Recently at the Athlone Institute of Technology, research studies were conducted involving the effects of many different natural oils. These studies focused primarily on bacteria that are found in some of the most common areas of the mouth.
The one substance that came out as the biggest winner was coconut oil, which didn’t surprise many people.
These findings came as a result of follow-up studies that were conducted from earlier studies, which show that digested milk made it much more difficult for Streptococcus mutans to actually be able to attach themselves to the enamel of teeth.
The Toothpaste of the Future is Coconut Oil That Has Been Enzyme-Modified
Through these studies, scientists were able to determine that coconut oil actually inhibited the growth of a vast majority of mouth bacteria when the oil itself was treated with digestive enzymes.
These bacteria included Streptococcus mutans, which are known as acid-producing bacteria that can play a major part in the process of tooth decay. This disease affects nearly every adult, as well as 60% to 90% of children in countries that are more industrialized.
Further studies that were presented at the University of Warwick’s fall Society for General Microbiology meeting showed that coconut oil treated with enzymes could also potentially kill off Candida albicans, which have the ability to cause thrush.
Additionally, enzyme-modified products are also being viewed as safer alternatives to more chemically-produced products. This kind of research will not only mean a great deal to oral health in general but also to the health of stomachs as well.
Using Coconut Oil for Better Oral Health
If you have ever considered the idea of using a spoonful of coconut oil to help both clean your teeth and make improvements to your oral health in general, then it may be a good idea to go ahead and do so. Coconut oil contains no fluoride, meaning that the substance is a great deal more effective at cleaning your mouth than normal mouthwash or toothpaste would be.
Oil Pulling
Take a spoonful of extra virgin coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Whatever you do, make sure that you do not actually swallow the oil, as this substance will absorb all of the nasty bacteria in your mouth. Instead, once the time is up, spit the oil out into a garbage can and rinse your teeth well with water. Here is why you should, and how to do it.
Recipe for All-Natural Toothpaste
Here is a recipe for great all-natural toothpaste that you and your family can use in your own home:
- 1/2 of a cup of coconut oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 15 to 30 drops of peppermint essential oil
Begin by melting the coconut oil before blending it together with all of the other ingredients. Then, pour everything into a glass jar and allow the mixture to cool off. You can then use this as you would any normal toothpaste.
Sources: BBC news | The Telegraph | Insider
