Do you envy people who have bright and pearly white smiles? Have you tried every teeth whitening product on the market with no success?
If so, you might want to give coconut oil a try! Coconut oil has many properties that can help whiten your teeth.
In this blog post, we will discuss how it works and the potential benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening. So if you’re curious about this natural remedy, read on to learn more!
What’s In Coconut Oil?
The key ingredient in coconut oil that contributes to its potential as a tooth whitener is lauric acid.
Lauric acid has antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce plaque and bacteria on the teeth, two major contributors to tooth discoloration.
It also contains vitamin E and healthy fats which can help keep gums and teeth healthy.
How Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
Coconut oil for teeth whitening works by killing bacteria, which can prevent staining and discoloration of the teeth.
Lauric acid is known to have antimicrobial properties, meaning it fights off bacteria that can cause staining.
In addition, its healthy fats also help to nourish the gums and keep them strong—this, in turn, helps to keep the teeth looking whiter.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Teeth Whitening?
Here are three of our favorite ways to use coconut oil for teeth whitening:
1. The Oil Pulling Method:
The easiest way to use coconut oil for whitening is to use “oil pulling”.
- To do this, take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
- Make sure to spit out the coconut oil after swishing; don’t swallow it!
- Rinse your mouth with warm water when finished. You should do this once or twice a day for the best results.
2. Baking Soda Method:
For extra whitening power, add baking soda or activated charcoal to your coconut oil before swishing.
Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help scrub away surface stains, while activated charcoal absorbs toxins from within the tooth enamel, helping to give you back a whiter smile.
3. The Brushing Method:
If you don’t want to try “oil pulling”, you can also brush with coconut oil as part of your regular dental hygiene routine.
- Simply dip your toothbrush into some melted coconut oil and brush like normal (it may take some getting used to).
- Rinse out with water afterward and follow up with regular toothpaste brushing if desired.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening
Here are the top 5 benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening:
1. Does Not Contain Any Harsh Chemicals:
Coconut oil is a natural product, so it does not contain any harsh chemicals that can irritate the sensitive skin inside your mouth or damage the enamel of your teeth like some traditional whitening products.
2. Anti-Bacterial Properties:
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and thus reduce plaque build-up and bad breath.
3. Prevention From Tooth Decay and Dental Issues:
The medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil are easily absorbed by the body and give additional energy to fight off harmful microorganisms such as bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental issues.
4. Removes Stains And Promotes Gum Health:
Its mild abrasive quality helps remove surface stains on the teeth while promoting gum health by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent against periodontal diseases.
5. Extremely Affordable:
Coconut oil is also extremely affordable compared to most commercial teeth-whitening products, making it an accessible option for those seeking to whiten their teeth without breaking their budget.
Precautions While Using Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening:
Here are some of the precautions to consider while using coconut oil for teeth whitening:
1. Don’t Swallow The Oil:
It is important to remember that coconut oil should never be swallowed. If you do choose to use it, always spit it out after swishing and rinsing with water.
2. Not A Substitute For Professional Care:
Coconut oil should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care.
It is important to always brush your teeth twice a day and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
3. Don’t Over-Do The Swishing:
Swishing for longer than 20 minutes can lead to dehydration, so it is best not to exceed this time limit.
4. Not A Permanent Solution:
It is important to note that coconut oil is not a permanent solution for teeth whitening; it will only help remove surface stains, and any effect you see may be temporary.
Regular brushing and visits to the dentist are still necessary for overall oral health.
How Fast Does Coconut Oil Whiten Teeth?
The effects of coconut oil on teeth whitening can vary from person to person.
Some people may see results after the first few uses, while others may need more time to see results. It is important to be patient and consistent with your routine for the best results.
You should also be sure to get regular dental checkups and cleanings in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
By following a regular oral hygiene routine, you can ensure that your smile stays beautiful and white for years to come.
Can I Use Baking Soda Combined With Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening?
Baking soda is one of the most popular ingredients used in DIY teeth whitening.
While it does have some mild abrasive properties, it should only be used cautiously and combined with other natural ingredients like coconut oil to reduce any potential damage to the enamel of your teeth.
It is also important to note that baking soda should never be swallowed and should always be used in combination with regular toothpaste brushing if desired. This is an effective way to whiten your teeth safely and naturally.
How Many Times Should I Use Coconut Oil For Teeth Whitening?
The exact amount of times you should use coconut oil for teeth whitening may vary depending on the individual case.
Generally, it is recommended to use coconut oil for teeth whitening at least twice a week over the course of several months in order to see results.
Using too much coconut oil can cause the enamel on your teeth to become too weakened, so stick to brushing with it two or three times a week and follow up with regular flossing afterward.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of any diet changes you make as well since food and beverages high in acid can have an adverse effect on the whiteness of your teeth.
Can I Brush My Teeth With Coconut Oil Instead of Toothpaste?
Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for toothpaste, however, it is not recommended to completely replace your toothpaste with coconut oil.
The abrasive properties of the toothpaste help to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth, so it is important to include this in your regular hygiene routine.
Instead, consider using coconut oil in addition to your regular toothpaste as a way to get the maximum benefit from both.
Also, be sure that you are brushing gently and not over-brushing your teeth, otherwise, you could cause damage to the enamel on your teeth.
Can I Swish Coconut Oil in My Mouth for 20 Minutes?
Yes, swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes can be an effective way to whiten your teeth.
However, it is important not to exceed the time limit of 20 minutes as this could lead to dehydration.
Additionally, you should always follow up with brushing your teeth with toothpaste after using coconut oil as a way to remove any remaining oils from your teeth and gums.
Conclusion:
Coconut oil has been used as a natural remedy for centuries and its potential benefits have been widely researched—but unfortunately, its effectiveness as a tooth whitener hasn’t yet been conclusively proven by scientific studies yet.
However, if you have sensitive teeth or would like to try an all-natural approach to whitening then it may be worth giving it a try—just make sure you check with your dentist first before making any changes to your oral hygiene routine!
While its effectiveness has not yet been proven, it can still be used as part of your regular dental care routine with some precautions in mind (such as not swallowing the oil and avoiding over-swishing).
When incorporated into a comprehensive oral hygiene program that includes brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist, coconut oil can be an effective way for whitening your teeth.
