Cavities and coconut oil
Apart from ginger being my most favourite food in the world, coconut comes next. I apply it all over my hair and body as well as eat it just like I do with ginger. Coconut oil gets added to my black coffee for energy too. Great for weight loss and maintenance too.
Coconut oil, coconut oil, coconut oil. Is there anything it cannot do? We use it for smooth skin, silky hair, and it’s fantastic for cooking. But some may not know what good coconut oil can do for your teeth and gum health.
Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid that makes up almost 50% of coconut oil. In fact, this oil is the richest source of lauric acid known to man. Your body breaks lauric acid down into a compound called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses in the body. According to research, lauric acid is more effective at killing these pathogens than any other saturated fatty acid.
One study tested 30 different fatty acids and compared their ability to fight bacteria. Of all the fatty acids, lauric acid was the most effective. Lauric acid attacks harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. It is particularly effective at killing an oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which is a leading cause of tooth decay. One way in which oil pulling may work is in the reduction of the acidity in the mouth. Since these oils are alkaline they can counteract the effects of the acid in the mouth. Not only will the neutralisation of the acid stop the demineralization of your teeth’s enamel but it has also been shown to stop the growth of cavity causing bacteria. Reduce plaque: gum disease, also known as gingivitis, involves inflammation of the gums. The main cause of gum disease is the build up of dental plaque due to harmful bacteria in the mouth. Current research shows that coconut oil can decrease plaque build up on your teeth and fight gum disease. Prevent decay: coconut oil attacks Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, which are the two groups of bacteria primarily responsible for tooth decay. Several studies suggest that coconut oil can reduce these bacteria as effectively as chlorhexidine, which is the active ingredient used in many mouth rinses.
Comments