There are various methods for bleaching your teeth. However, the goal is to get your teeth whiter sustainably. Sustainable tooth whitening is when you get the highest quality, long-lasting whitening while maintaining the condition of your teeth and the mechanisms that protect them. Instead of being distracted by the principles of sustainable whitening, In this article, we’ll discuss the coconut oil whiten teeth myth, how it’s done, and opportunities for you to obtain a whiter smile.
What is Coconut Oil For Teeth?
The coconut oil comes from the coconut’s flesh through a pressing process. The oil is typically white and solid at room temperature. It then turns to form a transparent liquid once it is heated. Coconut oil could be pure or refined. Some varieties are hydrogenated using chemicals to ensure that the oil stays in its solidity in warm conditions. Here are some quick details about coconut oil:
- Coconut oil provides a rich and distinctive flavor when it is added to stir-frys or curries.
- Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which can offer some advantages to patients suffering from acne and psoriasis.
- Though it’s considered a healthy fat, coconut oil is saturated fat that is best consumed in moderation.
- Coconut oil is a fantastic natural moisturizer that is great for skin and hair.
Beyond topical and food usage, there’s been a recent trend to utilize coconut oil to maintain oral hygiene. For instance, some people are adamant about pulling with coconut oil to ensure healthy gums and teeth.
You might be interested in whether you can apply coconut oil to whiten teeth.
Can Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
Coconut oil cannot whiten teeth the same as bleaching products will. It won’t alter the natural hue of your teeth.
In general, coconut oil for whitening teeth doesn’t work. According to the American Dental Association, there is no scientific evidence that oil pulling is a beneficial treatment for your dental health or effective teeth whitening.
Bleaching is the process that involves the removal of color pigments within the teeth. It results from a chemical reaction that creates microscopic bubbles, which aid in removing stains from the tooth’s tissues. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide are the two most potent bleach commonly employed in teeth whitening. The American Dental Association says, “Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.”
Despite the hype surrounding it, not everyone attempting to use coconut oil sees remarkable effects. As stated above, can’t coconut oil whiten teeth; it only temporarily assists them to appear and feel cleaner due to the thin layer of plaque being gone.
Is Coconut Oil Good for my Gums?
YES. Coconut oil has powerful properties that can pull bacteria out of your mouth and reduce plaque build-up. This is the main culprit for receding gum lines and gingivitis. Coconut oil’s soothing and moisturizing properties can be used to soothe red, inflamed or irritated gums.
However, The reason it does is different from how the claims state that it works. Because coconut oil is neutral to slightly acidic, it can improve gum health. You can pull coconut oil for 15-20 minutes. Rinsing the coconut oil for that length of time will cause the oil to act as a buffer solution, which will raise your mouth’s pH to be neutral.
For gum health and fighting cavities, it is beneficial to maintain a neutral pH. Cavities develop when the pH in your mouth falls into the acidic range and below the “critical pH” of 5.5. Acidic pH levels are where bacteria are most active and work best.
The majority of the benefits from coconut oil pulling come from the fact you are using it as an acid-neutralizing buffer solution. This works exceptionally well because you are buffering the mouth for 15-20 minutes.
Comparing it to regular mouthwash, buffering only lasts almost a minute. However, it’s possible to achieve the same effect by simply rinsing your mouth with any other type of mouthwash for about 15-20 minutes.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening?
If you’re considering using coconut oil to whiten your teeth, It is a simple process. However, you need to adhere to some specific guidelines. Many people mix coconut oil with baking soda to lighten their teeth. However, the taste of this mixture is more unpleasant, and it’s pretty unpopular, even though it’s efficient.
- Put one tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth.
- You should swish the oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Be sure never to swallow the oil because it contains the toxins you’re trying to remove from your mouth.
- Spit the oil into a trash can once you’re done, and clean your mouth using warm water.
- Make sure to brush your teeth right away afterward to eliminate any remaining toxins or bacteria.
Should I do oil pulling before or after brushing teeth?
Make sure to do oil pulling right after waking up daily before brushing your teeth or drinking anything. Gently swish 1 tablespoon coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, then brush your teeth.
Should I use Refined or Unrefined Coconut Oil for oil pulling?
Even between types of coconut oil, there is a huge difference in its effectiveness in terms of maintaining oral health. The refined coconut oil is modified to stay in a liquid state. Although this could make it easier to use in oil pulling, the refining process strips the coconut oil of its micronutrients, which are a significant component of why it is so amazing.
For the best results in whitening teeth and good oral health, it’s essential to use unrefined coconut oil for oil pulling!
Does Coconut Oil Have Teeth Whitening Properties?
Let’s take a look at the potential benefits of oil pulling.
Coconut oil is particularly effective against certain bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It can even compare it to chlorhexidine which has been proven to be an effective antibacterial agent.
It’s possible that the fatty oils in coconut oil could help dissolve and remove plaque buildup from your teeth and gums and take out any bacteria that may have settled in your teeth. It is possible to remove any unwanted bacteria and gunk from your teeth by spitting the result out. This has the added benefit of reducing bad breath.
Does coconut oil whiten teeth? Coconut oil doesn’t whiten teeth, but The good news is that using coconut oil on your teeth is improbable to cause any damage. But, more thorough research is needed to establish conclusive evidence. Many studies with independent peer review are the hallmarks of quality science. This is precisely what oil pulling lacks. American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend oil pulling because of the lack of scientific evidence.
Can coconut oil be considered a natural alternative to teeth whitening?
The claims of whitening that surround oil pulling are different. Even though coconut oil has shown antimicrobial effects against cavity-causing bacteria, there’s currently no scientifically proven evidence to support that coconut oil can make your teeth appear whiter. This doesn’t mean there won’t be any scientific evidence to study, but there isn’t one right now.
If a procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes to perform the way it was designed, I’d like to see evidence to justify using coconut oil to whiten teeth. If there was any benefit to the outcome, it is more likely due to the rich content of virgin coconut oil rather than the oxidation of the fatty acids (as some online sources claim). The oxidation process of the fatty acids in the oil is more of an indicator of spoilage than anything else. I’d use it to enhance the whitening effects of the more extensive whitening techniques.
What are the best teeth whitening options?
You may be curious to know what other options you have for brightening your smile. One of the most common methods people try is to use over-the-counter strips. They can be effective, but it can take several weeks to achieve the desired results. Most people will tell you they only see a slight lightening with whitening strips.
Hydrogen peroxide toothpaste (recommended by dentists) can also help you to lift some stains. This home remedy is both cost-effective as well as practical. You can remove Stains by brushing with hydrogen peroxide whitening toothpaste within a few weeks. Many brands claim to have whitening properties. To determine the effectiveness of the whitening effects, make sure to check the active ingredients before you buy. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can be more effective in eliminating extrinsic staining.
People seek teeth whitening to enhance the look of their smiles. In-office teeth bleaching is a great way to get the best results. No other options can compare to professional teeth whitening or things you can do at home.
Dentists can help millions of patients have beautiful smiles. Many dentists offer two options for patients. The first is in-office teeth bleaching, while the other is at home. These are more effective at lifting stains than over-the-counter options and are up to eight shades lighter and faster.
What is the process of teeth whitening at the dentist?
Here are the steps involved in teeth whitening as performed by dentists.
- A shade guide is used to evaluate the tooth color. Clinical photographs are taken before and after the procedure.
- Isolation is crucial and should be performed with a rubber dam. Gingival tissues are protected with a gingival barrier
- Protective glasses are recommended for both the patient’s and operator’s eyes.
- It is essential to keep the enamel surface clean.
- Use a cotton pellet/gauze to apply a bleaching agent containing hydrogen peroxide liquid on the labial teeth.
- The heat is then applied to the surface using a light source. Two cycles are complete.
- After that, the bleaching agent is removed, and should thoroughly rinse the teeth.
- Desensitizer is used.
- The treatment should last up to 30 minutes.
- Instructions are given to the patient for two weeks to use a different toothpaste.
Does coconut oil remove plaque from teeth?
Research has shown that coconut oil pulling has been proven effective in reducing plaque formation and plaque-induced gingivitis and reducing the number of cavity-causing bacteria.
The preliminary study demonstrates coconut oil is a readily used, safe, and efficient agent with minimal adverse effects and can be utilized as an adjuvant for dental hygiene maintenance.
Is Coconut Oil Pulling Safe for Your Teeth?
Coconut oil pulling is generally safe. However, it can be dangerous in the following cases:
- You are allergic to coconut oil.
- If you swallow the coconut oil after the pulling process is completed, you should spit the coconut oil out of your mouth. You may experience stomach pain or diarrhea from swallowing it.
- In case you are replacing brushing and flossing with coconut oil pulling. To maintain good oral hygiene, brush twice daily after breakfast and before bed. Floss once a day, eat healthy, and visit the dentist regularly.
Check out the table below for an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of pulling oil. However, keep in mind that we should consider these opinions with a grain of salt due to the absence of evidence from a scientific standpoint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decreases harmful bacteria in the mouth | Time consuming |
| Helps heal bleeding and inflamed gums | Can cause stiff and sore mouth muscles |
| Naturally whitens teeth | Not an efficient whitener |
| Helps prevent cavities | Lack of evidence to back up health benefits |
| Inexpensive | |
| Can be done at home |
Teeth Whitening Tips Straight From a Dentist
Prevention is the best way to a brighter smile. You can avoid certain foods and drinks that could stain your teeth. For instance, drinking coffee or wine can make teeth look duller. People who smoke might notice their teeth looking yellow or stained.
No matter what teeth whitening method you use or have tried, it’s essential that you consider the factors that contribute to staining. It would help if you visited your dentist at least every six months for cleanings. Good oral hygiene can help to keep your teeth looking beautiful.
History Of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a tradition in Indian medicine that dates back 2,500 years. Ayurveda is a system that uses oil to oil all tissues of the body. The oil is used daily to oil tissues from head to foot. Although hard evidence is difficult to find, some studies have shown that this practice has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits. Oil pulling involves the use of oil to clean their teeth. This involves swirling the oil around the mouth for up to 20 minutes. While it is not harmful to do so, some people feel nauseated. Oil pulling can cause nausea so try oil pulling for five minutes instead of the recommended 20. You can also use less oil than the recommended amount (which is between a teaspoon & a tablespoon).
What is so special about Coconut Oil Pulling?
There’s quite a long list of claims of benefits from oil-pulling by many people, including doctors, dentists, and other health professionals. There’s even research (see below) which proves the claims of some advantages. Furthermore, many testimonials are available on the internet of people who have used oil pulling for great benefit.
According to those who do it all over the world, oil swishing or pulling is a widespread practice with numerous benefits. While there is a lack of research into the health benefits of oil pulling regarding health, the data currently shows the potential of oil pulling. The short explanation is that the fat-soluble toxin is attracted by the oil moving around in the mouth. They are very lipophilic and draw other oils, therefore pulling toxins from the body to be eliminated.
- It keeps your mouth clean and fresh all day and at night.
- Get rid of up to 8 billion harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
- There is no bleach, artificial chemicals, or harsh abrasive substances.
- Simple to open in just 2 seconds, won’t interfere with your routine for a morning.
- Freshens breath, whitens teeth and freshens breath, and removes unsightly tooth decay.
- It soothes mouth pain, assists in preventing and healing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Reduces inflammation, detoxes, reduces cortisol.
How To Avoid The Side Effects Of Oil Pulling?
These are some simple steps to learning how to oil pull and avoiding the side effects caused by practicing the technique the wrong way. It is best to oil pull before you brush in the morning when you are awake and with an empty stomach. This helps stimulate appetite, improves taste perception, and can cause harmful bacteria to be eliminated.
Instructions for oil pulling:
- You can start by putting one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
- You can swirl the coconut oil around your mouth and move it in front, behind, or through your teeth.
- You can use your tongue to apply oil to the spaces between your teeth, gums, and palate.
- Your jaws should be moved in a chewing motion.
- Continue to do this for between 15-20 minutes.
- Oil will become more viscous. At this point, you will need to spit out the oil.
- Do not swallow this oil
- Rinse your mouth totally with tap water.
- Wait for 15- 20 minutes before you eat or drink anything.
Takeaway
Coconut oil is a buzzy component in dental hygiene but isn’t an effective whitening agent. However, if you’re more focused on adhering to a gentle dental care regimen, coconut oil could be an excellent choice if it makes you think more about your teeth.
