Coconut oil benefits that science agrees with!
You may have heard numerous claims about coconut oil in the last decade, and not just for its oral care benefits. It’s fair to say that it has definitely enjoyed a renaissance in the world of natural remedies and holistic beauty. You can find it in anything from home baking to hair care, skin lotions to diet potions. How has it got such a great reputation for oral care?
Research into coconut oil and the reality of the claims about it has been more prevalent in recent years. Like many natural remedies, there is scepticism about how effective the health benefits actually are, particularly in weight loss. However, this does not mean that it isn’t effective. As with many natural products, it’s often the case that peer reviewed research has simply not taken place or has been very limited.
The Good News!
There is emerging research to support the benefits of coconut oil in oral care. Like any research, new information is appearing all the time. Here is what we know about coconut oil and oral care so far…!
Organic coconut oil
Before we look at the benefits of coconut oil in more detail, we need to look at the benefits of using an organic oil as opposed to a non-organic one. The huge benefits of organic farming notwithstanding, the end product is free of harmful chemicals, pesticides or additives. That isn't to say that non-organic coconut doesn’t still have its benefits, just that the end product lacks the same kind of purity of organic oil.
Is coconut oil good for skin?
Yes, it is! There has been research and everything. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants which help neutralise skin inflammation such as psoriasis, dermatitis etc. The studies showed that coconut oil not only reduced the inflammation but also appeared to soothe the pain. However, and its a big however, the 2013 study was with rats and not humans. Given how we feel about animal cruelty at Truthpaste, we hope that any newer research doesn’t come at a cost to our furry friends.
Coconut oil pulling: Does coconut oil whiten teeth?
Yes! But not in the way you think. The practice of oil pulling involves taking a teaspoon of oil and pulling it through your teeth and around the whole mouth for around 20 minutes. Regular oil pulling can help reduce and remove plaque which gives teeth a yellow appearance. In terms of actually making teeth whiter, there is no conclusive evidence yet. This does not necessarily mean that it doesn’t, it just means that there aren’t enough studies or evidence to give it a basis in scientific fact.
Coconut oil for teeth
Why use coconut oil in toothpaste? Well, firstly, it tastes great! Ok, so, technically, this is more of an opinion than actual scientific research, but we feel like it belongs here. Back to some more serious science. There are several studies that conclude that coconut oil is great for fighting the S. mutans that cause cavities and caries. Preliminary studies have found that using coconut oil has reduced plaque related gingivitis and that the antibacterial properties in coconut oil have helped to soothe inflamed gums. It also helps keep your breath fresh! This follows on from fighting those S. mutans which are causing cavities.
As with any natural remedy, coconut oil alone can’t replace your full oral care routine. The research developing around the benefits of coconut oil in oral care is exciting to see, especially since early research appears to back up historical claims about it. The good news is that coconut oil isn’t harmful to your teeth or gums (unless you are allergic to it!) so there isn’t any harm in pulling or cleaning with it.
Did you know...?
Even our charcoal toothpastes use the husks of organic coconuts to create the fine powder that gently cleans teeth and lifts surface stains. You can find coconut oil in our Kid's range and Charcoal range!
Resources
Mustafa Naseem, et all, Oil pulling and importance of traditional medicine in oral health maintenance, (2017) International journal of Health Sciences, Qassim University
Kraft K. Complementary/alternative medicine in the context of prevention of disease and maintenance of health. (2009) Prev Med.
Hughes PI, Kealey C, Rowan NJ, Brady DB, Evaluation of vegetable oils and their respective fatty acids on the viability of Streptococcus Mutans, a persistent oral pathogen (2013) Journal of Asian Scientific Research
Faizal C Peedikayil, Prathima Sreenivasan, Arun Narayanan, Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report (2015) Niger Med Journal
S Arunima , T Rajamohan, Effect of virgin coconut oil enriched diet on the antioxidant status and paraoxonase 1 activity in ameliorating the oxidative stress in rats - a comparative study (2013), Food and Function
Faizal C Peedikayil, Prathima Sreenivasan, Arun Narayanan, Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report (2015) Niger Med Journal
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from 800 reviewsAbsolutely love these products. Will definitely be buying again.
Wonderfullly effective, leaves mouth, tongue and teeth feeling very clean. Simple to use, natural product and sensitive packaging
Excellent mouthwash. Leaves your mouth feeling really clean and fresh but not harshly treated.
Absolutely love this !!! Very minty & can really tell the difference with the natural oils super clean teeth now and stopping inflammation
I have been using this toothpaste for at least three years and it is the best I have used. I am told by my dentist that I have excellent hygiene for last two to three years too. I am a long term vegan and always try to be env-friendly and obv avoid palm oil too. Excellent. The price is off putting but it lasts ages so it balances out, all things considered.
A nice plastic free alternative that's hygienic and long lasting. Nice appropriately sized scoop end to get into the glass jar with ease and ensure you get the right amount of paste on your brush, plus the narrower handle end is good to use in the smaller travel size tins. It also makes a good tongue scraper!
I've used mouthwashes in the past that feels like they're going to burn my tongue off...this one is much milder, especially as you can dilute it a bit with water but still freshens the mouth and does the job. No nasty plastic container, nice natural ingredients!
I read some people see big differences within only a few days of use. I thought I'd give it a bit longer before adding my review. I have a condition and it comes with fragile tooth enamel and high sensitivity. Most toothpastes are too strong, too abrasive, only offer comfort for a few days use. I also hate waste and difficult to recycle/reuse traditional toothpaste packaging. A week in using truthpaste and I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome. Vastly reduced sensitivity so far and nice clean teeth! Spatula that came with my pack can also serve as a handy tongue scraper! No more plastic waste...a lovely little jar that's recyclable, but I'll be keeping for storing things in. I like the handy travel sized tins too. So far...so good. Thanks Truthpaste!
This toothpaste in combination with my Suri toothbrush is perfect
Really like this toothpaste, leaves my teeth feeling really clean with a nice freshness. I have tried tooth powder and tables but so far this is so much better.
Great product and feels safe to trust truthpaste for providing quality ingredients .
Like a mouth spa every time! No more pain and bleeding.. great at disinfecting and cleaning… really is so botanical.. I love it! It’s my go to toothpaste now.
After seeing adverts on social media I decided to try Truthpaste. The fact that it's fluoride free - the healthier option, it was worth a try. Anyway, love it. The peppermint & wintergreen has a really fresh taste & prefer the jar & spatula to a tube of toothpaste. I also bought the mouthwash which leaves your mouth feeling fresh & the charcoal floss is a great improvement on shop bought floss. I was so impressed, I put my second order in & my husband is now converted.
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