According to researchers, 60 to 90 percent of children in industrialized nations are affected by tooth decay or cavities. But scientists from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland found that coconut oil which had been treated with enzymes stopped the growth of Streptococcus bacteria–a common cause of tooth decay.[1] Also, enzyme-treated coconut oil inhibited growth of Candida albicans that causes thrush, a yeast infection characterized by whitish, velvety sores in the mouth and tongue.[2]
“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,” said lead author Dr. Damien Brady from Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT). This use of coconut oil in dental care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash could be an attractive alternative to current chemical additives.
The nice aspect of this is coconut oil may be selective by leaving healthy bacteria in place to help protect your teeth, rather than the typical broad spectrum products that indiscernibly wipe out all of your mouth’s bacteria. We will keep you updated as more research is published. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD
Hanna Orland, DMD
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
and
3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Chamblee, GA 30341
770-455-6076
Related articles
- Dark spot on my tooth? Sandy Springs Dentist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Sandy Springs: Dental Disease is a Lifestyle Disease (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- BPA-Protect your kid’s teeth! Dentist Sandy Springs (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Cavities at My Age? Dentist Sandy Springs (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- New Smile, why not? Sandy Springs Dentists (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Does Poor Oral Health Cause Alzheimer’s? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Tooth Root Exposed? Not good… Dentist Sandy Springs (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
[1] The study was presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s autumn conference at the University of Warwick.
[2] Ibid.