When it comes to our overall health, one part that we would certainly never want to skip is our oral health. From the time that we are very young, we are taught to brush our teeth on a regular basis and to visit the dentist regularly to keep cavities away. Unfortunately, many of us have ended up with dental problems, even if we did everything the “right way.”
More than likely, you have heard about the benefits of using coconut oil. What you might not realize, however, is that coconut oil can actually be quite good for your dental health. According to research, it is a great substitute for over-the-counter toothpaste which may contain irritants and unhealthy chemicals.
Caring for your dental health is very important for keeping yourself healthy overall. An infection that starts in the mouth may lead to health issues in other parts of the body, some of which could be quite serious. Those other health issues could include dementia, heart disease, strokes and respiratory disease. Taking care of your dental health, therefore, is an important part of staying healthy. Coconut oil is reported to be one of the best ingredients to maintain your dental health. It helps to keep that health at an optimum level and has even been shown to be more effective than regular toothpaste.
According to a recent study at the Athlone Institute in Ireland, coconut oil is better than any other type of oil when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. It is antibacterial and contains digestive enzymes that help to prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Streptococcus and S Mutans are 2 different types of acid producing bacteria that lead to the decomposition of teeth in children and adults. They feed on sugar and when they are in the mouth, it leads to an acidic environment that destroys the structure of the tooth and allows the inside of the tooth to rot.
The main researcher at the Athlone Institute, Dr. Damien Brady, had the following to say:
“Involving coconut oil with adjusted enzymes in the products of dental hygiene represents an interesting alternative to chemical additives, especially because it works at considerably reduced concentrations. Plus, with bigger antibiotic hostility, it is essential for us to pay attention in finding and using some new ways to fight against microbial infection.”
Many people turn to natural methods of cleaning their teeth to avoid the chemical laden commercial toothpastes. Those toothpastes, the ones you find in the grocery store, may include triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Quite obviously, that could lead to some health issues.
As an example, triclosan could lead to endocrine issues and sodium lauryl sulfate could affect your taste buds negatively. A healthy natural toothpaste using coconut oil, on the other hand, can be of great benefit.
Here is how to make it:
Ingredients:
½ cup coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons baking soda
15-30 drops of lemon, thieves, or peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients, and use the paste as any other.
Moreover, oil pulling is another way to protect your teeth and support dental health. You should swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth for about 5-20 minutes on an empty stomach.
Afterward, spit the oil, which will absorb the bacteria from the mouth, and leave the teeth clean, healthy, and white.
Be sure to share this with your friends on Facebook