You might have come across coconut oil in the ingredient list of a couple of dental products. That is because of the claims of coconut oil for teeth whitening.
The beauty trends and claims about the whitening abilities of coconut oil create a hype that prevails even when there is less scientific evidence for it. In other words, people consider coconut oil and oil pulling a natural and cost-effective oral care method.
So, to find answers to questions like how fast does coconut oil whiten teeth? Or whether coconut oil can whiten teeth? Let us understand oil pulling and the origin of coconut oils used in dental care.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic medicinal practice that involves swishing any edible oil around the mouth and spitting it out. To be precise, the edible oil in this process is used similarly to a mouthwash. The reason being it removes the bacterial layer of plaque and seemingly makes teeth whiter.
However, it is an ancient technique that has become popular lately because many people constantly search for natural ways to whiten their teeth. In addition to its ancient usage, the easy process has also made it popular.
To use coconut oil for teeth whitening, you must put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and switch it around for at least 15 minutes. In fact, this practice is good for oral hygiene and tackling some oral and dental issues.
This was just a basic outline of oil pulling. Now, let's understand why and how to use coconut oil for teeth cleansing.
How does Coconut Oil help Whiten Teeth?
Over the years, many claims state the use of coconut oil for whitening teeth. Even many oral hygiene experts believe that oil pulling with coconut is a great way to reduce plaque formation and other oral issues.
But does coconut oil pulling whiten teeth? Well, it is scientifically proven that coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Considering this, the fatty acids in coconut oil act against the bacterial biofilm or plaque that results in yellow teeth. In short, coconut oil removes and reduces plaque and consequently whitens the teeth.
Despite the many results, it is difficult for people to try a process that has minimum scientific backing. But because it does not have side effects, it is a safe teeth whitening method that you can try without worries.
Let’s explore the uses of coconut oil for natural teeth whitening.
How to use Coconut Oil for Teeth?
If you're considering using coconut oil for dazzling teeth, then you should know about the different ways to do it. Let's have a look at different ways of using coconut oil with other ingredients for sparkling white teeth.
Coconut Charcoal Toothpaste
Activated charcoal has cleaning properties and helps in removing toxins. But using activated charcoal regularly in teeth whitening reduces the teeth' enamel and causes sensitivity. So, some people use charcoal along with coconut oil and regular toothpaste to make a DIY coconut charcoal teeth whitener.
In this case, coconut oil helps reduce charcoal's abrasion and enhances the capability of removing viruses. Some brands have put together coconut oil and charcoal with their toothpaste to make teeth whitening easier.
Coconut Oil And Turmeric
Coconut oil and turmeric are ingredients that are rich in antibacterial properties. Turmeric contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and protects the gums against gingivitis; it helps in oral care with coconut oil.
Try mixing turmeric powder with coconut oil and toothpaste to clean your teeth for a natural shine.
Coconut Teeth Whitening Strips
Another way to use coconut oil for teeth whitening is in the form of whitening strips. Some dental care product manufacturers have combined coconut oil's properties and whitening strips. These dental strips use the properties of coconut oil to reduce cavity and plaque formation like regular teeth whitening strips.
In other words, coconut whitening strips for teeth make the process of cleaning more handy. People can just pull out the whitening strips and stretch them across their teeth. After keeping it for 30 minutes for seven consecutive days, these strips give a dazzling and whiter smile.
Coconut Oil and Baking Soda
Lastly, coconut oil with baking soda is a home remedy or DIY hack for teeth whitening. This is one of the most common methods of cleaning teeth. The reason is baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound used in dental care.
Because it is a mild scrub, using it with coconut oil or mixing it with toothpaste helps to reduce the bacteria in the mouth. Many people use coconut oil and baking soda for brushing their teeth to remove stains from the teeth and fight bacteria that cause bad breath.
Benefits of using Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening
While most people concentrate on how to use coconut oil in whitening teeth, they miss out on its potential benefits for overall oral health. Let's find out the other advantages of using coconut oil for oral health.
Natural Teeth Whitening
First, coconut oil has a high lauric acid content. And as mentioned earlier, oil pulling helps reduce plaque buildup. It naturally removes stains with regular use.
Antibacterial Action
Coconut has antibacterial properties, and it can tackle bacteria like streptococcus mutans which are responsible for plaque buildup. It also helps in lowering the risk of tooth decay. A study done on oil pulling with coconut oil found that it is more effective than a chlorhexidine mouthwash when it comes to reducing bacterial levels.
Improves Gum Health
Another benefit of using coconut oil for oil pulling is improved gum health. In addition to removing plaque and harmful bacteria from teeth, coconut oil is a good solution for tackling gum inflammation or gingivitis. Also, it helps to soothe and repair swollen gums.
Reduces Bad Breath
Along with the use of coconut oil pulling for teeth whitening, it is also helpful in treating bad breath or halitosis. The reason for bad breath is mostly tooth decay and chemical gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. So, it is likely to improve complete oral health, including bad breath problems.
Chemical-Free
Unlike other teeth whitening methods that use harsh chemicals., coconut oil pulling is a natural alternative. It is safe and moisturizes the mouth, maintaining overall gum health.
In totality, coconut oil for teeth whitening works best with traditional practices like oil pulling. Now let's understand how coconut oil pulling whiten teeth.
To know more visit: Home Remedies For Toothache Treatment
The Bottom Line
Coconut oil for teeth whitening does help with some common oral concerns. Due to its antibacterial properties, it can reduce bad breath and gingivitis, along with removing plaque buildup.
Even though coconut oil finds its importance in oral care from 3000-year-old Ayurvedic practices, the scarcity of scientific support makes it questionable. Nevertheless, it is worth trying because it is a cost-effective and no-risk method to improve oral hygiene.
Want to know what else we have in store for you? Then, check out the other quick reads and blog posts on trendy topics relating to fitness, recipes, beauty, and more on The Voice Of Woman home page.
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