Toothpaste With Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is well known for being a natural substance with beneficial skin care properties. However, it also has benefits for tooth and gum care. For this reason, many products incorporate it in their composition.

In the care of oral hygiene, virgin coconut oil is especially used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (since it has lauric acid).

Virgin coconut oil for dental health

Using virgin coconut oil to clean teeth is increasingly common, not only among those who are looking for a homemade solution to this habit, but also among those who want to try to enhance their oral health through a natural substance.

Different investigations have shown that virgin coconut oil It can combat plaque that forms on the teeth , which turns out to be an effective and inexpensive treatment.
This occurs in part thanks to the high content of lauric acid in coconut, which gives it an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

How will my dental health improve?

Frequent use of coconut oil in your mouth, either through rinsing or brushing, will bring you the following benefits:

• First it will reduce the bad breath .
• It will reduce the inflammation of the gums, even fighting gingivitis.
• It can also lighten the tone of the teeth.
• It will clean in depth, avoiding the formation of cavities, plaque and tartar.

Coconut oil rinse

The procedure is the same as with a commercial rinse. It is recommended to perform this treatment a couple of times a week.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (30 ml).

Process

• Brush your teeth well with your usual toothpaste.
• Next, take the oil and rinse your mouth for about 5 minutes.
• Try to pass the liquid all over your mouth. 
• Don’t gargle.
• When finished, spit.
• After about two minutes, rinse your mouth with water.

Toothpastes made from coconut oil

The idea is to combine coconut oil with baking soda to clean your teeth. The abrasive nature of baking soda is ideal for removing tartar stains from teeth and restoring their natural whiteness. In this way, you will be able to enhance the effect of the oil for proper dental cleaning.

Due to its abrasive nature, its frequent use can be harmful to tooth enamel. In addition to causing gingivitis and tooth sensitivity. Therefore, its use is not recommended beyond the occasional;  that is, it is not suitable for frequent or prolonged use.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (30 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda (20 g).
• Optional: ½ tablespoon of peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon or other herb oil for flavor (5 ml).

Preparation

• First heat the coconut oil over low heat for a couple of minutes. The goal is to reduce the density of its texture and make it more liquid. This will make it easier to dissolve the baking soda.
• In a small bowl, add the coconut oil and baking soda and mix until you get a smooth paste.

• Then add the herbal essential oil little by little and continue mixing.
• Next, place the paste on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as you normally would. Remember to brush the tongue and inside of the cheeks as well.
• To finish, rinse with water.

You can also make enough homemade toothpaste to last you all week. You just have to maintain the proportions of the ingredients and store it in a clean glass container.

If this is the case, do not put the toothbrush directly into the container to avoid contaminating it. Help yourself with a small spoon or spatula to take the paste and place it on your brush.

Other tips to improve your dental health

• Avoid cigarettes.
• Get regular cleanings with a dentist (every 6 to 12 months).
• Minimize the consumption of sugars and sweets, as they can lead to cavities.
• Make a tooth brushing 15 minutes maximum, after each meal. In this way you will avoid the formation of bacterial plaque.
• Try to eat a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. 
• Drink enough water throughout the day and avoid coffee and carbonated drinks.