Is coconut oil good for oral health?
Followers of natural health remedies are quick to praise coconut oil as a superfood. While it's not as miraculous as some may say, the good news is, studies show that coconut oil may have benefits for your whole mouth's health.
According to a research study published, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCF) such as lauric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, and stearic acid in the Journal of Health Research and Reviews in Developing Countries. Lauric acid, the primary fatty acid found in coconut oil, has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. As of this writing, there aren't many recent studies on using coconut oil for oral health—but what studies we have seen so far show promising results.
Coconut oil is effective in reducing oral microbial load, decreasing plaque and gingival indices, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Another good thing about oil pulling using coconut oil is that it's an affordable, safe, and readily available oral hygiene maintenance method.
Keep in mind that coconut oil pulling should be used in addition to your regular oral care routine—it doesn't replace brushing your teeth, flossing, or any of those essential everyday steps to keep your smile healthy.