Many people use coconut oil for teeth whitening, and if you are thinking of trying this natural health trend, it is best to fully understand what it entails.
Can Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
There is a good deal of debate over coconut oil for teeth whitening, primarily because big companies often discourage the practice, saying there isn’t enough proof of its effects, while natural health practitioners regularly praise the efficacy of this ancient treatment. The fact is, teeth whitening is a big industry, generating over $10 billion per year, but rather than bleaching your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals, there is a way to naturally remove the toxins that accumulate in your mouth. [1]
There is no standard for how long coconut oil for teeth whitening will take, but people use oil pulling as frequently as once a day to as infrequently as once per month. Regular use of this practice should bring some measurable results within 2-3 weeks if used daily. Rather than using potentially dangerous chemical bleaches, coconut oil relies on the lauric acid within it to cut through bacteria and remove toxins from the oral cavity, which is how much of the discoloration begins. [2]
Proper dental care starts with using the right products. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How to Use Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening?
If you want to use coconut oil for teeth whitening, it is very simple, but there are still some clear guidelines you must follow. Some people also combine coconut oil and baking soda to whiten teeth, although the taste of this is even more unpleasant, making it rather unpopular, albeit effective. [3]
- Place 1 teaspoon of raw, cold-pressed organic coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, being sure not to swallow the oil, as it will contain toxins that you are trying to eliminate from the body.
- Spit the oil directly into the garbage can, as you don’t want to put oil down your sink drain.
- Rinse your mouth out with warm water, or do a quick gargle with warm salt water.
- Brush your teeth immediately afterward to physically eliminate any remaining bacteria or toxins.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening
There are many benefits to coconut oil for teeth whitening over other techniques for making your pearly whites shine, such as its inexpensive nature, and its ability to get rid of bad breath. Furthermore, the lack of harmful chemicals will reduce your risk of damaging your teeth, since bleaching decaying teeth can cause nerve damage and other complications. This remedy is also very easy to use and does much more than simply whiten your teeth. It can also help to eliminate the bacteria that can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. [4]
When using coconut oil for teeth whitening, it is important to remember that many of the medium-chain fatty acids that make up coconut oil have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Rather than adding chemicals to your oral cavity that could potentially cause more damage, coconut oil provides a reduction in inflammation and a stronger immune presence in your mouth. [5]
