By now, I think almost everyone has heard about the benefits of using coconut oil and perhaps you have even started using it on a limited basis. You may use it on your skin or perhaps you may use it for cooking but did you realise that the benefits of coconut oil extend far beyond those basic items? As a matter of fact, it may be just what you need for your dental health.
According to research, coconut oil may be the ideal substitute for your store-bought toothpaste. Most of those commercial toothpastes contain a wide variety of chemicals and can even cause irritation when you use them.
Not only is dental health important for a good smile, it is important for your overall health. The infections that could occur within the mouth may be a trigger for other issues within the body, including dementia, heart disease, respiratory disease and stroke. That is why you should always take care of your dental health.
According to recent studies, coconut oil is one of the top ingredients to use to maintain your dental health at the highest level. It is more effective than toothpaste.
One of those studies was conducted at the Athlone Institute and found that coconut oil was better than other oils when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and clean. It is antibacterial and the digestive enzymes prevent the bacteria from growing in the mouth.
Streptococcus and S Mutans are acid-producing bacteria and they can lead to the decomposition of teeth in children and adults. They use sugar for energy and grow easily in the acidic environment in the mouth.
According to Dr. Damien Brady, a researcher at the Athlone Institute of technology:
“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.”
In order to avoid the harmful chemicals associated with toothpaste, you should use a more natural way to keep your teeth clean. Toothpaste contains fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan and artificial sweeteners, including aspartame.
Triclosan, one of the antibacterial pesticides found in toothpaste can even have a negative effect on the taste buds.
In order to avoid these and other problems, use the following natural toothpaste recipe with coconut oil:
Ingredients:
1/2 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.
You may also want to try oil pulling to support your dental health. Swisher tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes on an empty stomach. After finished, spit out the oil. It will absorb the bacteria from the mouth and leave your teeth clean, white and healthy.
Via: Healthy Food House
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