6 Reasons to Start Using Coconut Oil as Toothpaste

That coconut oils is pretty effectiveshowed a recent  study based on coconut’s oil biocidal properties against harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Scientists tested coconut oil in its natural form, and after it was treated with enzymes, in a process that simulated digestion. It was tested against of Streptococcus, known as common inhabitant of oral cavities.

“Products an attractive alternative to chemical additives would beincorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations. Also,it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection with increasing antibiotic resistance.”

Check these 6 reasons to use coconut oil as an effective toothpaste:

1. It contains no harmful chemicals

Conventional toothpaste is loaded with triclosan, an antibacterial chemical which is associated with common issues like antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.

Because they cause many health problems, like: breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer, preterm and low birth weight babies, precocious puberty in girls, and undescended testicles in boysendocrine-disrupting chemicals are considered as a serious concern.

Certaina animal studies have revealed that triclosan causes fetal bone malfunctions in laboratory mice and rats, which could possibly indicate hormonal effects.

Conventional toothpastes also contain fluoride. It is a toxic industrial waste product, and even when found in trace amount it acts as a poison to human body…

2. Fights cavity-causing bacteria

Researchers say that , you will significantly reduce Streptococcus mutans, a decay-causing bacteria, and plaque if you massage some coconut oil onto the gums for 10 minutes a day, for three wees.

3. It contains no foaming agents

Producers also add surfactants like sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) to conventional toothpastes. These chemicals provide the foaming action of toothpastes, but because they break up the phospholipids on tonguethey also interfere with the function of taste buds.

This promotes bitter tastes which is why everything tastes bad right after you brush your teeth. This is another reason why coconut oil does miracles for oral hydiene, because it maintains a natural balance of lipids on your tongue, and still provides strong antibacterial properties.

4. It is totally inexpensive

A tiny amount of coconut oil is enough to keep your teeth clean. A jar of coconut oil lasts for months, which is why it is so inexpensive.

5. Use coconut oil on your dog’s teeth

Of course, you would not brush your pet’s teeth with conventional “human” toothpaste. Coconut oil is safe and effective for both pets and humans. Apply some coconut oil with a toothbrush, but your dog will sure benefit only by licking a tiny amount of oil. The following recipe is not recommended for dogs, as some ingredients that are safe for people can be dangerous for pets.

6. It is simple to make

You can make your own coconut oil toothpaste from just a few ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Baking soda– It acts as an abrasive and promotes whitening
• Essential oils– These give flavor and therapeutic benefits.When it comes to inhibiting formation of biofilm formations that are associated with cavities peppermint oil is superior to chlorohexidine, a mouthwash chemical.
• Erythritol, xylitol, or stevia (optional) act as natural sweeteners. Xylitol has shown to reduce cavities. But, do not add xylitol if you use this toothpaste to clean your pet’s teeth, because it is toxic to dogs.
• Salt
• Bentonite clay — It gives paste-like consistency. It also draws out toxins from gums and tongue.

Use coconut oil for Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is actually rinsing your mouth with some coconut oil, pretty similar like you do with regular mouthwash. However, you should not gargle with it. Swish it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Try swishing coconut oil for just five minutes at a time if you are new in this.

The oil pulls out cavity-causing bacteria and debris from your oral cavity. Spit it out once it thins and turns milky white.

Oil pulling has shown to have a powerful cleansing and healing effect, as proven by science:

– It reduces counts of Streptococcus mutans (which causes tooth decay) in children’s plaque and saliva.

— Oil pulling reduces plaque, improves gum health, and reduces aerobic microorganisms in plaque in adolescent boys with gingivitis induced by plaque

— It is as effective as mouthwash when it comes to eliminating bad breath and reducing microorganisms that cause it.

— Thanks to its mechanical cleaning actionoil pulling protects oral cavity.

We note that the above studies involved sesame oil, which is traditionally used and recommended.

Avoid fluoridated toothpaste

Fluoride has been associated with decaying teeth. A study published in the journal Langmuil uncovered that the “beneficial” fluorapatite layer on your teeth is actually six nanometers thick.

To be more precise, you would need about 10,000 such layers to obtain the width of a single strand of human hair. Scientists still debate over the power of this ultra-thin layer when it comes to protecting tooth enamel and providing health benefits, taking into considering that you could easily eliminate it by chewing.

Fluoride toothpastes are the largest source of fluoride intake in small children and it is also a risk factor for dental fluorosis. This happens because children like to swallow some of the toothpaste they use to brush their teeth.

Moreover, researchers say that it is not uncommon for small children to swallow more fluoride from their toothpaste than they should throughout the entire day from different sources.

As fluoride is a toxic chemical that tends to accumulate in tissues, affect enzyme function and causes many health problems, like endocrine or neurological functionSwallowing fluoride, same as drinking fluoridated water, harms health.

Children are at a high risk for side-effects caused by overexposure. Children should use a fluoride-free toothpaste, but you as an adult as well.

Improve your dental health

Toothpastes based on natural ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, xylitol, and others the like, are much safer and more effective than fluoride toothpaste. Do not expose yourself to fluoride and other harmful chemicals like triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate. Here are some basic guidelines for improving dental health naturally:

— Avoid fluoride-containing toothpastes and fluoridated water. Use fluoride-free toothpaste or make your own natural toothpaste. Choose toothpastes from reputable brands.

— Reduce sugar and grain intake. Your fructose intake should be less than 25 grams per day. Avoid processed foods at any cost.

— Your diet should include fresh and whole food, fermented vegetables and grass-fed meat. These will give you enough minerals to strengthen your bones and teeth.

— Maintain proper oral hygiene and get regular mercury-free cleansing. Scrub your teeth with a washcloth before you brush them to remove any built-up biofilm.

Remember, nature provides many solutions to refresh your breath. Chew some fresh parsley, mint cilantro or ginger slices to freshen your breath.

You can also place a cucumber slice on the roof of your oral cavity to remove any odor-causing bacteria. According to Ayurveda, cucumbers also release excess heat in stomach, which is believed to be the primary cause of bad breath.

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