
Coconut oil benefits that science agrees with!
You may have heard numerous claims about coconut oil in the last decade, and not just for its oral care benefits. It’s fair to say that it has definitely enjoyed a renaissance in the world of natural remedies and holistic beauty. You can find it in anything from home baking to hair care, skin lotions to diet potions. How has it got such a great reputation for oral care?
Research into coconut oil and the reality of the claims about it has been more prevalent in recent years. Like many natural remedies, there is scepticism about how effective the health benefits actually are, particularly in weight loss. However, this does not mean that it isn’t effective. As with many natural products, it’s often the case that peer reviewed research has simply not taken place or has been very limited.
The Good News!
There is emerging research to support the benefits of coconut oil in oral care. Like any research, new information is appearing all the time. Here is what we know about coconut oil and oral care so far…!
Organic coconut oil
Before we look at the benefits of coconut oil in more detail, we need to look at the benefits of using an organic oil as opposed to a non-organic one. The huge benefits of organic farming notwithstanding, the end product is free of harmful chemicals, pesticides or additives. That isn't to say that non-organic coconut doesn’t still have its benefits, just that the end product lacks the same kind of purity of organic oil.
Is coconut oil good for skin?
Yes, it is! There has been research and everything. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants which help neutralise skin inflammation such as psoriasis, dermatitis etc. The studies showed that coconut oil not only reduced the inflammation but also appeared to soothe the pain. However, and its a big however, the 2013 study was with rats and not humans. Given how we feel about animal cruelty at Truthpaste, we hope that any newer research doesn’t come at a cost to our furry friends.
Coconut oil pulling: Does coconut oil whiten teeth?
Yes! But not in the way you think. The practice of oil pulling involves taking a teaspoon of oil and pulling it through your teeth and around the whole mouth for around 20 minutes. Regular oil pulling can help reduce and remove plaque which gives teeth a yellow appearance. In terms of actually making teeth whiter, there is no conclusive evidence yet. This does not necessarily mean that it doesn’t, it just means that there aren’t enough studies or evidence to give it a basis in scientific fact.
Coconut oil for teeth
Why use coconut oil in toothpaste? Well, firstly, it tastes great! Ok, so, technically, this is more of an opinion than actual scientific research, but we feel like it belongs here. Back to some more serious science. There are several studies that conclude that coconut oil is great for fighting the S. mutans that cause cavities and caries. Preliminary studies have found that using coconut oil has reduced plaque related gingivitis and that the antibacterial properties in coconut oil have helped to soothe inflamed gums. It also helps keep your breath fresh! This follows on from fighting those S. mutans which are causing cavities.
As with any natural remedy, coconut oil alone can’t replace your full oral care routine. The research developing around the benefits of coconut oil in oral care is exciting to see, especially since early research appears to back up historical claims about it. The good news is that coconut oil isn’t harmful to your teeth or gums (unless you are allergic to it!) so there isn’t any harm in pulling or cleaning with it.
Did you know...?
Even our charcoal toothpastes use the husks of organic coconuts to create the fine powder that gently cleans teeth and lifts surface stains. You can find coconut oil in our Kid's range and Charcoal range!
Resources
Mustafa Naseem, et all, Oil pulling and importance of traditional medicine in oral health maintenance, (2017) International journal of Health Sciences, Qassim University
Kraft K. Complementary/alternative medicine in the context of prevention of disease and maintenance of health. (2009) Prev Med.
Hughes PI, Kealey C, Rowan NJ, Brady DB, Evaluation of vegetable oils and their respective fatty acids on the viability of Streptococcus Mutans, a persistent oral pathogen (2013) Journal of Asian Scientific Research
Faizal C Peedikayil, Prathima Sreenivasan, Arun Narayanan, Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report (2015) Niger Med Journal
S Arunima , T Rajamohan, Effect of virgin coconut oil enriched diet on the antioxidant status and paraoxonase 1 activity in ameliorating the oxidative stress in rats - a comparative study (2013), Food and Function
Faizal C Peedikayil, Prathima Sreenivasan, Arun Narayanan, Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report (2015) Niger Med Journal
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from 628 reviewsI ordered a spatula as we've always used a wooden one & wanted something more hygenic & ended up with 3 because I hadn't noticed I'd clicked on toothpaste complete with a spatula so each pot I received came with their own so we now have plenty of easy to clean spatulas!

Happy to buy these after my dentist gave me the plastic version which I don't want to use then these popped up on Truthpaste.

Love it, leaves my teeth/mouth feeling clean and fresh, though I have previously used the wintergreen flavoured toothpaste and I do prefer the flavour of that one. Both gave the same cleaning and whitening experience though I prefer the blast of fresh wintergreen flavour :)
Any chance of a charcoal based toothpaste with the wintergreen ingredients?!?! :)
Overall love your toothpastes, brand, everything! Great price, quality and beliefs

Makes cleaning my teeth something I look forward to. A pleasant experience without the normal foaming quality and with the thought that you have put something much more wholesome in your mouth. Teeth feel clean and the taste is much more subtle than ordinary pastes.

I have been using this toothpaste for over a year now. It leaves a lovely fresh taste and I like to use plastic free products.

This amazing mouth wash works really well and tastes delicious 😋

Very handy for getting that toothpaste powder from the jar

I really like this one. It has got rid of my bad breath, and my teeth feel really clean after using it. It is definitely one of my favourites, along with the wintergreen. And best of all, its fluoride free.

they sent it i got it and its ok no bad stuff like SLS, Fluoride, Carregeenan etc...

Better than any of the competition. So easy to use and reach those little corners. Love the long handle. Last so much longer as well. A joy to use!!

This is my second order from truthpaste. This is a great bundle to add to my collection as it has the mouthwash cup and I needed more toothpaste, mouthwash and floss and I now have a spare spatula for my travel bag. Ordered the fennel toothpaste this time having tried all the flavours - this one is my favourite. Great products.

I have tried all the truthpaste flavours and the charcoal Peppermint & Spearmint is my favourite! I keep coming back to Truthpaste every time. My dentist has even commented that my brushing has improved.. of course it has! I'm no longer using harsh chemicals! Thank you truthpaste for providing us with excellent products!

My children love this toothpaste and use it without any issues.

Original: Peppermint & Wintergreen (100ml)

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