Can coconut oil whiten teeth? Yes, using coconut oil for teeth whitening can provide multiple benefits. Coconut oil can be used perform oil pulling.
It is considered as valid as a mouth wash(1). The oil extracts all the bacteria to the surface of the teeth. The reason this happens is that coconut oil is lipophilic: it attracts other toxins it comes in contact with.
Additionally, it carries this bacteria away. This results in an almost immediate whiten your teeth. At the same time, the oil also has strong antimicrobial properties. As a result, your teeth are protected from the further bacterial building.
Thus, in the short term, the treatment is curative, while in a long time, it becomes preventative. Coconut oil can also reach out to spaces in your mouth that can not be reached by a toothbrush.
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An easy way to use coconut oil to whiten teeth is by making homemade toothpaste. Brushing teeth with coconut oil only may seem problematic. At the same time, this may result in damage to the teeth.
Instead, the homemade toothpaste incorporates other materials that benefit your teeth as well. You may follow the below recipe for this purpose.
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Apart from the homemade toothpaste, there are other methods to use coconut oil for teeth whitening. One such way is to make a mouthwash using coconut oil.
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For the primary oil pulling method, you may follow the below-listed steps.
However, there can be multiple side effects of using coconut oil this way. Your tongue can absorb some of the oil.
Coconut oil can increase cholesterol levels in the body. Similarly, keeping it inside the mouth for an extended period can cause allergic reactions, including rashes in the mouth.
Moreover, regular use of coconut oil in toothpaste can lead to acne breakout near the mouth, especially for people with excessively oily skin. Furthermore, some people start using oil pulling in place of brushing.
Thus, it is best to consult your dentist regarding the best way to incorporate coconut oil in your teeth whitening treatment.
Coconut oil(2) is a natural substance. As such, it is free from artificial compounds and their side effects.
Moreover, the homemade toothpaste is much purer and natural compared to the “over-the-counter” alternatives. The remedy is simple and easy to use, making it viable for most people.
At the same time, the solution is cheap as coconut oil is readily and cheaply available almost everywhere. Using the oil can help prevent your teeth from getting yellow again. Thus, coconut oil can be the right choice for you to whiten your teeth.
[Also Read: Coconut Oil for Toothache]
Using coconut oil is normal, and recommended amounts are safe for your teeth. It may cause mild sensitivity issues.
Essential oils can be used with coconut oil to boost its effects in teeth whitening. It can also improve the aroma of the coconut oil remedy.