“Does coconut oil kill oral bacteria?”
I am a 33 year old female. I want to know if coconut oil kills oral bacteria?
6 Answers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6817632/
This study concluded that the VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) could inhibit the growth of S. aureus with destructive mechanisms of bacterial cell walls and increase the ability of the phagocytic immune cells. These bacteria are not the same bacteria that are found in the oral cavity, so while VCO can kill bacteria, I am not sure that it can help kill oral bacteria.
This study concluded that the VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) could inhibit the growth of S. aureus with destructive mechanisms of bacterial cell walls and increase the ability of the phagocytic immune cells. These bacteria are not the same bacteria that are found in the oral cavity, so while VCO can kill bacteria, I am not sure that it can help kill oral bacteria.
No
Short answer? Possibly. But to see any potential benefit, you would have to swish it around in your mouth for at least 20 minutes, and the impact would be minimal in regard to the actual amount of bacteria that would be affected. The essential oils in Listerine have more of an antibacterial effect, and you only have to swish it for approximately 60 seconds. Whichever method you choose, the best method of removing the largest amount of bacteria still remains the mechanical removal of plaque and bacteria (i.e. toothbrush, flossing, etc).
Absolutely not. Coconut oil has no scientific evidence behind its use. This is purely a fad that has been perpetuated on social media as a cure all for all kinds of ailments. It is the "snake oil" of our generation. Don't listen to the hype, listen to the science.
Dr. Alan Bruce Steiner
Dentist | General Practice
I doubt it, It is simply 100% fat. It could kill you though. 10% fat by calories is the ideal percentage of fat in your diet for ideal health and healing.
Alan B. Steiner, DMD
Alan B. Steiner, DMD
No real benefit from coconut oil.
