp being pressed into the gum several times of day. Kinda like a bedsore in the mouth. If OP was a total disinfectant(100% kill rate) there would be no infection. But it is obvious from your experience that that is not the case. Because the irritant wasn't removed, no healing could take place, so the condition worsened instead.

Now, I have had pain in my teeth after OP. I connected it with a Liver Flush that I had just done, and my low levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. I have gotten those minerals up, and have not had a problem with pain since. I also do not swish when I know my minerals are very low, such as after flushing. But that is just me.

Oilpulling.com has a testimonial from a chap who had considerable previous decay before starting pulling. He ended up having to go to the dentist as he understood that pulling can help and prevent but cannot completely restore the unrestorable.

My crowns are the most problematic of my teeth. I think that it is easier for bacteria to hide within the confines on a partially open system. The cement is never a full seal (witness the amount of crowns that just fall out). The crown is rarely flush with the stump the dentist cut to place the crown on. This leaves exposed dentine to collect further infection.

If the tooth has a root filling there is a known problem of residual infection lurking within the socket which, as it has no blood supply left, continues to breed. The best the body can do here is to quarantine the area and contunally fight any bacteria escaping. The bacteria lurk in the spongy holes which in a live tooth have a positive drainage system.

The cement your dentist is using is obviously similar in disolvability to the tartar that collects on teeth that oil pulling is known to remove quite quickly (from experience of board members).

I have had no problems with my crowns loosening yet but, my dentist when he fits a temporary takes at least 10 minutes to wiggle it loose to place the proper crown. I hear of numerous people saying a temporary crown has comes loose. Maybe this is for ease of replacement when your proper crown arrives?

You may find pain in a live tooth stump as the dentine has no protection.

I think the best recommendation would be for you to find out the pros and cons of the cement bonds your dentist could use and the benefits to your gums and other teeth from the thorough bacterial removal. Take the time to do your own research (there are a lots of links in recent threads) and make your own decision. I understand that original listerine mouthwash/baking soda brushing is the next best option.

But I suspect temporary cement is not going to hold up to swishing no matter how you slice it - you might have to wait for the permanent one and give it a few days to set at that before restarting your protocol.

I hate the thought of having to give this up; I have a few crowns which I have been keeping an eye on - have not noticed any loosening but am trying to prepare myself for it if they do. Way too much positive has been gained in such a short time....I would be quite sorrowful if I had to stop it.

What did the doctor say about it - did you mention the oil or were you afraid he would not replace for free?

D.

First off, thanks for the good laugh about the piano teacher thing lol.....

I posted before about concerns about the acidity of oils that might dissolve things like tooth enamel. I still don't know the pH of sunflower oil. Maybe someone with a soil pH tester can test some different oils - not sure if a soil tester would even work.

Here's what you can do. Buy some P73 oil of oregano, preferrably the extra strength stuff. Place one to three drops in your mouth depending on the strength of the stuff you have... don't put anything else in your mouth. Work the drops of oil around with your tongue. In a few inutes your mouth will fill with saliva. Swish like you are oil pulling. Saliva has perfect pH for teeth and a few drops of the oil won't do harm when mixed with a mouthful of saliva, which has it's own natural enzymes and remineralization properties.