Because coconut oil has so many uses—from cooking to dental care—it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Coconut oil has inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it a great complement to your oral hygiene regimen. This post will discuss the benefits of coconut oil for teeth and provide advice on how to use it properly.
The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Oral Health
Antibacterial Properties
Lauric acid makes up around half of the oil in coconut oil. The strong antibacterial qualities of lauric acid are well recognized; these abilities are especially useful against Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium that causes cavities and tooth decay. A healthy oral environment may be promoted by using coconut oil to help decrease dangerous germs in the mouth.
Prevents Plaque Buildup
When plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, accumulates on the gums and teeth, it can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and poor breath. Coconut oil's antibacterial properties reduce the development of plaque, averting the emergence of these oral health problems.
Reduces Inflammation and Gum Health
Because it is anti-inflammatory, coconut oil relieves gum irritation and lessens gingivitis-related swelling. It is a helpful treatment for those with gum sensitivity or inflammation since regular usage can enhance overall gum health.
Freshens Breath
Bacterial proliferation in the mouth is frequently the source of bad breath or halitosis. After using it, your breath will smell cleaner and fresher because of the antibacterial properties of coconut oil.
Prevents Tooth Decay
In the end, coconut oil prevents tooth decay by assisting in the reduction of germs and plaque. Your teeth stay healthy and cavity-free because of keeping your mouth cleaner.
Teeth Whitening
Coconut oil pulls may provide a little teeth-whitening effect. Over time, frequent oil pulling can help eliminate surface stains from teeth, although the results won't be as noticeable straight away as they would be with chemical teeth whiteners.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Dental Care
Let's get started on using coconut oil in your regular dental practice now that you are aware of its advantages. The method of using coconut oil known as "oil pulling" is among the most widely used and successful. Here’s how to do it:
Oil Pulling Method
Swishing oil around in your mouth to get rid of toxins and bacteria is known as "oil pulling," an old Ayurvedic technique. To use coconut oil for oil pulling, follow these steps:
- Take approximately one spoonful, approximately, of coconut oil. Before you begin, you can let the oil melt in your tongue if it's solid (as it sometimes is at lower temps).
- Take ten to twenty minutes to swish the oil around your lips. Make careful to move it in and out of your teeth.
- Oil may block pipes, so dispose of it in a trash can rather than the sink.
- Use plenty of water to rinse your mouth.
- As always, brush your teeth.
Try oil pulling once a day, ideally in the morning before you eat or drink anything, for optimal effects.
Coconut Oil as a Toothpaste
Coconut oil may be used in your brushing regimen if you would rather not oil pull. To make your natural toothpaste, whisk together a little quantity of coconut oil and baking soda. Here's how to do it:
- One spoonful of baking soda and two teaspoons of coconut oil should be combined.
- For extra taste and antimicrobial qualities, add a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil.
- As you would with ordinary toothpaste, clean your teeth with this combination.
The same antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of conventional toothpaste are offered by this homemade version, which is completely natural and devoid of any possibly dangerous ingredients.
For Use as a Mouth Rinse
You may use coconut oil as a mouth rinse if you'd rather employ a quick and simple procedure. Just take a tiny bit of coconut oil—roughly a half-teaspoon—swish it about your mouth for a minute or two, and then gargle it out. While not as effective as oil pulling, this technique is nevertheless a handy way to keep your tongue fresh and combat bacteria all day long.
Tips for Choosing and Using Coconut Oil
Choose Virgin Coconut Oil: Choose virgin or extra virgin coconut oil when choosing coconut oil for oral hygiene. These are the least processed varieties, and they contain the most healthy ingredients, like as lauric acid.
It's Important to Be Consistent: Being consistent is essential if you want to get the full dental advantages of coconut oil. Make using coconut oil for brushing or oil pulling a regular habit.
Don’t Swallow the Oil: When you withdraw oil, poisons and microorganisms are released into the oil. Ensure that you spit it out rather than ingesting it.
Use Concurrently Regular Dental Care: Although coconut oil can significantly improve your dental hygiene, frequent brushing and flossing should still be done. Rather than taking the place of expert dental treatment, it is a supplement to it.
