The Cavity-Preventing Effect of Coconut Far Surpasses that of Mint Toothpaste
Irish scientists have discovered that coconut not only kills the bacteria that cause cavities but also does not increase the drug resistance of "cavity bugs" and has no side effects. Therefore, they recommend developing toothpastes and mouthwashes containing coconut or coconut oil.
Coconut Offers Superior Dental Protection
Coconut Oil Kills Tooth Decay
According to a September 3 report by the UK's Daily Mail, Irish scientists have discovered that coconut not only kills the bacteria that cause cavities but also does not increase the drug resistance of "cavity bugs" and has no side effects, potentially becoming a key ingredient in a new generation of dental care products. In daily life, an important method for preventing cavities is frequent brushing. Experts point out that cavities are a health issue that is easily overlooked. Statistics show that cavities have severely affected the oral and physical health of 60% to 90% of children in industrialized countries, as well as the vast majority of adults.
However, there is good news from the scientific community recently. Irish scientists have recently discovered that a unique component in coconut can combat the main bacteria that causes cavities—*Streptococcus mutans*. Its cavity-preventing effect is more significant than that of mint toothpaste, and it has no side effects.
*Streptococcus mutans* is one of the main bacteria that causes cavities. It is closely related to sugar and often adheres to teeth to release acidic substances, leading to cavities.
This research was led by Dr. Damien Brady from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland. He mixed coconut oil with digestive enzymes, causing a chemical reaction that produced an active ingredient effectively killing *Streptococcus mutants*.
Scientists believe that toothpastes and mouthwashes containing coconut's active ingredients can be mass-produced. Moreover, because coconut's antibacterial properties are stronger, the required amount would be lower, making it more beneficial to the human body. Brady believes that based on this principle, toothpastes or mouthwashes containing coconut's active ingredients can be mass-produced to help people effectively prevent cavities. "Enzyme-modified coconut oil can be used in dental hygiene products to replace existing chemical additives. Its concentration is lower than that of current additives, so it is also more beneficial to the human body."
Brady added that "cavity bugs" are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, and this new discovery will also help combat them. In addition, the new discovery can also fight *Candida albicans*, the fungus that causes oral thrush, which leads to oral mucosal inflammation.
Dr. Brady and his team now plan to conduct more in-depth research to investigate whether enzyme-treated coconut oil has a stronger antibacterial effect.
The relevant research findings have been publicly presented at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn Conference this autumn.