Coconut Oil as Toothpaste?

Studies are starting to reveal that coconut oil is a heart-healthy food that can help keep your body running smoothly and efficiently in a number of ways. According to WebMD, coconut oil is used for diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions, energy, and boosting the immune system. But what about coconut oil when it comes to your oral health care?

Organic Toothpaste Options & ADA Seals of Approval

One of the biggest reasons people switch to organic Boise dental care products from commercial Boise dental care products is to avoid artificial chemicals and additives. Specifically, all-natural organic toothpastes or other natural options like coconut oil do not contain added chemicals, dyes, sweeteners, and flavorings.

A recent study by the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland discovered that coconut oil treated with enzymes (a process similar to the digestive process) inhibited the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, the acid-producing bacteria blamed for causing Boise dental tooth decay.

But based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling (or brushing your teeth with coconut oil)  is not recommended as a regular Boise dental hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and ADA endorsed products. In fact, the ADA recommends that people should follow a standard Boise dental hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily tooth-brushing with fluoride toothpaste in addition to cleaning in between teeth with floss at least once a day.

So What is the Best Toothpaste?

The most important thing is to brush twice a day, floss regularly and visit your Boise dentist for regular Boise dental exams. Keep in mind though that most Boise dental decay is caused by plaque – a sticky, colorless microorganism that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque that is not taken off by regular brushing and flossing can later harden into tartar – a crusty deposit that can only be removed by your Boise dentist. Plaque also contributes to gum disease – a potentially serious infection that can erode bone along with destroying the tissues that surround the teeth.

While brushing and flossing are important factors when it comes to maintaining optimal Boise dental health, you can see why picking the right toothpaste is important. However, with so many brands and new options to choose from, selecting the right one for you and your family can be a daunting task. Talk with your Boise dentist. Only your Boise dentist can help narrow the field by discussing what your “special” brushing needs are, and what ADA approved products they would recommend might work best for you.