A study based on coconut’s oil biocidal properties against harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay showed that coconut oils is pretty effective.
Scientists tested coconut oil in its natural form, and after it was treated with enzymes, in a process that simulated digestion. It was tested against of Streptococcus, known as common inhabitant of oral cavities.
The results showed that enzyme-modified coconut oil has the power to inhibit growth of most Streptococcus strains, even Streptococcus mutans, which is an acid-producing bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is believed that enzymes break down coconut oil into acids which destroy certain bacteria. According to chief researcher Dr Damien Brady:
“Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations. Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.”
Check these 6 reasons to use coconut oil as an effective toothpaste:
1. It contains no harmful chemicals
Conventional toothpaste brands like Colgate Total are loaded with triclosan, an antibacterial chemical which is associated with common issues like antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are considered as a serious concern, because they cause many health problems, like: breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer, preterm and low birth weight babies, precocious puberty in girls, and undescended testicles in boys.
Certaina animal studies have revealed that triclosan causes fetal bone malfunctions in laboratory mice and rats, which could possibly indicate hormonal effects.
Conventional toothpastes also contain fluoride. It is a toxic industrial waste product, and it acts as a poison to human body, even when found in trace amount…
2. Fights cavity-causing bacteria
Researchers say that if you massage some coconut oil onto the gums for 10 minutes a day, for three wees, you will significantly reduce Streptococcus mutans, a decay-causing bacteria, and plaque.
3. It contains no foaming agents
Producers also add surfactants like sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) to conventional toothpastes. These chemicals provide the foaming action of toothpastes, but they also interfere with the function of taste buds, because they break up the phospholipids on tongue.
This promotes bitter tastes which is why everything tastes bad right after you brush your teeth. This is another reason why coconut oil does miracles for oral hydiene, because it maintains a natural balance of lipids on your tongue, and still provides strong antibacterial properties.
SLS are associated with aching canker sores, and expert suggest using SLS-free toothpaste if you have recurring sores.
4. It is totally inexpensive
A tiny amount of coconut oil is enough to keep your teeth clean. A jar of coconut oil lasts for months, which is why it is so inexpensive.
5. Use coconut oil on your dog’s teeth
Of course, you would not brush your pet’s teeth with conventional “human” toothpaste. Coconut oil is safe and effective for both pets and humans. Apply some coconut oil with a toothbrush, but your dog will sure benefit only by licking a tiny amount of oil. The following recipe is not recommended for dogs, as some ingredients that are safe for people can be dangerous for pets.
6. It is simple to make
You can make your own coconut oil toothpaste from just a few ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Baking soda -- It acts as an abrasive and promotes whitening
- Essential oils -- These give flavor and therapeutic benefits. Peppermint oil is superior to chlorohexidine, a mouthwash chemical, when it comes to inhibiting formation of biofilm formations that are associated with cavities.
- Erythritol, xylitol, or stevia (optional) act as natural sweeteners. Xylitol has shown to reduce cavities. But, if you use this toothpaste to clean your pet’s teeth, do not add xylitol, because it is toxic to dogs.
- Bentonite clay -- It gives paste-like consistency. It also draws out toxins from gums and tongue.
Use coconut oil for Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is actually rinsing your mouth with some coconut oil, pretty similar like you do with regular mouthwash. However, you should not gargle with it. Swish it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Try swishing coconut oil for just five minutes at a time if you are new in this.
The oil pulls out cavity-causing bacteria and debris from your oral cavity. Spit it out once it thins and turns milky white. The Indian Journal of Dental research reported:
“Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy without scientific proof for many years for strengthening teeth, gums, and jaws and to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, and dryness of throat and cracked lips.”
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