Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth Naturally?
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Evidence supporting the whitening abilities of coconut oil is very limited. That doesn’t mean the ingredient has no oral health benefits though; in fact, some studies suggest that coconut oil has the ability to reduce plaque formation and protect against plaque-induced gum disease (1).
Does coconut oil whiten teeth naturally?
As mentioned earlier, there is not enough scientific evidence to substantiate coconut oil teeth whitening claims. The ingredient does in fact have antimicrobial properties, meaning it may be able to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and support good oral health. Continuous application can provide slight results. This transformation will be more noticeable for patients with mild surface stains or discolouration. If your discolouration is more severe, a stronger treatment is needed. Enquire about our dentist-led teeth whitening kit or Nanofill Composite Bonding®.
How to whiten teeth with coconut oil
Often referred to as ‘oil pulling’, this technique is very simple to do. Simply place a tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth and swish it around your teeth and gums for 15 - 20 minutes. Try to do this at least a few times per week. Oil pulling does not replace your usual oral care regime, it is designed to be a complementary step. Please continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly to keep your mouth in a healthy condition.
Other natural teeth whitening methods
Coconut oil and teeth whitening is a pairing that has grown in popularity over the years thanks to oil pulling. There are also many other natural ingredients believed to brighten up your smile.
Ingredient | How does it work? |
|---|---|
Baking soda | An abrasive ingredient that gently buffs the teeth for a more bright and uniform aesthetic. |
Bicarbonate of soda | Similar to baking soda, bicarbonate of soda polishes the tooth’s enamel. With continued use, teeth can appear whiter. |
Charcoal | Charcoal polishes the enamel to lift surface stains. It is a very popular ingredient in over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions. |
Thanks to its mildly abrasive, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, turmeric is able to visibly minimise surface stains. | |
Banana peel | Banana skins are rich in potassium and magnesium, two ingredients believed to have a whitening effect. |
The risks of DIY teeth whitening
Homemade teeth whitening remedies have risks that need to be taken into consideration. For example, if you use the incorrect application technique or apply too much of an ingredient, you are at risk of damaging your enamel. This is especially the case if you are experimenting with an abrasive ingredient. While at-home teeth whitening kits or trips to the dentist are more expensive, such risks are significantly diminished. This is because the formulations have been extensively trialled, not to mention you have the assistance of a dental professional. So, if you are looking to try coconut oil for teeth whitening (or anything else from your cupboard), please do your research and proceed with caution. Conclusion: Natural teeth whitening can provide results with committed application and the right ingredients. For patients seeking the assistance of a dentist, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today. We will give you the white, gleaming smile you have always envisioned. References: