Yes, coconut oil, especially through oil pulling, shows promise in helping manage gingivitis and plaque due to its antimicrobial lauric acid, potentially reducing harmful bacteria and inflammation, with some studies showing results comparable to antiseptic mouthwash, but it's a complement, not a cure, and professional dental care remains essential for periodontal disease.
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Although these and other small-scale studies draw positive conclusions about oil pulling, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable dental hygiene practice or a replacement for brushing and flossing.
First and foremost, never swallow coconut oil. The act of swishing oil around in your mouth collects bacteria and other toxins or debris from your mouth. Swallowing oil often causes severe stomach issues, like pain or nausea. However, be sure to spit the oil out into a trash can when you're done, rather than a drain.
One study, in 2015, found oil pulling caused lipoid pneumonia—the accumulation of oil in the lungs—in two patients. Admittedly, such cases are rare. Some dentists also worry that oil pulling may lead to accidental ingestion of harmful bacteria pulled from the mouth.
Cardiologists advise avoiding coconut oil because it's extremely high in saturated fat (around 90%), which significantly raises LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, despite claims of potential HDL ("good") cholesterol benefits. While some fats in coconut oil might act differently, the overall effect is negative for heart health, making healthier unsaturated fats from oils like olive, canola, or avocado much better choices for cholesterol and cardiovascular health, say experts from institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and the Australian Heart Foundation.
But let's get this upfront: Coconut oil can't repair receding gums. But can coconut oil help fight off plaque-producing bacteria in the mouth that leads to gum disease and receding gums? Limited research shows oil pulling – swishing coconut oil in your mouth for several minutes – might be an oral care aid.
If gum tissue has been lost your dentist may suggest soft tissue, or gum graft, surgery. This is where tissue is grafted from surrounding gums or the roof of your mouth and stitched to the gum tissue to cover the exposed root of your tooth.
Benefits of Brushing with Coconut Oil Everyday
Antimicrobial Action: Regular use of coconut oil can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Proper oral hygiene is the first line of defense against periodontal bacteria. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, thereby reducing the bacterial load in your mouth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
In most cases, the damage will not be completely reversible, but if you follow the treatment and prevention plan laid out by your dentist, you should be able to see significant improvement. Most people are able to reclaim a 4mm to 5mm pocket depth with proper treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
The technique itself is remarkably simple. Begin by taking a tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil—preferably organic and unrefined—into your mouth. Swish it around vigorously for about 15-20 minutes, making sure to move the oil through your teeth and around your gums.
Coconut Oil and Oral Health
First, virgin coconut oil helps the body absorb minerals such as calcium and iron more effectively than it would by itself. This indicates coconut oil's effectiveness in aiding remineralization of the enamel, a process which depends on the body's efficient absorption of calcium.
The oil should not be spit into the sink as the oil can cause clogging of the pipes. Instead, the oil should be spit into a trashcan or on a paper towel. Oil pulling should be ideally performed daily morning on empty stomach before brushing teeth and care should be taken that oil is not swallowed.
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The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Phosphorus helps you benefit the most from the calcium you eat. It is an essential mineral that restores teeth and gums by rebuilding and strengthening tooth enamel. Phosphorus pairs best with food containing calcium and Vitamin D.
Virgin Coconut Oil pulling proved to be an effective adjunct to mechanical plaque control in chronic periodontitis patients, demonstrating significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and plaque-reducing properties.
"There are no reliable scientific studies to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being,” according to the American Dental Association.
What is the treatment for receding gums?
Coconut oil is full of saturated fat, which can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and your chances of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends you to eat low-saturated fat foods and use healthier oils when you cook.
In coconut oil, saturated fat is more easily broken down, directly absorbed into the bloodstream, and transported quickly to the liver where it becomes readily available for energy production. As a dietitian, I find the unique properties of coconut oil's saturated fat interesting.