The antimicrobial fruit combo that fights gum disease

Close to half of all adults suffer from periodontitis, a type of gum disease that causes inflamed and bleeding gums, bone and tooth loss.

And unfortunately, the problems caused by periodontitis don’t stop in your mouth.

In fact, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, reduced respiratory function, and even lung cancer.

It’s clear oral hygiene is important not only to the health of your mouth but your whole body.

However, experts warn that most over-the-counter oral hygiene products are disinfectants that can be highly irritating to the sensitive tissue of your mouth and gums. They can also kill of bacteria necessary for the production of nitric oxide for healthy arteries.

So how can you care for your mouth and ward off periodontitis, without causing more harm?

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University believe they’ve found the answer hidden in two tasty fruits…

The flavonoid secret for a healthy mouth

Initially, the team set out to test seven natural flavonoids against a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Because P. gingivalis is frequently detected in deep periodontal pockets, it is considered to be the most critical bacterium in periodontal disease.

But why flavonoids?

Research has shown they possess various physiological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The seven chosen to tackle P. gingivalis also demonstrated antimicrobial properties, meaning they could reduce or fight infection.

Yet, when it came down to it, a single one stood out.

Known as pruning laurate or Pru-C12, it’s a compound found in grapefruit peel and coconut.

And while previous studies had already shown it to be antimicrobial, no one knew just how effective it could be against P. gingivalis to ward off gum disease.

In in vitro and mouse studies, the Osaka scientists found that Pru-C12:

1. Stopped the growth of P. gingivalis
2. Blocked biofilm formation (bacterial communities that form a sticky network on the surfaces of your teeth and gums)
3. Inhibited alveolar bone resorption (bone destruction that’s a hallmark of periodontitis progression)

And Pru-C12 was non-cytotoxic — meaning it wasn’t irritating.

A natural way to care for your mouth

So how can you put the results of this research to work to improve your oral health?

While eating more grapefruit and coconut might seem the way to go, I’m doing something a bit different.

Oil pulling is an alternative recommendation by holistic dentists for oral healthcare and is super easy to incorporate into your daily life.

After brushing, simply put one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and gently work it around, swishing or pulling it between your teeth. Do this for at least 10 minutes and up to 20, with practice.

When done, simply spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water containing a little sea salt. You might want to run a little hot water down the sink to keep oil from building up in your plumbing or spit it into a cup to dispose of elsewhere.

You can even buy coconut oil with grapefruit essential oils already added. Some people have to avoid grapefruit due to medications. If that sounds like you, ask your doctor what he thinks about swishing with it. If it’s a no-go, stick to just the coconut oil.

For even more help in the battle against gum disease, consider fish oil supplements. Researchers believe it could be a less invasive periodontal therapy for reversing the damage it does.

Sources:

Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds — ScienceDaily

Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis — MDPI

The strong link between gum disease and heart failure — Easy Health Options

2 more ways gum disease can kill you — Easy Health Options

A fresh mouth can give you high blood pressure — Easy Health Options