Do you have a summer vacation planned? If you think of a tropical vacation, what do you imagine drinking poolside? A nice cold beer? A strawberry margarita? How about a sweet and refreshing pina colada? If you picked the third choice, than you must be a coconut lover. Well, there’s good news for the dental health of people that enjoy…
Do you have a summer vacation planned? If you think of a tropical vacation, what do you imagine drinking poolside? A nice cold beer? A strawberry margarita? How about a sweet and refreshing pina colada? If you picked the third choice, than you must be a coconut lover. Well, there’s good news for the dental health of people that enjoy coconut. Research shows that the oil from coconuts contains properties that can fight gum disease. Dr. Jim Erpenbach, your Â?Knoxville, TN general dentist, will tell you more about how coconut oil can potentially benefit your oral health.
Coconut Research
Coconut oil has a high concentration of saturated fat. Any oil is generally thought to be something to consume moderately, though coconut oil has long been considered one of the more heart-healthy oils because of the way your body metabolizes it. Researchers at Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland believe that coconut oil can also inhibit the bacteria that causes cavities. Â?Their research data was presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick last year. When these scientists experimented with mixing coconut oil and enzymes, Streptococcusmutans, (the bacteria that cause tooth decay) were diminished.
Coconut Toothpaste?
Dr. Damien Brady led the team in Ireland. He believes that the modification of coconut oil with enzymes aptly mimicked the same reaction that would occur in the body if humans ingest the oil into their digestive system. The idea that a natural (and arguably refreshingly flavored) element could be as good or better for dental health as chemical additives in oral hygiene products is compelling. Hopefully, further research will allow that to happen in the future.
Visit Your Knoxville, TN General Dentist
Are you due for a dental checkup, or have you been experiencing unusual symptoms such as halitosis? For a consultation with your Knoxville, TN general dentist, contact our 37919 dentist office at 865-584-8630. Dr. Erpenbach as well as our team of dental professionals. We are happy to serve patients in Knoxville and surrounding communities.
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