Coconuts about Dentistry – Dentist Sandy Springs

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

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] The study was presented at the Society for General Microbiology's autumn conference at the University of Warwick.

[2] Ibid.