Evidence supporting the use of: Coconut oil
For the health condition: Gingivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Coconut oil has gained popularity as a complementary remedy for gingivitis, primarily due to a traditional practice known as "oil pulling," which involves swishing oil in the mouth to improve oral hygiene. In recent years, several scientific studies have investigated the effects of coconut oil pulling on oral health, including its impact on gingivitis. The mechanism proposed is that coconut oil, particularly due to its lauric acid content, exhibits antimicrobial properties that may reduce plaque formation and inflammation of the gums.
A few small clinical trials have suggested that regular coconut oil pulling (usually daily for several weeks) can lead to reductions in plaque-induced gingivitis and improvements in gum health, when compared to baseline or to standard mouth rinses. However, these studies often have limitations such as small sample sizes, short durations, lack of blinding, and potential placebo effects. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that while there is some evidence to support coconut oil’s benefit, the quality of evidence is low and more rigorous research is necessary before definitive recommendations can be made.
In summary, there is some scientific evidence, albeit limited and of low quality, to support the use of coconut oil as an adjunctive therapy for gingivitis. It should not replace conventional oral hygiene practices or professional dental care.
Other ingredients used for Gingivitis
ajoenealoe vera
anthocyanins
basil
myrobalan
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black garlic
black pepper
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
cat's claw
catechins
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
monolaurin
moringa
mustard seed
orange
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
quercetin
raspberry
rutin
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
streptococcus thermophilus
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin E
xylitol
zinc
bentonite
typhonium
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
bee pollen
peony
myrrh
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
anthocyanidins
Acemannan
Ananain
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Costus
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Ellagic Acid
Empresstree
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flavonones
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Metal Salt
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by coconut oil
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Athlete's Foot
Backache
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching