Dental Uses of Coconut Oil

We use different types of oils on our bodies to get moisturized. Oils such as coconut oils are rich with benefits that keep them healthy when applied to the body and hair. But ever wondered if coconut oils can have dental applications as well. Today, we shall discuss some of the dental benefits of coconut oil.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil, mainly extracted from coconut meat, is one of the world’s richest sources of plant-based saturated fats.

Coconut oil mainly contains a type of fat known as Lauric Oil, a medium-chain 12 carbon triglyceride. Other components such as Palmitic acids and myristic acid are also present. The lauric acid of coconut oil is rich in Antimicrobial Properties, thus providing better oral health.

Coconut oil is readily available commercially in supermarkets. Most people prefer extra-virgin coconut oil due to its limiting processing and better qualities.

Oral Health and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is spread on the teeth by a process called oil pulling. Oil pulling is a procedure in which a person swishes coconut oil in his mouth and around the teeth.

Along with the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, swishing oil in the mouth can have a cleansing or Saponification effect, which can reduce plaque and adhesion of bacteria of the teeth.

Following are some dental advantages of coconut oil.

Removal of Harmful Bacteria

Our oral cavity contains many bacteria that contribute to maintaining the flora of the mouth. However, excessive bacteria in the mouth can cause dental issues such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gum diseases. Coconut oils are believed to attack these harmful bacteria.

A bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans is a leading cause of tooth decay, and coconut oil is significantly effective in killing this bacteria. Another bacteria called Candida albicans is also killed by coconut oil.

Prevention of Bad Breath

Medically, bad breath is termed Halitosis. It is a common dental issue, and certain medications and medical problems can potentially aggravate lousy breath. Studies reveal that up to 85% of bad breath is due to poor hygiene conditions and oral health.

Gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, food debris, and bacteria buildup may lead to an unpleasant mouth odor. However, if you are struggling with bad breath, coconut oil could help.

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties, thus helping eliminate bacteria present in the mouth to avoid bad breath. It may also help prevent food debris buildup between your teeth, cheeks, or tongue.

Prevention of Plaque and Fighting Gum Diseases

Gingivitis, gum disease, can cause inflammation of your gums. The leading cause of gingivitis is associated with bacteria in which there is the buildup of plaque mainly due to harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Recent researches show that coconut oil effectively reduces plaque buildup in your mouth, thus reducing inflammation and ultimately fighting gum diseases.

While much research shows promising and significant results; however, more study is required in this aspect.

How to Use Coconut Oil on Teeth?

While talking about the benefits of coconut oils on oral and dental health, we must also know how to apply this oil to our teeth?

Oil pulling is not an advanced trend, and it has been used since times in India and related content. Oil pulling is the process of putting and swishing oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out. In other words, you are using coconut oil as a mouth washer.

Follow the steps to know about applying coconut oil:

  • Put about a single tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
  • Wiggle the oil around for at least 15 to 20 minutes, pushing and pulling it between your teeth.
  • Spit out the oil into the trash.
  • Then Brush your teeth with toothpaste.

The fatty acids present in oil attract and dissolve harmful bacteria in your mouth so that when you spit it up, you are spitting harmful bacteria and plaque from your mouth.

Conclusion

Coconut oil has been used for at least thousands of years in Ayurveda medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence present for most of the remedies. Therefore, you may not solely depend upon coconut oil for your dental procedures. Expert guidance is a must, and a dentist deals with the problems related to your dental or oral health. To consult the best dentists, visit MARHAM.PK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Should I Solely depend upon coconut oil for my dental health?

Coconut oil can be an excellent addition to your dental care. However, you may not solely depend upon this. You must brush your teeth with good fluoridated toothpaste twice a day to keep your oral health.

2- What other problems are associated with dental health?

Dental or oral health affects a person’s mouth and triggers other problems if these are involved, such as diabetes or even cancers. Therefore maintaining proper dental health is necessary.

3- Will coconut oil whiten your teeth?

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence of whitening your teeth by applying coconut oil. However, Coconut oil can potentially help fight harmful bacterias present in your mouth.

4- Can I swallow coconut oil after wiggling in my mouth?

You must avoid swallowing coconut oil after wiggling in your mouth. Since coconut oil contains many bacteria after fiddling in the mouth, it can negatively affect your gut health.

 

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