Coconut Oil for Teeth Health and Whitening

We shared some of the good news about coconut oil in our Feb. 22nd post (http://www.feelgoodbuzz.com/ coconut-oil-th…cal-super-food.html).  Now it’s time to get into the nitty gritty and put our knowledge to work for our teeth . . .

* According to a study posted on www.pubmed.gov , (“The effects of fatty acids and their monoesters on the metabolic activity of dental plaque”), coconut is good for reducing cavities and plaque! 

* Here is what coconut oil does for the teeth!:

• Helps stop tooth decay/prevents cavities
• Helps create strong teeth (because it facilitates the absorption of calcium by the body)
• Minimizes the risk of getting gum disease
• Eliminate bad breath
• Whitens

* Coconut oil also helps to pull heavy metal toxins out of the body!

* If you ever get an infection (or want to avoid getting one), use coconut oil. It forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus!

~ Always buy chemical-free, unrefined/virgin coconut oil or better to ensure the highest nutritional value and purity. ~ (This can be found at most health foods stores, such as Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage/Natural Grocers, Sprouts, Sunflower Market, etc.)

Here are two basic “recipes” for using coconut oil on your teeth:

A. Swish it around in your mouth: swish a table spoon of oil for about 15 min. (Make sure to squeeze and suck it between your teeth too.)

B. Make your own coconut toothpaste:

1. Combine 2 tbsp. of melted coconut oil with 3 tbsp. of baking soda in a small bowl to make a paste.

Blend the ingredients together with a fork until the paste resembles a regular toothpaste. (Besides turning the coconut oil into a paste, using baking soda also increases teeth whitening benefits.)

2. Wet your toothbrush with warm water before applying your new coconut paste to your teeth. (Also, brushing your tongue will remove bacteria and freshen your breath.)

3. To protect your sink and drain, do NOT spit your coconut toothpaste residue into the sink. (Coconut hardens at cold temperatures and could end up clogging your drain down the road.) Instead, spit outside into the dirt (or into a container to dump there later).

For maximum benefit, do this a few times a week.

(Excerpted from http://www.ehow.com/how_6904250_brush-teeth-coconut-oil.html.)