• Dental Health
  • Patient Education

Coconut Oil and Seaweed Could Reduce Your Chances of Tooth Decay

Coconut Oil:

According to a new study from the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland, coconut oil can prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of bacteria that can stick to the surface of your teeth. Coconut oil can also be used to eliminate specific types of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

Cavities and tooth decay are a major issue which affects 60-90% of children and the majority of adults. Researchers suggest that the addition of coconut oil in toothpaste and mouthwash can help people combat tooth decay more effectively. It is also suggested that dental hygienist can use coconut oil during regular cleaning and check up appointments to target specific types of bacteria.

The coconut oil will first have to be treated with digestive enzymes, which will enable it to target harmful bacteria and prevent tooth decay, so don’t be quick to add the coconut oil that you keep at home to your toothpaste just yet. The health concerns that may stem from coconut oil as well as the benefits have yet to be further researched.

Seaweed:

Researchers from Newcastle University have discovered a secret weapon to target tooth decay: seaweed. According to a recent study, researchers found that when bacteria feel threatened, it forms a slimy shield on your teeth. This slimy shield of bacteria is a major cause of plaque build-up and tooth decay. Regular brushing can scrub off this plaque and bacteria, but it is not always effective if the bacteria have already formed this type of shield.

Bacillus licheniformis, found on the surface of seaweed, releases an enzyme that forces the bacteria to break down that shield—making it more vulnerable and easier to clean. Bacillus licheniformis was originally used to clean ship hulls, which is where researchers first discovered the other possible uses for this particular enzyme. Researchers recommend that the enzyme be used in smaller quantities in toothpaste to help you clean your teeth more effectively and better avoid oral health issues such as tooth decay.

Further research is being done on the uses of coconut oil and seaweed in oral health products—so don’t be surprised if you see “coconut oil mouthwash” or “seaweed toothpaste” in the oral health aisle in your local grocery store! You’ll be ahead of the curve and well-educated in its benefits against tooth decay and plaque build-up.