Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid predominantly found in coconut oil, has some scientific support for its use in managing gingivitis, though the evidence is not robust. Lauric acid exhibits notable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are relevant for oral health. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that lauric acid can inhibit the growth of common oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, both implicated in gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Clinically, the most cited use of lauric acid for gingivitis comes from studies on coconut oil pulling, an Ayurvedic practice where oil is swished in the mouth. Small randomized controlled trials and pilot studies suggest coconut oil pulling may reduce dental plaque and markers of gingivitis, possibly due to its lauric acid content. For example, a study published in the Nigerian Medical Journal (2015) reported significant reductions in plaque and gingival indices after 30 days of coconut oil pulling, compared to a control group.

However, the evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological weaknesses. There is a lack of large-scale, rigorous randomized controlled trials directly investigating isolated lauric acid for gingivitis. As a result, while some scientific rationale and preliminary data exist, the evidence is insufficient for strong clinical recommendations. More high-quality research is needed to clarify the efficacy and mechanisms of lauric acid in gingivitis management.

More about lauric acid
More about Gingivitis

Other ingredients used for Gingivitis

Other health conditions supported by lauric acid

Products containing lauric acid

Designs For Health Immune Support Packets
Designs For Health Immunitone Plus™