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Cited by 27Oral microbiology and periodontitis researchCoconut Research and ApplicationsDental Health and Care Utilization

The Role of Coconut Oil in Treating Patients Affected by Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Pilot Study

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Ripari, Francesca, Filippone, Federica, Zumbo, Giulia, Covello, Francesco, Zara, Francesca, Vozza, Iole·2020·European Journal of Dentistry
DOI 10.1055/s-0040-1714194PMC PMC7535963
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Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the coconut oil pulling efficacy as adjuvant in reducing plaque formation and in treating plaque-induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods A sample of 20 patients was divided into two groups: a study and a control group. In the study group, coconut oil, in form of mouthwash, was administered to a sample of patients affected by gingivitis, aged between 18 and 35. The protocol established a daily application of the product for 30 days, where clinical parameters for plaque formation and gingivitis—plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI)—will be evaluated during the recalls on a specific periodontal chart. The control group did not associate a coadjuvant to the normal daily oral health procedures and the same clinical parameters were evaluated at t0 and after 30 days (t1). The data were statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test, establishing the significance level as p < 0.05. Results PI and BI decreased in both groups, with a more relevant and significant drop in the study group, from a mean value of PI of 58.0 to 19.3 and a mean value of BI of 33.5 to 5.0. In the control group, the values decreased, respectively, from 53.9 to 29.1 for PI, and from 33.5 to 16.2. Furthermore, no significant side effect was reported during coconut oil pulling therapy. Conclusions The collected data showed significant and promising improvements in reducing plaque formation and gingivitis. However, further researches have to be performed to have more consistent and statistically significant data on larger samples and to fully understand the mechanisms of action and effectiveness.

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  • A control-free clinical trial showed that topical application of coconut oil led to a reduction in inflammation and plaque index in patients with plaque-free gingivitis.

    “Also, a control-free clinical trial showed that topical application of coconut oil led to a reduction in inflammation and plaque index in patients with plaque-free gingivitis.(7)”

    From Antibacterial effect of coconut water and coconut oil on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (2021) · cites this paper as [7]

    The Abstract reports reduced plaque index and bleeding index in patients receiving coconut oil mouthwash, supporting the reported improvement. But Materials and Methods required plaque on dental surfaces, and the Abstract describes a control group. The trial was therefore neither control-free nor conducted in patients with plaque-free gingivitis. (LLM, conf=0.89)

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  • According to studies by Beenashino et al., Peedikayil et al., and Ogbolu et al., coconut oil has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

    “According to studies by Beenashino et al, (4) Peedikayil et al, (7) and Ogbolu et al, (3) coconut oil has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, which was inconsistent with the present results.”

    From Antibacterial effect of coconut water and coconut oil on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (2021) · cites this paper as [7]

    The Introduction (page unavailable) describes coconut oil as antibacterial and antimycotic, supporting a general inhibitory effect. It does not identify Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, or Escherichia coli as targets. The Discussion instead reports a Peedikayil study concerning Streptococcus mutans, and our copy does not report the attributed Beenashino or Ogbolu findings. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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Research works printed but not linked: 24

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Authors
Ripari, F., Filippone, F., Zumbo, G., Covello, F., Zara, F., & Vozza, I.
Affiliations
Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Corresponding author
Covello, Francesco
ORCID
Venue
European Journal of Dentistry
Publisher
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Published
2020-09-22
Volume
14
Issue
04
Pages
558-565
ISSN
  • 1305-7456 (ISSN-L)
  • 1305-7464
DOI
10.1055/s-0040-1714194
PMC
PMC7535963
OpenAlex
W3088734969
Cited by
27
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 4
FWCI
2.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • European Journal of Dentistry (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
  • Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Inorganic Chemistry › Coconut Research and Applications
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Dental Health and Care Utilization
Keywords
plaque-induced gingivitis, plaque reduction, mouthwash, gingival bleeding, plaque index, periodontal health

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