Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDoes It Work?Types of OilHow to Do ItAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Does It Work?
Types of Oil
How to Do It
Alternatives
Swishingcoconut oilin your mouth (oil pulling) is anecdotally said to help whiten teeth. While some studies suggest that using coconut oil for oil pulling may help remove plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth, limited research exists on whether this practice results in whiter teeth.
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Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening: Does It Work?
How does coconut oil whiten teeth, and does it work? People have reported that oil pulling (swishing edible oil around your mouth) with coconut oil may whiten teeth. However, research does not fully support this claim.
Coconut oil (and other oils, like sesame) have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that likely help prevent bacterial overgrowth in the mouth.Becauseplaque buildupcan lead to tooth discoloration, some supporters of the practice have suggested that this could (in theory) result in a whitening effect on the teeth.
Much of the available research on oil pulling is conducted in smaller studies over shorter periods.In addition to a lack of confirmed teeth-whitening cases from oil pulling, experts note that some types of oil have been linked to adverse side effects, includingdiarrheaand upset stomach.
Experts recommend practicing goodoral hygiene, gettingregular dental checkups, andpreventing teeth stainsbefore they develop.
Type of Coconut Oil to Use
There are two main types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined (also called virgin or cold-pressed). When it comes to oil pulling, selecting an unrefined coconut oil option is likely the better choice. Unrefined oil is not as processed as refined oil, so it contains higher levels of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Plus, refined coconut oil is sometimes produced with chemical solvents, which may not be suitable for use in the mouth.
While oil pulling doesn’t involve swallowing the oil, keep in mind that coconut oil contains a type of fat that mayincrease cholesterol levels. People with high cholesterol should avoid unintentionally consuming coconut oil while oil pulling.
Using coconut oil for oil pulling is a relatively simple habit that can be performed daily before brushing your teeth. General steps that people who practice oil pulling take include:
Try not to swallow the oil during this process. If the full 20 minutes is too difficult to maintain, try starting with five or 10-minute increments.
However, using coconut oil pulling to support scientifically proven mouth hygiene habits is likely relatively low-risk, given that you don’t have acoconut allergy.
Teeth-Whitening Alternatives
In addition to these products, some potentialat-home remediesare often marketed for teeth whitening, though little evidence supports their efficacy.Here are a few alternative options:
If you’re interested in alternative teeth-whitening options, consider discussing the pros and cons with a dental care provider.
Summary
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that coconut oil (oil pulling) whitens teeth. Some research suggests that oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, potentially supporting oral health.
While more studies are needed on this topic, adding coconut oil to your standard dental care routine is not likely to be harmful. Check with a dental healthcare provider if you have any questions about the safety or efficacy of using coconut oil for teeth whitening purposes.
19 Sources
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