Whiten Teeth Naturally: Coconut Oil for Oral Health

Can Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?

Most of us want to have bright, dazzling smiles, and we do plenty of things to achieve that. But can you use coconut oil as a natural alternative for whitening teeth?

Unfortunately, there's no scientific evidence that coconut oil pulling actually whitens teeth. However, it can help remove surface stains and plaque, which might temporarily make teeth appear brighter.

Coconut oil also doesn’t have ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are found in whitening products to break down stains. So, if you want to start oil pulling, combine it with other whitening methods to increase its effectiveness.

How Does Oil Pulling Work?

Oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. Here’s how it all works:

• Mechanical cleansing — Swishing oil for an extended period of time can feel like a mini-workout for your mouth, dislodging food debris and bacteria.
• Emulsification — When oil mixes with your saliva, it increases the oil’s surface area, helping trap bacteria and other substances.
• Attracting bacteria — Many bacteria have a lipid (fatty) coating, which makes them naturally attracted to oil. When you spit out the oil, you remove these bacteria.

While oil pulling is sometimes referred to as a type of detoxification, it mainly focuses on removing bacteria and debris from your mouth. If you want to detox, take care of your liver and kidneys. Your body relies on these organs for detoxification.

How to Add Oil Pulling to Your Daily Routine?

Oil pulling can be a helpful addition to your oral care routine, but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing. We recommend speaking to your dentist before making significant changes to your dental routine.

Here’s how you can start adding coconut oil to your oral care:

• Choose your oil ⁠— Opt for organic, virgin, or extra-virgin coconut oil for its pleasant taste and antimicrobial benefits.
• Oil pull in the morning — Try oil pulling in the morning before eating or drinking anything. This helps remove bacteria that have accumulated overnight.
• Measure — Take about a tablespoon of organic coconut oil, and if necessary, allow the oil to melt in your mouth before you start swishing.
• Start slow — You should gently swish and pull the oil through your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes, but if that feels too long, you can start with 5 minutes and gradually increase the time as you get used to it.
• Stay mindful — Use the swishing time for a mini-meditation session or to set intentions for your day. Make it part of a mindful morning routine.
• Discard — Spit the oil into a trash can to avoid clogging your pipes.
• Rinse and brush your teeth — After oil pulling, rinse and brush your teeth as usual.
• Consistency — Practice oil pulling regularly. Ideally, you should do it daily, but 3 to 4 times a week can still be helpful.

Are There Any Risks to Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is generally safe, but you should reduce the frequency or duration of oil pulling if you’re experiencing sensitivity. Additionally, some people might experience jaw soreness or dry mouth.

If you accidentally swallow the oil, you might experience an upset stomach. Also, the bacteria will stay in your mouth if you don’t spit the oil out after swishing. Obviously, if you’re allergic to coconuts, oil pulling isn’t for you.

Overall, coconut oil can be beneficial for your oral health. However, it’s not a miracle cure for all your dental hygiene needs.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Oral Health

Coconut oil possesses some unique and beneficial properties for oral health, primarily due to lauric acid. It’s a medium-chain fatty acid with antimicrobial properties, which can effectively fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Lauric acid makes up about 50% of the fatty acids found in coconut oil. This means coconut oil can:

• Reduce plaque and cavities ⁠— Lauric acid can target harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which can significantly contribute to plaque buildup and cavities. 
• Reducing inflammation — Coconut oil's anti-inflammatory actions can help soothe irritated gums, which is important for preventing and managing gum disease (gingivitis).
• Freshness — Oil pulling with coconut oil can contribute to a cleaner-feeling mouth and may even help combat bad breath.
• Less abrasive — Coconut oil is gentle on tooth enamel compared to some whitening products. This makes it a potentially good option for those with tooth sensitivity.
• Eco-friendly — Coconut oil is natural, biodegradable, and versatile, so it can be used for various purposes in your lifestyle, beyond just oral care.
• Overall Oral Hygiene Support — While it shouldn't replace your daily brushing and flossing, coconut oil can be a beneficial addition to your oral care routine.

Although coconut oil is generally considered safe for most people, it shouldn’t replace professional dental care. Consult with your dentist if you have any concerns about your oral health.