Is Coconut Oil Effective for Whitening Teeth?
Many contemporary health trends include the usage of traditional home remedies. Some of them, such as using charcoal toothpaste or applying essential oils to your body, may have caught your attention as promising to heal a range of problems. However, one of the most recent crazes is coconut oil. Coconut oil “pulling,” according to the claims, may help whiten your teeth. Is that, however, accurate?
We’ll learn about the benefits of coconut oil pulling for your teeth and oral health in this expert post. Following that, we’ll look at some scientific and medical recommendations. Let’s find out if these assumptions are correct!
Coconut Oil Pulling: An Age-Old Method
Coconut oil is a wonderful, nutritious plant product with several health advantages, particularly in terms of dermatology. Many individuals report that it maintains their skin and hair look young and healthy. However, it has been documented as being used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve tooth health. “Oil pulling,” in particular, is said to clean the mouth, decrease bad breath, and improve the condition of your teeth and gums.
Saturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides are abundant in coconut oil (MCT). According to the study, it essentially comprises lauric acid and its monoglyceride monolaurin, which has antibacterial effects.
Swishing a little oil about the mouth and in between the teeth is known as oil pulling. It’s simple: swirl or “pull” approximately a tablespoon of coconut oil about your mouth for about 15 minutes, then spit it out and clean your teeth.
Is it, however, effective? Let’s take a look at what the study says.
Is Coconut Oil Effective at Whitening Teeth?
Let’s start with what oil pulling might be able to help with.
According to various researches, coconut oil’s antibacterial capabilities are exceptionally efficient against some bacterial species that cause tooth decay. According to some research, it may be equivalent to chlorhexidine, which has been demonstrated to be an efficient antibacterial agent.
The fatty acids in coconut oil are thought to help “dissolve” and abrade plaque accumulation on the teeth and gums and any germs that may be present in the mouth. This also helps to get rid of foul breath. When you spit out the resultant mixture, it contains the muck and undesirable occupants.
Does it, however, whiten your teeth? We are unable to comment. This does not appear to be the case. However, for conclusive proof, further extensive investigation is required. The availability of several studies with independent peer review is a characteristic of high-quality science, and oil pulling lacks this. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there is insufficient scientific data to indicate that oil pulling is advantageous in any manner; hence it is not recommended.
Takeaway
It’s essential to follow proper oral hygiene practice that includes tried-and-true methods like brushing and flossing. Coconut oil pulling isn’t a good alternative for this, and it won’t whiten your teeth either. In contrast, commercially accessible and dentist-approved products produce measurable outcomes. If you want to whiten your teeth, a knowledgeable dentist will guide you in the proper route.
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