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Coconut Oil For Teeth Whitening
Oil pulling with coconut oil is a very popular at-home, natural teeth whitening technique. Does it work, though?
Coconut oil for teeth whitening is a popular and cheap way to do oil pulling. Have you heard about oil pulling? It’s been around for a long time. In fact, it’s been around for thousands of years! Originating from India, oil pulling is an ancient practice that was first outlined in Ayurvedic medicinal texts. It was believed to be a purification method that works by pulling toxins from the body out through the gums and mouth using oil as an adsorption medium.
In modern times, oil pulling has become a popular way to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and improve oral health. Historically, Kavala Graha and Gandusha oil were used in oil pulling. However, any type of oil can be used as an adsorption medium. Nowadays, coconut oil, due to its pleasant taste, is the most popular choice.
The Science Behind Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening
Does oil pulling with coconut oil really work? Let’s discuss the facts.
Streptococcus mutans
One study tested the effectiveness of coconut oil compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash, which is a prescription mouthwash that is proven to decrease bacteria in your mouth. Specifically, scientists tested for the bacterial efficacy of the two against Streptococcus mutans or S. mutans, the most common organism causing dental caries (tooth decay or cavities).
The results of the study showed that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties! Not only was it able to significantly decrease the S. mutans count in the mouth, but it also proved to be just as effective as chlorohexidine mouthwash! For everyday use, coconut oil may be a better alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash, as the latter can cause side effects like staining of the teeth and altered taste perception.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease. It causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva (the part of the gum around the base of the teeth). Multiple studies have shown that oil pulling using coconut oil is very effective in decreasing plaque formation and plaque-induced gingivitis!
Sesame oil and sunflower oil are also known to be effective oils against gingivitis.
Oral malodor
Oral malodor is a fancy way of saying “bad breath” that is specifically caused by the proteolytic activity of these three microorganisms: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. While there have been studies on the effectivity of sesame oil in combating oral malodor, there is no evidence that oil pulling using coconut oil will achieve the same effect.
Teeth Whitening
No studies have been able to prove that oil pulling, regardless of what oil is used, can whiten teeth. Despite the Internet hype over people’s anecdotes about the effectiveness of oil pulling for teeth whitening, the truth is that unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to back up their claims. We have to face the facts and admit that while oil pulling can improve our oral health in different ways, it cannot whiten our teeth.
Should You Use Coconut Oil For Tooth Whitening?
While you can use coconut oil to lessen your S. mutans count or to improve gingivitis, you should not use coconut oil for teeth whitening. Oil pulling using coconut oil has many benefits, but teeth whitening isn’t one of them.
How To Use Coconut Oil for Whiter Teeth
Oil pulling is very easy to do, making it a perfect addition to your oral hygiene routine!
Here are there steps to oil pulling:
- Measure one tablespoon or 15mL of coconut oil. (Sesame oil or olive oil will work just as well!)
- Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes. Be careful not to swallow any. (Tip: You may want to work your way up by swishing for just 5 minutes until you’re able to do a full 15–20 minutes).
- Once you’re done, spit the oil into the trash. It is best to avoid spitting it into the sink or toilet, as this can cause clogging.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Repeat these steps a few times per week or up to three times daily.
The Real Way To Get Your Teeth Whitened
So, since oil pulling is out of the picture, what is the real way to get your teeth whitened?
Lifestyle Changes
A little goes a long way! Small things like brushing and flossing everyday and avoiding staining agents like coffee and wine can greatly improve your oral hygiene! To ensure you’re getting the most out of brushing your teeth, invest in a good toothbrush. I recommend the Smoothly Green brush with ultra-fine nanobristle technology.
Smoothly Green – Medium Bristles
PHP 229
Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening products are a convenient way to get a brighter and shinier smile.
Check out the Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste. It is composed of four active and powerful ingredients, namely, hydropxyapitate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, potassium nitrate, and fluorine, which have been scientifically proven to safely and effectively whiten teeth.
Brilliant Smile Whitening EVO Toothpaste
PHP 849 for 65mL
Teeth Whitening Professionals
There’s nothing better than the pros! When you visit a professional teeth whitening salon like The Smile Bar, you can trust that you’re going to get the best. The Smile Bar is at the top of the game when it comes to teeth whitening, and that is because they use state-of-the-art, patented technology to give each client a whiter, brighter smile. Book an appointment and visit them now in their branches in Uptown Parade BGC or in Ayala Malls, Vertis North!
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The Smile Bar – Uptown Parade BGC
Address: 2/f Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue, corner 36th St, Taguig
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Telephone: 02 8541 2853
Instagram: @ thesmilebarph
The Smile Bar – Ayala Malls, Vertis North
Address: 4/f, Cinema level, Ayala Mall, Vertis North 173, Quezon City
Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM
Telephone: 0917 590 0792
