Benefits Of Brushing Your Teeth With Coconut Oil
Brushing your teeth is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps in removing plaque, bacteria, and food debris that may cause tooth decay and gum disease. While most people use toothpaste to clean their teeth, there's a growing trend of using coconut oil as an alternative. Coconut oil has been found to have several benefits when it comes to oral health. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of brushing your teeth with coconut oil.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is high in saturated fat, medium-chain fatty acids, and antioxidants. Coconut oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It has also gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative to conventional beauty and health products.
Benefits of Brushing Your Teeth with Coconut Oil
1. Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis
Studies have shown that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. The lauric acid in coconut oil can help break down the bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis. A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found that oil pulling with coconut oil for 30 days reduced plaque and gingivitis in the participants.
2. Freshens Breath
Coconut oil can also freshen your breath. The antimicrobial properties in coconut oil can help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Oil pulling with coconut oil can help remove the bacteria that cause halitosis and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
3. Whitens Teeth
Coconut oil can also help whiten your teeth. The lauric acid in coconut oil can help remove surface stains on the teeth. A study published in the Nigerian Journal of Medicine found that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 days resulted in a significant reduction in plaque and a slight improvement in tooth color.
4. Soothes Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, brushing with coconut oil can help soothe them. The antimicrobial properties in coconut oil can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can cause sensitivity. Coconut oil can also help strengthen the enamel on your teeth, which can help protect them from sensitivity.
5. Prevents Cavities
Coconut oil can also help prevent cavities. The lauric acid in coconut oil can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities. A study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry found that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes a day for 10 days reduced the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which are the main bacteria that cause cavities.
How to Brush Your Teeth with Coconut Oil
Brushing your teeth with coconut oil is easy. Here's how:
- Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and put it in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
- Spit the oil out into a trash can (not the sink, as it can clog the drain).
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Brush your teeth as you normally would with toothpaste.
Conclusion
Brushing your teeth with coconut oil can have several benefits for your oral health. It can reduce plaque and gingivitis, freshen your breath, whiten your teeth, soothe sensitive teeth, and prevent cavities. Coconut oil is a natural alternative to conventional toothpaste that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
