Recently, the Society for General Microbiology at the University of Warwick did a study on digested coconut oil and how it is able to inhibit bacteria growth in the mouth that causes tooth decay. This is according to a news release in medicalnewstoday.com

Tooth decay sometimes referred to as cavity, or dental caries, is an infection with bacterial origin. It causes demineralization of the hard tissues on the tooth and its destruction. Tooth decay is prominent in 42% of children 2 to 11, and 23% remain untreated.

This is another win for coconut oil, touted to be a “wonder oil” with the ability to cure or help with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, help in  boosting thyroid, increases metabolism, promoted a lean body and weight loss if necessary, supports the immune system, and improves heart health. Coconut oil has been a staple in the diet of tropical cultures for thousands of years, and has helped them live for longer periods of time than other cultures.

The Experiment

A team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland tested the antibacterial qualities of coconut oil in its natural state versus the one treated with enzymes which mimics the digested form of the oil.

Both were tested against strains of Streptococcus bacteria, a common inhabitant of the mouth. The study showed that the enzyme-modified coconut oil subdued the development of most strains of the Stretococcus bacteria, which is a major cause of tooth decay.

Does this mean you should stop using your ol’ trusty toothpaste and go for the coconut oil? Maybe not, but coconut oil can be added to dental hygiene products to fortify them and combat decay-causing bacteria.

“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,” says Brady, associate director of the Bioscience Research Institute at the Athlone Institute and the one who lead the research.

It seems nature has provided us with enough arsenals versus certain medical conditions; it’s only up to us to discover it.

Does your child have a bad case of tooth decay or cavities? Have your child checked by your friendly Chandler Dentist Dr Rahimi at Kyrene Family Dentistry. Book your appointment today!

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