Can coconut oil heal cavities?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blogpost will answer the question Can coconut oil heal cavities?and will include the following topics: What is coconut oil?
What is oil pulling?The history of oil pulling
How does oil pulling work?
How to oil pull with coconut oil
Coconut oil and oral health
Oral hygiene tips
Six Simple Ways to Heal Tooth Decay and Reverse Cavities
Risks and considerations
Can a person get rid of cavities at home?
Can coconut oil heal cavities?
No, coconut oil does not heal cavities. Coconut oil is beneficial for oral health and can even help prevent cavities to some extent, but once a cavity is formed it cannot heal the cavity.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from coconut that is one of the greatest plant-based sources of saturated fat on the planet. Coconut oil’s fatty acids have been linked to antimicrobial qualities, which might be beneficial to your dental health. Antimicrobial effects have been linked to lauric acid and monolaurin (the monoglyceride form of lauric acid).
Coconut oil has been used as an antibiotic in Ayurvedic medicine for ages to boost dental health through a practice known as “oil pulling,” which is said to relieve the mouth of germs that cause tooth decay and foul breath.
What is oil pulling?
Swishing with a spoonful of oil for up to 20 minutes is known as oil pulling. It’s been done with coconut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil. Swish a tablespoon of oil about in your mouth, pushing and pulling it around and between your teeth. Teeth and gums, tongue and roof of mouth, and inside of lips and cheeks will all be exposed to the oil.
The history of oil pulling
Oil pulling is a sort of Ayurvedic medicine that is thought to have begun 3,000 years ago in India as a Hindu therapeutic technique. These practices have recently grown in popularity, both in their own region and in other parts of the world. Oil pulling is supposed to “draw” toxins from the body through the mouth, as seen by the cloudiness of the previously clear liquid when it’s time to spit it out.
Oil pulling has only recently been explored for its oral benefits, although it has previously been advised for a variety of diseases such as headaches, asthma, acne, and even diabetes. Oil pulling is commonly assumed to prevent the formation of cavities, eliminate germs in the mouth, and promote healthy gums. According to experts, it can even treat bad breath, ease stress, cure insomnia and weariness, alleviate physical aches, and eliminate digestive disorders.
How does oil pulling work?
Plaque is where bacteria in our mouth reside. Bacteria produce plaque, which is a soft protein film. Plaque is hydrophobic, which is why it may adhere to teeth. Plaque cannot be removed from the teeth by rinsing with water. If plaque had been lipophobic, like water, then water would rinse it away.
Oil pulling eliminates germs from the mouth by washing away plaque and bacteria. Because the oil and plaque are both hydrophobic, they will interact. The extended rinse duration of 20 minutes allows more germs to be washed from where they are adhered, combining with and dissolving in the oil..By the completion of 20 minutes, a significant amount of germs is already removed (or “pulled”) from the teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. The oil spits out the plaque and germs.
How to oil pull with coconut oil
Oil pulling is a growing trend, but it’s not a new concept.
Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes and then spitting it out. In other words, it’s like using oil as a mouthwash.
Here’s how to do it:
Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
Swish the oil around for 15–20 minutes, pushing and pulling it between teeth.
Spit out the oil (into the trash since it can clog sink pipes).
You should brush your teeth.
Because the oil’s fatty acids attract and trap germs, each time you oil pull, you’re eliminating dangerous bacteria and plaque from your mouth.
It’s ideal to do this first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything.
Coconut oil and oral health
It may remove harmful mouth bacteria
Coconut oil may contribute to the fight against unwanted bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to poor breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
It’s especially powerful in killing Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), an oral bacterium that is a primary cause of tooth decay. It can also also help diminish the prevalence of yet another common bacterium known as Candida albicans.
It may reduce plaque and fight gum disease
Gum disease, meaning gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums. Gum disease is caused primarily by the accumulation of dental plaque in the mouth, caused by harmful bacteria, and it is related to poor oral hygiene.
According to recent studies, coconut oil may help in the reduction of plaque accumulation on your teeth and also reduce inflammation to fight gum disease
It may prevent bad breath
Halitosis, or foul breath, is a prevalent oral health problem. While some medical problems and drugs can increase bad breath, poor oral hygiene and dental health contribute to up to 85 percent of bad breath issues.
Gingivitis, tooth decay, tongue film, food debris, and bacterial buildup can all contribute to an unpleasant mouth odour.
If you struggle with bad breath, oil pulling with coconut oil may help. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties that may rid the mouth of odor-causing bacteria.
Oral hygiene tips
While oil pulling with coconut oil can be an excellent supplement to your dental hygiene routine, it should not be used in place of regular oral care.
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice everyday using fluoride toothpaste is the ideal approach to keep your mouth healthy. Use your toothbrush or a soft tongue scraper to scrape or brush your tongue and inside of your cheeks.
Furthermore, drinking water throughout the day, reducing sugary foods and drinks, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis are all helpful approaches for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Six Simple Ways to Heal Tooth Decay and Reverse Cavities
Like most people, when you discover you have a cavity or pain in your teeth, the first thing you do is make an appointment with your dentist as you think that fillings are the only way to fix cavities. However, what most people fail to realize is that tooth decay and cavities can rarely be reversed and fillings aren’t the only option available.
Here are some principles behind how you can heal cavities naturally and prevent tooth decay.
Reduce the amount of sugar you consume by changing your diet.
A change in diet, according to research, can really reverse dental decay. You may make simple dietary changes right now, such as:
Increasing your calcium intake by eating more calcium-rich foods (such as kale, collards, broccoli rabe, and dairy) will help to strengthen your bones and teeth.
Pop, juice, and carbonated beverages should be avoided since the sugars create excessive plaque and tartar formation, which can lead to cavities.
Brush your teeth at least twice.
Ensure you reach all the surfaces, crevices, pockets and corners.Floss at least once every day. This helps eliminate any residual food from behind your gums and inhibits the formation of germs.Use mouthwash; it has antibacterial characteristics and aids in the removal of any bacteria that may have remained in your mouth..
Vitamins and supplements should be included in your diet.
Micronutrients are necessary for bone health and to keep inflammation in check in order to avoid or reverse cavities. Certain vitamins aid in the production of saliva, which helps to keep bacteria from sticking to your teeth, and certain vitamins assist to strengthen your teeth.Bananas, Brussels sprouts, and peas are all foods that encourage salivation. Vitamin B, D, magnesium, and iron are among the vitamins you should take. If you don’t want to take supplements, eat healthy grains and fish instead (i.e. salmon, canned tuna and sardines are all great sources of vitamin D).
Consume meals that contain natural probiotics.
Consuming probiotics helps to counteract the acidic pH because nasty bacteria linked with illness hunt for places to hide in the little crevices between the teeth. Kombucha, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchee and sauerkraut are high in probiotics. These meals promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which is necessary to avoid plaque accumulation and tooth damage.
Keep an eye out for the pH levels in the foods and beverages you eat.
Bacteria can grow in an environment with an unbalanced pH level. Coffee, like other citrus fruits and sweets, causes pH imbalances and serves as the ideal setting for pathogenic mouth bacteria to thrive. If you consume coffee on a regular basis and have tooth decay, green tea is a fantastic option since it includes a polyphenol (known as catechins) that serves as a potent antioxidant and has various anti-inflammatory qualities that inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria and improves oral health.
Create a different oral care routine
Oil pulling is said to produce a soap-like washing agent on the teeth that is also hydrating and antibacterial. To minimise plaque development, it entails swishing an oil (such as sesame, sunflower, or coconut oil) in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. It is critical that you do not ingest the oil and that you rinse your teeth immediately thereafter. In just one month, oil pulling was found to decrease plaque and gingivitis.
Risks and considerations
This approach using coconut oil is not suitable for individuals who have allergies to coconuts or coconut oil. Apart from that, there are no known risks.
It’s worth mentioning that oil pulling isn’t a substitute for brushing, flossing, or other forms of dental hygiene.
Can you get rid of cavities at home?
Cavities must be treated by a dentist.
Several home treatments, on the other hand, can help to strengthen tooth enamel in the pre-cavity stage. This is known as remineralizing, and it inhibits the formation of cavities.
Brushing the teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to remineralize tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
However, some people prefer to use natural home remedies, rather than products containing fluoride. Some of these remedies include:
Aloe vera
Aloe vera tooth gel may help to combat cavity-causing bacteria. This gel’s antibacterial properties eliminate dangerous bacteria in the mouth.
Avoid phytic acid
Cereals and legumes, such as red kidney beans, contain phytic acid.
Because phytic acid can destroy tooth enamel, some people feel that eliminating it from their diet can help them avoid tooth decay and cavities.
Phytic acid is most commonly found in cereals and legumes, including the following:
maize
wheat
rice
rye
kidney beans
haricot beans
pinto beans
navy beans
blackeye beans
broad beans
Vitamin D
It is said that vitamin D supplements help to decrease incidence of dental cavities significantly. The vitamin may have a mineralizing effect, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Consumption of sugar is among the leading causes of cavities. Sugar mixes with bacteria in the mouth and forms an acid, which wears down tooth enamel.
Eat licorice root
Antibacterial properties of licorice root may contribute to the treatment of cavities.
According to a study, the antibacterial capabilities of licorice root may target microorganisms that cause cavities.
Sugar-free gum
Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum after meals reduces levels of bacteria that damages the enamel.
Having less of this bacteria can lead to stronger enamel that is better equipped to withstand decay.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can oil pulling really heal cavities?
No, oil pulling cannot heal cavities. Oil pulling is a common practice, known to promote good oral health and fight against the decay causing bacteria thereby preventing cavities. But once a cavity is formed, it cannot be healed by oil pulling.
Does coconut oil cause cavities?
No, coconut oil does not cause cavities. In fact, coconut oil consists of beneficial fatty acids that help in fighting the cavity causing bacteria.
How do you heal cavities naturally?
No, you cannot heal cavities naturally. You can however use some natural methods to prevent cavities such as oil pulling, aloe vera application, following a healthy diet etc.
Does coconut oil restore tooth enamel?
No, coconut oil cannot restore tooth enamel. Tooth enamel once lost cannot grow back. It has to be treated by a professional dentist.
Can you reverse a cavity?
A cavity can be reversed only if caught at the stage of demineralization.
Other FAQs about Teeth Cavities that you may be interested in.
Can you get cavities from eating fruit?