Anyone who has done a little bit of research into natural remedies will probably be familiar with the term oil pulling. Oil pulling refers to personal dental care that involves swishing edible oil around your mouth to care for and whiten your teeth.
The oil of choice is usually coconut oil when it comes to oil pulling. This is because coconut oil is widely believed to be beneficial to gums, removes plaques, and whitens teeth. But just how does coconut oil whiten teeth? We’ve done the research and answered that question for you. But first, let us review the history of oil pulling and teeth whitening with coconut oil.
History of Coconut Oil in Teeth Whitening
The use of coconut oil in teeth whitening dentists dates as far back as the origin of oil pulling about 2,500 years ago in Indian traditional medicine. Oil pulling was based on the concept of Ayurveda which uses oil to oil all tissues in the human body.
Some studies have shown that there might be benefits in oil pulling. Individuals who take part in oil pulling usually swish coconut oil in their mouths for about 20 minutes. However, because some individuals become nauseous while continually swishing oil in their mouths, they can swish for about 5 minutes. Some of the benefits include anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory advantages in dental health.
The standard amount of oil used in oral oil pulling is between a tablespoon and a teaspoon of oil. It is also possible to use less than the recommended amount for oil pulling.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of cleaning the oral cavity with lipids such as sesame or coconut oil. The goal is to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. The majority of the organisms that live there have a single cell structure. Fats cling to them, making bacteria easier to flush out.
Because it contains lauric acid, coconut oil is thought to be the best option for coconut oil pulling teeth. This is a natural antimicrobial agent that provides users with the quickest results. It can also slow down the formation of tooth decay.
How Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
There have been lots of claims that coconut oil whitens teeth. Even teeth whitening dentists have attested that coconut oil reduces plaque formation, chances of developing gingivitis, and even halitosis or bad breath.
How does coconut oil whiten your teeth, coconut oil whitens teeth by using its proponents, which are made up of colonized bacteria. These bacteria have fatty membranes that are affiliated with plaque and bind to them. This causes the removal of plaque from the surface of the teeth. By removing plaque, coconut oil reduces plaque on the teeth and whitens the teeth.
What makes coconut oil for teeth whitening more enticing is that there is little to no evidence showing any side effects of swishing coconut oil for teeth whitening. This makes it safe for you to try out on your own without the need for professional teeth whitening.
However, before beginning teeth whitening treatments with coconut oil, note that several factors can impede the effect of coconut oil in whitening your teeth. Such factors include:
- The amount of coffee you drink
- If you drink wine or not: Wine is well-known for staining teeth
Advantages of Using Coconut Oil To Whiten Teeth
Some of the coconut oil pulling benefits to whiten teeth include:
- Inexpensive, especially when compared to other teeth whitening remedies
- Helps soothe a dry throat
- Aids healing of dry and chapped lips
- Helps eliminate bad breath
- Easy to use and does not foam in the mouth
- Natural and does not contain any harmful chemicals
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aids the healing of bleeding gums
How To Use Coconut Oil To Whiten Teeth
Follow the steps below to whiten your teeth with coconut oil:
- Take a teaspoon of coconut oil
- Place oil in your mouth and allow it to liquefy
- You can then begin swishing. Swishing can be done from as little as 5 minutes to 20 minutes. When swishing, ensure that the coconut oil touches every area of your mouth. You should not gargle on the oil.
- After swishing, spit out the oil into your trash. Spitting oil into your sink may cause clogging of your sink.
- You can rinse out your mouth with water. This is done if you want to get the taste of oil out of your mouth.
- You could also simply apply coconut oil to your toothbrush and brush your teeth normally.
There are a lot of professional teeth whitening services available today. However, some of these methods might be expensive. Swishing coconut oil is a teeth whitening solution that is inexpensive and can be done without visiting a Glenview Dentist. If you would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening services, get in touch with our Teeth Whitening Dentist Glenview, IL or schedule an appointment, call(847) 892-4696orcontact usonline.
FAQs
By removing plaque, coconut oil reduces plaque on the teeth and whitens the teeth. What makes coconut oil for teeth whitening more enticing is that there is little to no evidence showing any side effects of swishing coconut oil for teeth whitening.
How does coconut oil whiten your teeth? ›
The basic principle is “the pulling action” of toxins out of the mouth. The coconut oil supposedly pulls stains of any sort out of your enamel layer to whiten your teeth. Coconut is a widespread choice for this, but you can use any other oil of your choice as well.
Does oil pulling actually whiten teeth? ›
Does Oil Pulling Whiten Teeth? There's no clear evidence that oil pulling can make a difference in the color of your teeth. You're better off treating your teeth in ways that are more likely to be effective. Professional teeth whitening can help you achieve the pearly whites you deserve.
How long does coconut oil take to work on teeth? ›
Streptococcus mutans is one of the main bacteria in your mouth and a key player in plaque buildup and tooth decay. One 2016 study in 60 adults showed that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes daily significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in saliva in as little as 2 weeks, compared to distilled water.
How do you use coconut oil for dentistry? ›
Swish about two tablespoons of coconut oil around in your mouth, like mouthwash. Some regular users of this oral health technique swish the oil for as long as 20 minutes. The chemistry of the coconut oil essentially “pulls” microbes and plaque from your teeth and gums as you swish, hence the term “oil pulling.”
Does coconut oil and turmeric really whiten teeth? ›
She would swish coconut oil in her mouth, believing it would whiten her teeth, then rub turmeric on her teeth afterward. As we know, there is no consistent scientific evidence that shows this method helps whiten teeth. Patients would be better off using coconut oil and turmeric to make healthy meals instead.
Can you brush your teeth with coconut oil instead of toothpaste? ›
Coconut oil toothpaste is safe to use, but it should not replace your regular toothpaste unless it also contains fluoride. Coconut oil pulling has become increasingly popular in the United States, and medical studies support it having some antimicrobial properties that can help your oral health.
Why do dentists hate oil pulling? ›
Dentist Concerns About Oil Pulling
Because sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of oil pulling is lacking, dental professionals recommend exercising caution when it comes to this practice. Although it isn't particularly harmful, some people may experience some side effects.
Can yellow teeth become white? ›
2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
What is the best oil for whitening teeth? ›
Oil pulling refers to personal dental care that involves swishing edible oil around your mouth to care for and whiten your teeth. The oil of choice is usually coconut oil when it comes to oil pulling. This is because coconut oil is widely believed to be beneficial to gums, removes plaques, and whitens teeth.
Hydrogen and carbamide peroxides are the gold standard of at-home teeth whitening. If you're looking to go a chemical-free route, coconut oil won't cause any sensitivity, according to Dr.
Should I use coconut oil on my teeth everyday? ›
Using coconut oil as part of a daily oral care regimen isn't just recommend for health reasons; it can also improve the aesthetics of teeth as well. Patients have reported that they've experienced significantly whiter teeth almost instantly after use.
Do you rinse teeth after coconut oil pulling? ›
After spitting a little, keep swishing. When you're done, spit the oil into the trash. It will look frothy and white after so long being swished around. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth well to remove any remaining toxins or oil from your mouth.
Does coconut oil really whiten teeth? ›
Some claim coconut oil offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque removal, and even whiter teeth. But before you make oil pulling part of your morning routine, it's important to ask, "Does coconut oil really whiten teeth?" It turns out that oil probably won't offer you significant oral benefits.
Does coconut oil strengthen tooth enamel? ›
Oral hygiene tips
Coconut oil does not reverse the progression of tooth decay, but it can effectively maintain good oral care. Along with oil pulling, brush, and floss two times daily with fluoride toothpaste.
How long does it take for oil pulling to whiten your teeth? ›
That being said, it takes about 20 minutes for oil pulling to have a significant impact on your oral hygiene.
What happens if I brush my teeth with coconut oil everyday? ›
Coconut oil may help to attack harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease ( 4 , 6 ). It's particularly effective at killing an oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which is a leading cause of tooth decay.
Does coconut oil make you whiter? ›
DOES COCONUT OIL LIGHTEN SKIN? No, coconut oil on its own will not brighten your skin. Instead, coconut oil can help even out your skin tone and soften the look of your skin when used consistently.
Should you brush after oil pulling? ›
Most guides suggest brushing the teeth immediately afterward. Others say that it is better to wait a bit to promote the retention of good bacteria and the rebalancing of the oral microbiome. In any case, use a different toothbrush after oil pulling to the one used for daily teeth cleaning.
