According to researchers, 60 to
90 percent of children in industrialized nations are affected by tooth decay or
cavities. That’s huge. But scientists from the Athlone Institute of
Technology in Ireland found that coconut oil which had been treated with
enzymes stopped the growth of Streptococcus bacteria–a common cause of tooth
decay.[1] Also, enzyme-treated coconut oil inhibited
growth of Candida albicans that causes thrush, a yeast infection characterized
by whitish, velvety sores in the mouth and tongue.[2]
"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. Also, with increasing antibiotic
resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat
microbial infection," said lead author Dr. Damien Brady from Athlone
Institute of Technology (AIT). This use
of coconut oil in dental
care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash could be an attractive
alternative to current chemical additives.
The nice aspect of this is
coconut oil may be selective by leaving healthy bacteria in place to help
protect your teeth, rather than the typical broad spectrum products that
indiscernibly wipe out all of your mouth’s bacteria. We will keep you updated
as more research is published. If you
have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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