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.
- Salt
- 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.”
Oil pulling has shown to have a powerful cleansing and healing effect, as proven by science:
— It reduces counts of Streptococcus mutans (which causes tooth decay) in children’s plaque and saliva. Researchers explain, “Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.”
— Oil pulling reduces plaque, improves gum health, and reduces aerobic microorganisms in plaque in adolescent boys with gingivitis induced by plaque
— It is as effective as mouthwash when it comes to eliminating bad breath and reducing microorganisms that cause it
— Oil pulling protects oral cavity, thanks to its mechanical cleaning action. Researchers say, “The myth that the effect of oil pulling therapy on oral health was just a placebo effect has been broken and there are clear indications of possible saponification and emulsification process, which enhances its mechanical cleaning action.”
We note that the above studies involved sesame oil, which is traditionally used and recommended.
Avoid fluoridated toothpaste
Fluoride has been associated with decaying teeth, but it has sure received increasing scrutinity lately, and of course, for some good reasons. A study published in the journal Langmuil uncovered that the “beneficial” fluorapatite layer on your teeth is actually six nanometers thick.
To be more precise, you would need about 10,000 such layers to obtain the width of a single strand of human hair. Scientists still debate over the power of this ultra-thin layer when it comes to protecting tooth enamel and providing health benefits, taking into considering that you could easily eliminate it by chewing. Scientists say:
“…it has to be asked whether such narrow… layers really can act as protective layers for the enamel.”
According to a study, toothpastes that are packed with naturally obtained cacao extract theobromine have proven to repair and remineralize exposed dentin (tissue that makes up the bulk below tooth enamel) than fluoride toothpastes.
Fluoride toothpastes are the largest source of fluoride intake in small children and it is also a risk factor for dental fluorosis. This happens because children like to swallow some of the toothpaste they use to brush their teeth.
Moreover, researchers say that it is not uncommon for small children to swallow more fluoride from their toothpaste than they should throughout the entire day from different sources.
Swallowing fluoride, same as drinking fluoridated water, harms health, as fluoride is a toxic chemical that tends to accumulate in tissues, affect enzyme function and causes many health problems, like endocrine or neurological function.
Children are at a high risk for side-effects caused by overexposure. Children should use a fluoride-free toothpaste, but you as an adult as well.
Improve your dental health
Toothpastes based on natural ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, xylitol, and others the like, are much safer and more effective than fluoride toothpaste. Do not expose yourself to fluoride and other harmful chemicals like triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate. Here are some basic guidelines for improving dental health naturally:
— Avoid fluoride-containing toothpastes and fluoridated water. Use fluoride-free toothpaste or make your own natural toothpaste. Choose toothpastes from reputable brands.
— Reduce sugar and grain intake. Your fructose intake should be less than 25 grams per day. Avoid processed foods at any cost.
— Your diet should include fresh and whole food, fermented vegetables and grass-fed meat. These will give you enough minerals to strengthen your bones and teeth.
— Maintain proper oral hygiene and get regular mercury-free cleansing. Scrub your teeth with a washcloth before you brush them to remove any built-up biofilm.
Remember, nature provides many solutions to refresh your breath. Chew some fresh parsley, mint cilantro or ginger slices to freshen your breath.
You can also place a cucumber slice on the roof of your oral cavity to remove any odor-causing bacteria. According to Ayurveda, cucumbers also release excess heat in stomach, which is believed to be the primary cause of bad breath.
