Coconut Oil and Oral Health

For centuries, before the development of Western medicine, the traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, traditional medicine of Southern Asian countries, and Vietnamese traditional medicine have used coconut oil as an  as an antimicrobial to protect and promote oral health.

How do people use coconut oil?
It's very simple. You put a teaspoon of coconut oil in mouth. Pull and swirl evenly to ensure that the oil penetrates between the teeth gaps so that the oil can pass through the gums.

The fatty acids in the oil attract and trap bacteria, so with each swirl of the oil, you remove harmful bacteria and plaque from your mouth. It's best to do this in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.

To get the most benefit, keep it in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, spit the oil on a paper towel and throw it in the trash. Do not swallow, because in the oil at this time there are many bacteria. Plus, the oil can solidify and clog your home's pipe, so don't spit it in the sink. Throw it in the trash.

If you feel uncomfortable because of the oil in your mouth, you can rinse your mouth with warm water or brush your teeth as usual.

What are the benefits of coconut oil for oral health?
It is used in traditional medicine to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth that lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup, reduce halitosis (bad breath), and improve gum health.

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from coconut meat and is one of the richest sources of plant-based saturated fat in the world.

The main type of fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is a 12-carbon medium-chain triglyceride - MCT (C12) and makes up about half of coconut oil. It also contains small amounts of palmitic acid (C16) and myristic acid (C14).

Especially the fatty acids in coconut oil have antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for oral health. In particular, lauric acid and monolaurin (a monoglyceride form of lauric acid) have high antibacterial properties.

Coconut oil removes harmful bacteria
Coconut oil attacks harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Coconut oil is especially effective at killing oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Also reduces another common type of bacteria called Candida albicans.

A randomized study in 60 people found a significant reduction in S. mutans bacteria from pulling coconut oil (10 ml per day) for 2 weeks. This is comparable to using chlorhexidine, a common antibacterial ingredient found in standard mouthwashes.

Another study in 50 children aged 8 to 12 years observed a significant reduction in S. mutans bacteria from pulling with coconut oil for 2 to 3 minutes daily for 30 days. Results were similar in the chlorhexidine control group, suggesting that coconut oil may be equally effective.

Coconut oil reduces plaque
and fights gum disease
Gum disease is also known as gingivitis. The main cause of gum disease is the accumulation of dental plaque caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.

In one pilot study, pulling coconut oil for 30 days significantly reduced plaque buildup and markers of gingivitis in 60 participants with plaque-induced gum disease.

Another pilot study also showed a significant reduction in both the plaque index and the blood index (gingival bleeding) after pulling coconut oil for 20 minutes daily for 30 days.

Finally, a 7-day randomized study showed similar results after pulling coconut oil for 10 minutes per day. However, the control group (gargling with mineral water) had similar results, suggesting that regular rinsing may play a larger role in reducing plaque buildup.

Coconut oil prevents bad breath
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common oral health problem. Although certain medical conditions and medications can worsen bad breath, up to 85% of bad breath cases are caused by poor oral hygiene and oral health. Gingivitis, tooth decay, the membrane on the tongue, food debris and a buildup of bacteria can all lead to bad breath.

If you are facing bad breath, then coconut oil pulling can be helpful. Coconut oil contains anti-bacterial properties that can eliminate odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Furthermore, it can help reduce the accumulation of food debris on the teeth, inner cheeks, and tongue.

A randomized pilot trial observed a significant reduction in the sensory assessment of breath and self-reported breath scores after pulling with sesame oil. Coconut oil contains the same saponifying and antibacterial properties as sesame oil, which can lead to similar results.

Tooth whitening
There is no scientific proof that coconut oil can whiten teeth. It can only clean plaque and stains on the tooth surface.

Is coconut oil safe for everyone?
There are also no health risks associated with pulling coconut oil, so coconut oil is very safe for you, unless you are allergic to coconut.

However, pulling coconut oil should not be substituted for regular brushing, flossing and rinsing. Some studies show that practicing coconut oil pulling is as effective as using a chlorhexidine mouthwash, the ADA recognizes the oral health benefits of rinsing your mouth twice daily with a mouthwash to reduce plaque and gingivitis, or gargle with fluoride to prevent tooth decay. 

Compiled and penned by Crocus Media