This is from a newsletter I receive from Dr. WahlsFoundation. Though this information is for MS patients, it is relevant to PD too.

April Newsletter
.......................Many are not aware that chronic irritation of the gum tissue markedly increases the inflammation in the bloodstream and the brain. There are more and more scientific articles showing that chronic irritation of the gums is associated with higher risk ofstroke and heart attacks. Chronic low-grade infection of the gums leaves the immune cells chronically “on,” making more inflammation molecules, which makes blood stickier, thus increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Anyone with multiple sclerosis or any autoimmune disease wants to keep their immune system on “idle” as opposed to chronically “on.” Paying attention to your gums is one way to keep your immune system closer to “idle.”

If your gums bleed when your brush or floss your teeth, you have what dentists and physicians call gingivitis, which is a fancy word for inflamed gums. A chronic, low-level infection of gums is what causes the bleeding. Brushing and flossing the teeth daily helps keep that in check. But there is an even more effective intervention.

This is a traditional treatment used by Ayurvedic physicians in India called “oil pulling.” To do an oil pull, take a teaspoon to a tablespoon of oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil or olive oil and swish it around in your mouth. You want to work it in and around your teeth. Then spit it out in the waste receptacle; if you put it down the drain or toilet bowl, the bacteria that get pulled out by the oil will begin growing in your plumbing, leading to clogged drains..........................
If you want to learn more about the process and benefits of oil pulling, check out the book Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing.

visit www.terrywahls.org and www.TheWahlsFoundation.com and sign up at both sites. You’ll receive a number of free reports and more great information.

In health,
Dr. Terry Wahls

Wahls Newsletter
Suite #101
1215 Santa Fe Dr
Iowa City, Iowa 52246 8637
US

Hi Girija,
Thanks for this, it is good advice. It is also strongly recommended by the PD research group in London that I work with. I had a bad tooth recently which caused a gum infection, and it floored me. I had the tooth extracted and made a miraculous recovery.
Ron