Son of a beach! Coconut oil may prevent tooth decay

It could be time to ignore that crumpled tube of Colgate and reach for the coconut oil instead. Researchers have learned that, when it comes to preventing tooth decay, coconut oil could be the way to go. Scientists at Ireland's Athlone Institute of Technology examined the impact of enzyme-modified coconut oil on Streptococcus bacteria — a major cause of tooth decay — and learned that it could prevent the bacteria from growing. Now the Coppertone-scented oil is being eyed as an ingredient in dental products, replacing some of the unpronounceable chemical options. "It works at relatively low concentrations," head researcher Dr. Damien Brady said. "With increasing antibiotic resistance, it's important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat … infection." [Source]

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