New Irish research suggests that something as simple as coconut oil could help to fight off tooth decay if added to toothpaste and mouthwash.
According to researchers from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Westmeath, coconut oil could be used to help fight off tooth decay. The researchers found that when the oil was treated with digestive enzymes it became a powerful tool in fighting off the harmful bacteria associated with rotting teeth.
Basically, the partially digested coconut milk makes it much harder for bacteria to cling to your teeth, so they just end up sliding off in to your saliva rather than eating away at your teeth.
Dr Damien Brady, lead researcher from the Athlone Institute of Technology, said: “Dental caries is a commonly overlooked health problem affecting 60%-90% of children and the majority of adults in industrialised countries.
“Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations.
“Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.”
Now there’s a get rich quick idea if ever we’ve heard one. Now, how much would two tonnes of coconut cost?
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