Oil Pulling
The following information is presented in a clinical and theoretical framework. Dr. Baltuska DOES NOT practice Dentistry. This practice is NOT recommended as a replacement to your regular dental hygiene protocol.
Oil pulling is a practice dating back thousands of years, having originated with Ayurvedic medicine. This involves rinsing the mouth with 1 or 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, just as you would with an antiseptic mouthwash. The oil is swished around your mouth by pushing, pulling, and drawing it through your teeth for a period of 20 minutes.
This process is thought to allow the biochemical characteristics of oil to “pull out” bacteria, viruses, fungi and other toxins. The best time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but it can be done at any time. When done, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water. Avoid swallowing the oil afterwards because it will have soaked up unwanted substances of which you are trying to get rid of. It is also recommended to discard the used oil in the trash as opposed to a drain to prevent clogging the plumbing.
Oil pulling has an extensive anecdotal list of benefits that may include a cleansing, detoxifying and healing affect, not only for your mouth and sinuses but for the rest of your body as well. Candida and Streptococcus are common microbial residents in your mouth whose toxic waste products may contribute to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and even inflammation throughout your body. Coconut oil has demonstrated a strong inhibition of growth of these pathogens. Oil pulling may even help lessen the overall toxic burden on your immune system.
I invite you to try oil pulling for a few days to experience the benefits yourself. This can be another wonderful, safe, affordable and effective way to take control of your own health.
