Streptococcus mutans is an acid-producing bacteria that highly affects the tooth decay. The tooth decay affects 60-90 % of children and majority of adults living in industrialized countries.



This study showed that when the coconut oil was treated with digestive enzymes, it successfully prevents the growth of many differing bacteria found in the mouth, including the Streptococcus mutans.

Even though the finding that coconut oil provides potent bacteria fighting properties is nothing new, additional follow up studies presented at the Autumn meeting of the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick, indicate that enzyme- treated coconut oil acts as killer to the Candida albicans, type of yeast.

According to the said lead researcher Dr Damien Brady, from the Athlone Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland, “Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations. Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection. ”

Besides the vast importance of their research in terms of our oral health, this study also investigates the effects if digested products like coconut oil, on our overall gut health.

As Dr. Brady explains:“Our data suggests that products of human digestion show antimicrobial activity. This could have implications for how bacteria colonise the cells lining the digestive tract and for overall gut health.”

In case you have never considered the coconut oil as a way to clean your teeth and improve the oral health, it is high time to do so. In fact, the coconut oil is even more effective than the toothpaste or mouth wash you normally use, as it doesn’t contain fluoride.

Oil Pulling

Just swish a spoonful of extra virgin coconut oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Then, spit it out and rinse with water. Make sure you don’t swallow the oil because it is loaded with the nasty mouth bugs.

Tooth Paste Recipe

Ingredients:

½ cup Coconut Oil
15-30 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
2-3 Tablespoons Baking Soda

Instructions:

Combine the coconut oil, the peppermint oil and the baking soda. Mix well. Transfer into a glass jar and let it cool off. Use it as replacement to the tooth paste you normally use.

source : complete-health-and-happiness.com