Toothpaste that includes coconut oil kills most of the bacteria found in the mouth, especially if the oil has added enzymes. More important, it counteracts the bacteria that are a major cause of tooth decay.

The oil is also active against Candida albicans, the yeast-like fungus that causes thrush and gut problems, say researchers from the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland.

It’s so effective that the research team thinks the oil should be added to commercially available toothpaste.

(Source: AIT website at www.ait.ie/aboutaitandathlone/ newsevents/pressreleases/ 2012pressreleases/title- 16107-en.html)