Those in the know about the astounding health benefits of coconut oil are usually well aware of the major antimicrobial effects this traditional fat has on the skin and also in the gut.
It is no wonder that coconut oil is so great to rub into a dandruff plagued scalp as it helps bring the fungus causing this scaly problem under control with no chemical laden shampoos needed.
Coconut oil is also helpful for those with candida overgrowth problems in the gut as it suppresses all manner of gut pathogens. It is the highly beneficial medium chain saturated fat lauric acid found in coconut oil that is responsible for protection from microbial infections of all kinds when coconut oil is consumed in the diet. Lauric acid is also produced by the human mammary gland and what is credited with protecting breastfed infants from viral, bacterial, or protozoal infections.
It is only recently, however, that the conventional medical community has finally begun to appreciate the powerful antimicrobial effect of coconut oil.
Irish researchers have reported from the Athlone Institute of Technology that coconut oil was the only oil of 3 tested (olive oil and vegetable oil being the other two) that was able to prevent Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium that is a common inhabitant of the mouth and a major cause of tooth decay, from binding to and damaging tooth enamel.
This finding lends serious credence to the ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing the mouth with a tablespoon of oil first thing in the morning (oil pulling) which some people report works best using coconut oil.
The coconut oil used in the study was first treated with enzymes simulating the human digestive process in order to more realistically gauge its impact in the body.
The scientists also reported the coconut oil extremely effective at attacking thrush, a yeast (fungal) infection of the mouth which is not surprising given coconut oil’s helpfulness with other skin issues like dandruff.
Lead researcher Dr. Damien Brady stated that coconut oil could prove to be an attractive alternative to chemicals in maintaining oral health. Mouthwashes, toothpastes, and other oral products are loaded with chemical additives that can frequently irritate the sensitive tissues of the mouth.
Dr. Brady noted that not only does coconut oil work at relatively low concentrations, but with the worrisome problem of increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important to consider coconut oil a potentially novel new way to control microbial infections.
Dr. Brady and his team now plan to examine how coconut oil and Strep bacteria interface at the molecular level to determine if there are any other strains of bacteria that are inhibited in a similar fashion. They also plan to study antibacterial activity in the gut presumably using coconut oil and how cells lining the digestive tract can become colonized by pathogens.
Free Oral Health Summit Coming Soon!
If the holistic use of coconut oil to improve oral health and possibly prevent tooth decay intrigues you, be sure to register for the free, worldwide online Oral Health Summit that will occur November 11-18, 2012. The Summit features a panel of 20 medical doctors, dentists, nutritionists, and other experts in the field of oral health from 6 different countries who will discuss safe dental alternatives, nontoxic options, foods to prevent and heal existing decay, and safe solutions for mercury fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Source: Coconut Oil Could Combat Tooth Decay, BBC Health News
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{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m so excited about the summit! A few months ago I stopped using toothpaste because of all the junk in it. Since then I would just brush my teeth and then rinse with a homemade mouth wash (well water in a bottle with a drop each of pepper mint EO and lemon EO. I’m sure this summit is going to answer so many questions I have about how to better my oral health!
This is really interesting.
I make our toothpaste with coconut oil, calcium carbonate, baking soda (just a little), xylitol, Dr. Bronner’s peppermint, and peppermint essential oil. It works so well, and it’s actually healing a cavity for me. Amazing stuff.
Krystal: Do you mix equal amounts of each for the toothpaste?
Krystal do you have an exact recipe? can kids use this?
Who needs flavoring, coconut oil tastes great all by itself.
Based on this research, I will be adding some coconut oil to our homemade tooth powder as well.
I’ve been oil pulling with coconut oil every night for the past week! Probably another great way to help!
I would love to but I have not found a way to add it with out making everything taste overwhelmingly like coconut. I love coconut but the taste is so overpowering. I have tried several brands as well and have never found it present for making anything other then coconut shrimp or satay chicken.
I cook with expeller pressed from Tropical Traditions which has no coconut flavor & save the virgin coconut oil for smoothies, toothpaste, moisturizer, etc. The benefits of expeller pressed are not as strong as the virgin, but it’s still one of the best oils to cook with.
I just recently purchased the Wilderness Family Naturals CENTRIFUGED coconut oil and I like it SO much better than regular or other brand coconut oil (I used to use Nutiva and I still like it, but it does taste awfully coconutty and it’s also kinda lumpy)! The Centrifuged oil is sold in a glass jar (which I really like vs plastic tubs) and it’s so much more smooth in consistency – no lumps! I use it, along with dolomite (mixed up in an empty baby food jar) as my toothpaste. I also, occasionally, add a drop of peppermint, wintergreen, orange or lemon oil, but the stuff isn’t bad with no flavoring added either.
Amazing!
Elliie try mixing it with peanut butter, or adding it to a smoothie
I would also love a toothpaste recipe esp for kids 
Lisa, this is the recipe I use. We all love it! My four year old doesn’t use it yet, simply because he still has quite a bit left in his fluoride-free “training” toothpaste, but once that’s gone, he’ll be using this, too.
Laura, coconut oil does taste great, but baking soda and calcium? Not so much. The essential oil helps, as does the xylitol (which is really really good for your teeth, too).
http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/09/27/easy-remineralizing-toothpaste-recipe/
Thanks for providing this recipe/link. I’m going to order these ingredients tomorrow.
Yes, thank you! I have all the ingred except the calcum powder. I will get some tomorrow and give this a try. I have had trouble with sensitive teeth.
Rebekkah, I use the coconut oil to pull, as well! I like it better than any other oil I’ve used for oil pulling so far
I drink coconut oil mixed into my tea every day! I’m almost 45 and I’ve never had a single cavity! My children do not have any cavities either!
Ellie, you can get the refined type of coconut oil for uses that you don’t want it to taste of coconut. However, there’s some debate, that the refined is not as health beneficial as the unrefined. I had the same trouble, but you get used to it. Times where I want less coconut taste, I add in butter.
Krystal, I’m assuming/hoping your 4 yr old’s ‘training’ toothpaste isn’t what I fell into using.. I found out after years of using it with my toddler that it has saccharin in it. Tossed the rest. Sigh… what is WITH toothpaste makers?? It was supposed to be SAFE to swallow?? Hello?? Thanks for the link.
no to mention there is probably glycerin in it which leaves a stick substance on teeth..
we use Earth Paste: http://www.earthpaste.com/ ingredients: Redmond Clay and added Xylitol, essential oils, and Real Salt. I love it!! my kids too!
I second EarthPaste. I currently use the cinnamon flavor, but I’m going to try the minty one next.
Use everything from Redmond: Earthpaste, Real Salt, Clay,….. very very good!
While I do believe there are some people who do well with coconut oil/products there are also those who do not. It is difficult to put even a natural food product out there and suggest it is perfect for everyone. I have personally seen those who do very poorly with coconut oil. I feel this happens when a food is introduced that has not been part of a traditional diet within a family/culture for many generations. For those with tropical type genes I see that coconut oil can work for them. Others…not necessarily. I looked at the Irish team who did the research for this work and here is a statement from their website: “The research hub supports collaboration with industry and enterprise, and ensures the optimum use of specialist research equipment. Nearly 70 research students and staff are based in the facility.” I am not poo-pooing coconut oil, but think it is important that we look further into who is doing research and ‘why.’ Is it to sell us more expensive bottled ‘natural’ products to heal or help us? There are those of which I have suggested coconut oil for pulling in their mouths. We need to listen to our body and conscience too for clarity on these trends.
Coconut oil can trigger a cleansing reaction in some – I have seen this occasionally happen … these individuals have to take it very very slow and start small and work up to a decent amount each day.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Coconut Oil Stops Strep Bacteria from Damaging Tooth Enamel
What do you consider being a decent amount per day?
Love the taste/smell of coconut oil/products but cannot even use it topically now. My eyes swell immediately within seconds of contact. My children are given coconut oil in smashed bananas and other combos…sometimes off the spoon if they want. I have had clients who have nice results with pulling using it. I use olive oil as an alternative since coconut is not a personal option. If this research is authentic it may or may not be as effective. Pulling in and of itself offers great results.
ty for the recipe
Ooooh! Is someone with a good coconut oil toothpaste recipe for kids (and big babies in regards to bad tasting foods-ie hubby)?
I don’t know about toothpaste, but maybe you can try to make this tooth soap:
http://roseofsharonacres.com/tooth_chips___soap_for_teeth
contains coconut oil
Becky, it’s Tom’s of Maine. It does have glycerin (which can prevent the absorption of minerals, if I remember correctly), but no saccharin. I wanted to just toss it and start him on the homemade stuff, but he really likes his, so I compromised. He’ll still be in MUCH better shape, as far as his teeth go, than I am when he’s my age
You should check out Earth Paste http://www.earthpaste.com/ no flouride, no glycerin only: Redmond Clay and added Xylitol, essential oils, and Real Salt.
For people like me, who have severely dry mouth (due to a immune problem) glycerin can be a real helpmate. I order pure vegetable glycerin and dip a Q-tip into a mixture of glycerine and lemon essential oil. I then coat my tongue with this a few times every day and it helps immensely. Sometimes it gets so dry my tongue gets stuck to the roof of my mouth and it literally tears skin off my tongue, so the value of something is in the eye of the beholder. I also use coconut oil for this, but it doesn’t have the lasting power of the glycerin.
I wear a top denture and a bottom partial (due to auto accident trauma) so I only have a few of my own teeth left, but my homemade toothpaste using dolomite and coconut oil really help the rest of my mouth and remaining teeth to stay healthy.
Just to let you know, Tom’s of Maine was bought out by P&G or one of the other large companies a while back, so if you think you’re supporting a small business by buying their products, that is no longer true.
Yep, just like Burt’s Bees was bought out by Clorox several years ago. You guys should go to the Cornucopia.org web site and check out their chart of which BIG companies own which “organic” companies. It’s scary.
http://www.naturalnews.com/028266_oil_pulling_detoxification.html
I’m a new oil puller too… I couldn’t help it after reading Bruce Fife’s book
Thanks for the info!!!
Katie – check out the above
this is awesome thanks!
We already use coconut oil a lot, but I was unaware of THIS much benefit. Thanks for once again for enlightening me. Your blog has been so helpful.
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Hi Sarah, I appreciate all your blog posts.
I really would like to use more coconut oil in our diet but every time I eat any coconut product I suffer from a headache for a few hours (less with coconut flour and more with coconut oil, milk and other). My father was the same and I wonder if I’m sensitive or if it is something else. I have a friend who told me that it is probably because I have some candida albican that I react that way. Is it a possible explanation? What do you thing? Thanks!
@ Marie: You could very well be having a healing reaction (I think Sarah addressed this somewhere in the comment section already) and it will eventually calm down. Try using less oil to start with (use it internally and externally to know for sure) and build up slowly to a higher amount and see if that makes a difference, that way you’ll know if the CO is what you’re reacting to. I, too, have a friend who was plagued with a headache and a slight skin rash but it only lasted about two weeks and then dissipated, we think, because the yeast/candida was then treated and her body could accept the oil. She used a small amount in her tea and just increased it every other day or so until she was able to see it helping and not causing any more problem. Weird, huh?!
A great way to get kids to rat it is to mix it with peanut butter and then make a pbj sandwich, when I did that my girls asked why it tasted so good this this time!
Eat* lol
Even mixing CO in with plain ol’ butter is a good way to use it. If I don’t have any home-rendered lard on hand for popcorn, we use the CO/butter mixture for popping corn.
I use coconut oil instead of butter anymore on popcorn. Kids love it!
I love coconut oil and use it for so many things— like toothpaste and moisturizer, and I cook with it too.
Lyza @ Chic Shades of Green\’s last post: Local, Sustainable Meat for the Future
Oh, and I make a really great toothpaste: coconut oil, baking soda, Himalayan salt,peppermint and stevia. I am happy to know the coconut is helping my teeth!!! My girls are totally fine with it too!
Always in our home!
I am in love with it, use it on toast, smooties, rice, pasta, baking, etc. any thing that calls for oil
I have a tub of coconut oil in my sons room for lotioning up after baths, and he is a FIEND for the stuff. Scoops out big ol chunks and eats it straight.
Hes also started rubbing my feet with it too.
Ill take it while I can, because I know he wont rub my feet after he grows out of the toddler stage.
I’m sure that coconut oil is beneficial for oral health, but correct me if I’m wrong, I thought that in Cure Tooth Decay Ramiel Nagel said that bacteria was disproven to be the cause of tooth decay?
It is a lack of bone building nutrients/poor diet that causes the decay, and I’m wondering if it is some of the nutrients that coconut oil provides that helps with tooth problems.
I don’t know just a thought that I had while reading this.
Coconut oil helps to fix the gut which helps it absorb nutrients from foods. That’s likely why it helps with teeth.
YES!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!
I make our toothpaste out of coconut oil & I use it every chance I can for everything I can. LOVE IT!
Cook with it and eat a spoonful a day to help me lose my baby belly
love it…great to rub into skin too!
Hoping this jarring sore spot in a tooth will be healed with the assistance of a better diet. Dentists can’t see anything (cracks, etc) but chewing on something just the right way reactivates the pain and backtracks the healing. Ugh.
Kait,
I had the same problem once. I had a molar that was really sensitive to pressure. My dentist checked it multiple times and even x-rayed it, but couldn’t see anything. His advice was pretty much to not chew ice. That’s all the help I got.
I’m not sure what your current diet is like, but at one point in our conversion to a real food diet that I no longer had pain in it. It’s completely gone!
Maybe you have exposed dentin. Squigle Tooth Builder is great because it seals exposed dentin with calcite. It doesn’t reduce pain like, say, sensodyne
http://amzn.com/B00206DXQ0
i used to pooh-pooh oil-pulling because of some of the unsubstantiated exaggerated overall health claims, but i’m a recent convert. it’s worth it for the dental health alone, and i use CO.
Hi,
I was tested for H-phylori bacteria, which came out positive. This was a couple years ago. I had alot of issues with stomach pains and some acid reflux. Anyway, I read that 3 table spoons of coconut oil a day, taken for a month, should get rid of the bacteria. But upon taking the oil, I get very sick and nauseous. Has anybody had this reaction?
Also, if coconut oil treats thrush, can I use it with my infant? She is 2.5 months and the medication I got from the pharmacy is not getting rid of it. Is it too much for an infant if I gently rub her mouth with the oil?
Actually lots of people get nauseous when starting to take coconut oil, including myself. It helps to start slowly with a small amount and add a little more every day, maybe mix it into something like peanut butter or coffee or tea at first. It took me about a month to get to where I could eat all I wanted with no problem.
Could you smear a tiny bit on your breasts before she nurses? Just wonderin’.
I used coconut oil about every day (a few tablespoons) for almost two years, when I increased the amount I started to get really sick and nauseous. But my immune system was also extremely compromised at the time (I was in end stage renal disease). Its still hard for me now to take coconut oil because I’m afraid it will make me sick when in reality a smaller amount would probably be ok to start.
Have you tried taking a small amount, lets say a teaspoon and then adding to that over time?
Ginger H\’s last post: Homeschool Advice From a Friend
I’ve been using coconut oil in place of tooth paste. Hopping for good results at my next dentist visit.
Shane Kriete we have some in the fridge
LOVE THIS! I am trying to help someone who has an abscessed tooth. He doesn’t have Fermented Cod Liver Oil nor butter oil / ghee, but is getting it today. I told him to use some coconut oil on it and he was already using some Oil of Oregano (well, even stronger than that – like the derivative of it). He is in no pain and I think the abscess is gone.
Going to have him add the FCLO and ghee twice a day also and see what happens. He always has tooth problems and ear infections. I think if I can get him to consistently use the Coconut oil, FCLO, and butter oil or ghee, it would be super helpful.
Does anyone know how to get the ear infections to go away? He is on antibiotics quite often because of them. I say “clean up the gut” and use these oils, but any other pieces of advice is welcome.
Thanks,
Tamara Slack
Tamara Slack\’s last post: Drinking Water and Hydrochloric Acid
I’ve been able to treat all of my children’s ear infections with garlic ear oil, and Silver Shield by Nature’s Sunshine (it’s kind of like colloidal silver, but it won’t build up in your body, so it’s much safer to take). I would treat the ear infection by putting a couple of drops of either of them into the ear and letting it sit in the ear as long as they would let me – suppose to keep head tilted for 10 min, but young kids don’t usually let you hold them down for long
– three to five times a day.
I usually get the best results alternating between the two remedies throughout the day. I stop using them when the symptoms are gone. If the ear infection is particularly bad I give the Silver Shield to the “patient” orally as well.
Another thing that can really help with chronic ear infections – besides healing the gut – is to get adjusted with a good chiropractor. One of my girls kept getting ear infections until we had her adjusted a couple of times.
We use CO for brushing our teeth – the whole family, and it works really well. On occasion I will add some essential oil, and when I was first getting my kids use to it I add a little bit of stevia.
@ Tamara: Have your friend go to a massage therapist for a lymphatic massage to help with those ear problems, and then head to a chiropractor for an adjustment – or vice versa.
Antibiotics won’t generally help an “ear infection”, it only serves to compromise the gut which isn’t a good thing. The above treatments I mentioned should eliminate the need for those nasty antibiotics, plus drop some warmed olive oil or garlic oil into the ear canal a couple of times daily.
Sarah had a post a while ago about emptying a capsule of Biokult (probiotic) into the back of your mouth, and swishing it around before going to bed. I believe her post was to help treat sinus issues, but I had an ear infection at the time, and decided to try it for that issue. I figured since the ear canal is connected to the back of the throat, it couldn’t hurt, and may overtake any bad bacteria causing my infection. After about 3 days of doing this, the ear infection was gone.
I’m re-reading GAPS now, and Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride recommends the same thing for ear infections. People can also get a bad flora going in the sinuses and eustasian tubes, and probiotics can help repopulate with beneficial bacteria.
Yes! Love my coconut oil also. I keep several jars around mixed with Redmond Clay and frankincense …love it for my face and hands and feet! I take coconut oil about twice a day by spoonful…..Just can’t do without my oil! I just use baking soda on my toothbrush for brushing….but one day might add something more. My mouthwash is water with a drop of alcohol and one drop of peppermint doTerra essential oil. I saw a ready say they also added lemon so going to give that a try too! Love my oils…..all of them…from bacon to eo’s
Does anybody take coconut butter instead of coconut oil? I love the taste of the coconut butter and was wondering if it gives one the same benefits.
Sarah, can you answer this? Thanks.
And does anybody use OraWellness who is part of the upcoming Summit? It’s essential oils, but no coconut. http://www.orawellness.com/Brushing-Blend-Ingredients/
Anyone have a recipe to use for dandruff? Or do you just slab oil on scalp? If so, how to you relieve the oily goopy hair-do after? Thanks
I use co for scalp psorisis and it helps alot but you have to use it at least twicw a day to get good results. At night before bed it is not a problem because my hair is thick. In the morn after washing i put a small amount and rub into scalp before drying hair. Its not too bad for oiliness. Rub directly into scalp.. It is better than the flaking i get from not using it.
Anyone experience any loose stool from taking coco oil?
Sure, you can get loose stool from it in the beginning, especially if you have an unhealthy gut or if you use too much as a beginner. If your body is used to coconut oil, however, this would be an unusual reaction unless maybe you’ve been on a medication for an illness or something out of the ordinary for YOU.
A friend and I were just discussing this topic this evening – if you’re used to a certain type of diet (like paleo) and that’s what you’ve been practicing (strictly) for several months, even a small amount of “regular” food will likely cause some sort of untoward reaction. This is why we feel it’s not the best idea to be so strict about following ANY particular diet, do or die, ya know? For instance, my DH and I follow WAPF about 80 to 85% of the time, but we are not so strict that we can’t enjoy a cupcake at a birthday party or an Indian Taco at a wrestling match at the local high school (as their fundraisers). We try to be good with our eating habits, but never try to be perfect. Perfection sometimes has a way of backfiring. We see it often in friends who are newbies and think they need to be super strict and end up paying a price. I would say use moderation, but everyone defines moderation in a different way, it seems.
For as long as I’ve been a health advocate, I can’t believe I never tried “coconut oil” sooner! It is absolutely an awesome alternative — tastes incredibly delicious — and I can feel the difference when I’ve eaten something cooked w/ coconut oil! I love your blog and really appreciate all the resources in your library site! Thank you & God bless!
Since I started drinking kombucha 4 yrs ago, Ive been brushing my teeth w/ just cold pressed ev coconut oil… I cant stand toothpaste or baking soda bc they actually hurt. I dont know.. may have something to do with the acid in kombucha.
Interesting!
Interesting! Sarah, have you done a 101 uses for coconut oil, internally & externally? I would love a list as I am a new coconut oil user.
The latest way that I have incorporated coconut oil is to spread it my ice cream. It gets hard on contact and tasted so good and crunchy.
Julie Gerasimenko, Can you give your recipe? I’d like to try since I can’t tolerate Xylitol. What are the measurements and what do you keep the past in? Wondering if I can get my kids to try yet another strange thing from their weird natural mama.
We’ve been using coconut oil to treat my daughter’s exzema. Her facial skin get very dry and scaly with red patches. We tried avocado oil but it seemed to dry and make it peel more. The coconut seems to be soft and healing. She applies it at night and sometimes morning. Yes, we use it for our popcorn, too, and LOVE it!
@ Suzanne: We used a mixture of avocado oil and coconut oil on my grandson’s cheeks when he had a rashy outbreak, although I’m not sure it was eczema. Took care of it in no time.
We use a dot of coconut oil in the palm of the hand, rubbed around until it melts, as hair conditioner for my granddaughter, too. Eliminates the expense, harmful ingredients and the old lady stink from commercial hair products. Her hair just shines, but never looks greasy. I use it on my own hair, which is very long and thick in the back and thinner on top. I try to use the oil only on the long part of my hair, because where it’s thinner it can look oily/greasy. I also use coconut oil mixed with lavender essential oil on my scalp and it feels wonderful, because as I age my scalp seems dry, but not dandruff-y exactly. Works well for this.
This was really informative as I did not realize strep bacteria could cause damage to your teeth. I love the taste of coconut oil and use it on my hair. I also did not realize you could also use it on your teeth or for stomach problems.
Jenny\’s last post: Dental CE Opportunity: “Advancing your practice through office design”
Mix a little bit of a healthy dark chocolate- powder or raw nibs- into melting coconut oil then pour over your ice cream for a delicious shell. It can be sweetened with a touch of stevia or swerve or xylitol if needed before pouring.
Thanks for anther good and informative article Sarah. I’m looking forward to the upcoming Summit as well.
Sarah and those of you that do oil pulling with coconut oil, have you ever heard or read anything about it not being good for those that have metal fillings in their mouth? I started doing oil pulling last week and was so proud of myself for doing something that I thought was going to help me. Then someone that I trust told me “If you have metal in your mouth, it’s not a good idea however, as it can release more mercury and cause further toxicity in your body.” Now I don’t know whether to continue doing this as there is no way I can afford to have the few metal fillings I still have taken out. Please help!
We LOVE coconut oil, and we need to eat it more often again… I SOOO NEEDED THIS INFO! Thanks for posting it!
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