6 Reasons to Start Using Coconut Oil as Toothpaste

A study based on coconut's oil biocidal properties against harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay showed that coconut oils are pretty effective.

Scientists tested coconut oil in its natural form, and after it was treated with enzymes, in a process that simulated digestion. It was tested against of Streptococcus, known as a common inhabitant of oral cavities.

A case could be made that coconut oil has a near-perfect makeup to act as an effective toothpaste. Six top reasons, as reported by MindBodyGreen, include:

1. No Harmful Chemicals

Conventional toothpaste brands like Colgate Total are loaded with triclosan, an antibacterial chemical which is associated with common issues like antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are considered as a serious concern, because they cause many health problems, like breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer, preterm and low birth weight babies, precocious puberty in girls, and undescended testicles in boys.

Conventional toothpaste also contain fluoride. It is a toxic industrial waste product, and it acts as a poison to human body, even when found in trace amount.

2. Fights cavity-causing bacteria

Coconut oil is anti-bacterial and has shown to be very effective at killing the bad bacteria in your mouth. Think of it as Mother Nature's mouthwash! Swishing the coconut oil in your mouth after you brush will give you the same effect as a traditional mouthwash. minus the harness.

3. No Foaming Agents

Many kinds of toothpaste also contain surfactants like sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). Surfactants are chemicals responsible for the foaming action of the toothpaste, but they also interfere with the functioning of your taste buds by breaking up the phospholipids on your tongue.

This enhances bitter tastes and is thought to be the reason why everything tastes so bad right after you've brushed your teeth. This may also be part of why coconut oil works so well for oral hygiene, as it helps maintain a more natural balance of lipids on your tongue while still having potent antibacterial properties.

Not to mention, SLS has even been linked to painful canker sores, with research suggesting an SLS-free toothpaste should be used for people with recurring sores.

4. Inexpensive
A tiny amount of coconut oil is enough to keep your teeth clean. A jar of coconut oil lasts for months, which is why it is so inexpensive.

5. Use coconut oil on your dog's teeth too

Of course, you would not brush your pet's teeth with conventional "human" toothpaste. Coconut oil is safe and effective for both pets and humans. Apply some coconut oil with a toothbrush, but your dog will sure benefit only by licking a tiny amount of oil. The following recipe is not recommended for dogs, as some ingredients that are safe for people can be dangerous for pets.

6. Simple to Make

Coconut oil toothpaste is simple to make with just a few ingredients:

•Coconut oil
•Baking soda – helps with whitening, acts an abrasive to help clean your teeth
•Essential oils – these oils give flavor and therapeutic benefits. Peppermint oil is superior to chlorhexidine, a mouthwash chemical when it comes to the inhibiting formation of biofilm formations that are associated with cavities.
•Erythritol, xylitol or stevia: natural, tooth friendly sweeteners that will enhance the flavor of your toothpaste. Don't use xylitol if you're planning on using it for your pets — it's toxic to them.
•Salt
•Bentonite clay – it gives paste-like consistency. It also draws out toxins from gums and tongue.

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