Dental cavities and tooth decay are terms used to describe the same condition: damage to the outer surface of the teeth caused by the activity of bacteria that live in plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that covers the teeth. In this article we look at coconut oil and dental bacteria, and at what researchers have found so far.
The good news is that good daily habits help protect your teeth from dental cavities, and some natural products may support them. Research conducted at the Athlone Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland suggests that coconut oil may slow the growth of bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.
What’s the Science Behind Coconut Oil and Dental Cavities?
In the laboratory, enzyme-modified coconut oil was also active against Candida albicans, a yeast that can cause oral thrush. Candida overgrowth is more common in people whose diet is rich in sugar and processed foods.
The researchers focused on the effects of coconut oil on common bacteria strains in the mouth, such as Streptococcus mutans, one of the usual suspects when it comes to tooth decay. The Irish team reported that coconut oil modified by enzymes could become an alternative to some of the chemical additives found in modern dental care products.
According to Dr. Damien Brady, who led the research team, dental decay is a health issue that is often overlooked, even though it affects between 60 and 90% of children and most adults in developed countries. He noted that enzyme-modified coconut oil could be an attractive ingredient for dental care products, especially because it was active at relatively low concentrations.
In addition, with bacteria becoming more resistant to antibiotics, researchers are interested in new ways to manage microbial problems in the mouth.
These were laboratory findings, so more research in people is needed.
Many people also use coconut oil as part of their gum care and teeth whitening routine, although the evidence for whitening is mostly based on personal experience.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Your Teeth
The usual method is simple: take one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for up to 15 minutes. After that, spit it out into a trash can rather than the sink, and brush your teeth in the regular way. Many people do this at least three times a week. In case you didn’t know, this procedure is called oil pulling.
There is some scientific evidence that oil pulling may lower the amount of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. A study published in the African Journal of Microbiology Research reported that oil pulling led to a reduction in the count of these bacteria in the mouth.
The antibacterial effects of sesame oil were analyzed too, and scientists found that this oil also had an impact on S. mutans. These studies reported a general reduction in bacteria of 10 to 35%. After practicing oil pulling for 40 days, participants had about 20% fewer oral bacteria on average.
So, several small studies suggest that oil pulling can be a useful addition to your oral care routine. It does not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, or regular visits to your dentist.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.