Are you tired of spending a fortune on teeth whitening products that promise to give you a bright, white smile but fail to deliver? There’s no need to worry anymore because the solution to your problem may be sitting in your kitchen cabinet.
Yes, you read that right! Coconut oil, a natural and affordable alternative, is making waves in teeth whitening. Not only does it help to remove stubborn stains from your teeth, but it also promotes healthy gums and fresh breath. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening, how to incorporate it into your dental routine, and some tips on maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
So, grab a spoonful of coconut oil and let’s get started!
The science behind teeth whitening
Before we delve into the benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening, it’s important to understand its science. Various factors, including smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, and poor dental hygiene cause teeth stains. When you consume these substances, they leave behind pigments that can stain your teeth. Over time, these stains become more stubborn and harder to remove.
Traditionally, teeth whitening products contain chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that penetrate the enamel and bleach the stains. However, these chemicals can be harsh on the teeth and gums and cause sensitivity or irritation. This is where natural alternatives like coconut oil come into the picture.
What is coconut oil and why is it effective for teeth whitening?
Coconut oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. It contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth. When used for oil pulling or brushing, coconut oil can help remove surface stains from the teeth and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
The high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil makes it an effective teeth whitener. MCTs are smaller than most fats and can easily penetrate the enamel of the teeth. When this happens, they bind to the stains and lift them away from the surface of the teeth. This process is known as adsorption, making coconut oil a great natural teeth-whitening agent.
Benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening
Besides its teeth-whitening properties, coconut oil has several other benefits for oral health. Here are some of the benefits of using coconut oil for teeth whitening:
Promotes healthy gums
The antibacterial properties of coconut oil can help improve gum health by reducing inflammation and preventing gum disease. Studies have shown that oil pulling with coconut oil can significantly reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and improve gum health.
Freshens breath
Coconut oil has a pleasant taste and aroma that can help freshen your breath. The lauric acid in coconut oil can also help fight bad breath by reducing the number of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Safe for use
Coconut oil is a natural and safe alternative to chemical-based teeth whitening products. It’s gentle on the teeth and gums and doesn’t cause any sensitivity or irritation. Moreover, it’s affordable and readily available in most households.
Easy to use
Using coconut oil for teeth whitening is easy and convenient. You can incorporate it into your dental routine by oil pulling or brushing your teeth with coconut oil. It’s also easy to combine with other natural ingredients for added benefits.
How to use coconut oil for teeth whitening – oil pulling and brushing
There are two main ways to use coconut oil for teeth whitening – oil pulling and brushing. Here’s how to do it:
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around the mouth for 10-20 minutes to remove toxins and improve oral health. Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils used for oil pulling because of its antibacterial properties and pleasant taste.
To oil pull with coconut oil, follow these steps:
- Take a spoonful of coconut oil and put it in your mouth.
- Swish the coconut oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes, moving it around your teeth and gums.
- Spit out the coconut oil into a trash can (not the sink, as it can clog the pipes).
- Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as normal.
Oil pulling can be done once a day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. It’s important not to swallow the coconut oil, as it may contain harmful bacteria and toxins that have been removed from your mouth.
Brushing with coconut oil
Brushing your teeth with coconut oil is another effective way to whiten your teeth and improve oral health. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a pea-sized amount of coconut oil on your toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes, making sure to reach all areas of your mouth.
- Spit out the coconut oil into a trash can (not the sink).
- Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as normal.
Brushing with coconut oil can be done daily, preferably before bedtime. You can also add peppermint oil to the coconut oil for added freshness.
Other natural ingredients that can be combined with coconut oil for teeth whitening
Coconut oil can be combined with other natural ingredients to enhance teeth-whitening properties. Here are some ingredients that can be used with coconut oil for teeth whitening:
Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener combined with coconut oil to make a whitening paste. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the paste for 2-3 minutes and rinse with water.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help remove stains from the teeth. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of turmeric powder to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the paste for 2-3 minutes and rinse with water.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural teeth whitener that can help remove stubborn stains from the teeth. Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the paste for 2-3 minutes and rinse with water.
Tips for maintaining a healthy and white smile
Apart from using coconut oil for teeth whitening, you can do several other things to maintain a healthy white smile. Here are some tips:
Brush twice a day
Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably after meals, to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily
Floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. This can help prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Avoid food and drinks that stain
Avoid consuming food and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Visit your dentist regularly
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This can help detect and prevent dental problems before they become severe.
Common misconceptions about teeth whitening and coconut oil
Several misconceptions about teeth whitening and coconut oil need to be debunked. Here are some of them:
Coconut oil can whiten teeth overnight
Coconut oil is a natural and gentle teeth whitener that requires consistent use to see results. It may take several weeks or months of regular use to see a noticeable difference in teeth color.
Coconut oil is a replacement for professional teeth whitening
Coconut oil is an affordable and natural alternative to chemical-based teeth whitening products. However, it’s not a replacement for professional teeth whitening treatments, especially if you have severe discoloration.
Coconut oil can damage tooth enamel
Coconut oil is a gentle and safe teeth whitener that doesn’t damage tooth enamel. However, excessive use or aggressive brushing can cause enamel wear and tooth sensitivity.
The cost comparison of coconut oil vs traditional teeth whitening methods
One of the biggest advantages of using coconut oil for teeth whitening is its affordability. Traditional teeth whitening methods such as in-office treatments or custom trays can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. On the other hand, a jar of coconut oil can cost as little as $10 and can last for several months.
Conclusion – why you should try using coconut oil for teeth whitening
In conclusion, coconut oil is a natural and affordable alternative to chemical-based teeth whitening products. It removes surface stains from the teeth, promotes healthy gums, and freshens breath.
Moreover, it’s easy to use and can be combined with other natural ingredients for added benefits. So, if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth, try coconut oil!
