Dental health is crucial to one's overall well-being, and coconut oil toothpaste is becoming a proven solution to dental issues. Several infections of the mouth can cause other problems within the body. Heart disease, stroke, dementia, and respiratory problems have all been linked to poor dental health. (Emaxhealth)
Of course, to help keep the body healthy, we recommend regular visits to the dentist. But what about between visits? What is the best way to keep your mouth healthy?
Coconut oil toothpaste might be the next step in dental health. Due to sensitivity, over the counter toothpaste and rinses are just too irritating. Many will be happy that a coconut oil alternative is being researched.
Coconut oil natural remedies have been all the craze lately and for good reason; coconut oil benefits are endless. It has great antibacterial properties that hold significant benefits to the mouth. In a recent study from the Athlone Institute of Technology on different oils and their benefits toward mouth health, coconut oil proved to be the best. Coconut oil, when treated with digestive enzymes, does an excellent job at stopping bacterial growth in the mouth. This includes bacteria with the S mutation. (BBC News)
The S. Mutans or Streptococcus mutans are acid-producing bacteria. They contribute to tooth decay for both adults and children. These bacteria get their energy from sugar and in return produce an acidic mouth environment. This acidic environment then demineralizes the tooth structure which leads to tooth decay. (Microbewiki)
Photo: DavidWolfe.com - Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Dr. Damien Brady, the lead researcher from Athlone Institute of Technology, stated, “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.” (BBC News)
Using a more natural solution for toothpaste is a great choice for anyone trying to avoid harmful chemicals. Many kinds of toothpaste contain triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Each one of these chemicals can cause health problems. Unfortnuately, triclosan - a favorite toothpaste additive - causes endocrine disruption that leads to several different cancers. Also sodium lauryl sulfate, which creates the foaming action in toothpaste, affects the taste buds, creating a bitter taste. (Mercola)
Another common practice is coconut oil pulling. You simply swish 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the mouth for 5-20 minutes on an empty stomach. Once finished, spit out the coconut oil. It also helps remove toxins and bacteria. This practice also improves dental health.
Ready to try coconut oil as toothpaste? Start with this simple recipe!
DavidWolfe.com - Coconut Oil ToothpasteNatural Toothpaste Recipe
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
- 15-30 drops of peppermint, lemon, or thieves essential oil