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How to Use Coconut Oil for Whitening Teeth – Oil Pulling

Coconut Oil: How to use coconut oil not only for whitening teeth: it’s a multipurpose product and a true ally for our beauty routine. It’s 100% natural and eco-friendly.

Today we will talk about how it can give excellent results when applied to teeth, but you should know that you can also use it as a makeup remover or lip balm. Just have a small stock at home to solve several beauty needs in one fell swoop.

Coconut Oil: Properties and Uses in Cosmetics

Coconut oil is a vegetable fat that is extracted from the flesh of the coconut. It is an extremely nourishing natural ingredient, rich in vitamins, and useful in various beauty applications (and not only).

You can easily recognize it because it is characterized by a beautiful white color, has a delicate scent, and is easily absorbed by the skin. The oil is quite durable over time, does not become rancid quickly, and can therefore be stored at home for several months at room temperature.

Why does this oil seem so miraculous? And what does it contain? The credit for its extraordinary properties comes from certain acids, expertly mixed by nature: lauric acid (50%), myristic acid (20%), palmitic acid (7%), and caprylic acid.

The high percentage of lauric acid, a saturated fat, allows coconut oil to be one of the most appreciated eco-sustainable ingredients used in making some cosmetics for the care of hair and dry skin.

Perhaps you were not aware of the fact that coconut oil is also very useful for taking care of your oral cavity, thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. How? By practicing Oil Pulling, a very simple technique whose purpose is to improve the health of our body.

What is Oil Pulling and How to Use Coconut Oil to Whiten Teeth?

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that has become fashionable today, involving oral rinses with simple vegetable oil, which should ideally be kept in the mouth like a mouthwash for 20 minutes every day.This oral hygiene technique has Ayurvedic origins dating back about 5-10 thousand years; it has persisted to the present day because many have benefited from it, but not everyone agrees on its validity at a scientific level.

In this article, we will try to present the strengths of this treatment objectively so that you can independently evaluate whether to test this method for your daily hygiene.A fact is that coconut oil has been used for a long time to detoxify the mouth and body (although originally sesame and sunflower oil were preferred) because in Eastern medicine it is believed that there is a strong connection between various parts of the tongue and the organs of the body.Therefore, rinsing the mouth is interpreted as purifying the rest of the organism.

Nowadays, we know that this sanitizing action happens because coconut oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which would make it effective against Streptococcus Mutans bacteria, known for causing tooth decay. Not only that, but this element is capable of capturing all the other bacteria in our mouth and the toxins present in the oral cavity; so when oil pulling is practiced, the “harmful parts” are completely eradicated, provided that the technique is performed correctly.

The throat and mouth are disinfected, the breath is made more pleasant, and the teeth are less yellow, according to those who practice it. Obviously, to achieve these results, the base ingredient that is used must be 100% organic and cold-pressed oil.

How Coconut Oil Helps Teeth and Gums

Going into a bit more detail, here are the possible benefits that people have reported when they chose to use coconut oil to purify the oral cavity:

Reducing halitosis: the oil improves breath by its ability to eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Reduction of plaque and gingivitis: with constant use, it reduces the formation of plaque and prevents gum inflammation. It can also help in the case of bleeding gums.

Prevention of tooth decay due to its antibacterial properties: coconut oil is an excellent natural preventive remedy against cavities.

Natural and cost-effective whitening of teeth: the oil is a completely eco-sustainable and untreated product and therefore presents itself as a valid alternative to chemical whitening treatments, which can always lead to unpleasant side effects.

If used consistently, this organic product can ensure a bright smile with white and shiny teeth. However, be careful not to interpret coconut oil as a natural substitute for toothpaste.

With the oil pulling technique, the goal is to rinse and not to brush, therefore after the treatment, it is strictly necessary to wash the teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste so as not to negate the purifying action of the coconut oil.

The oil is an additional help against bacteria and halitosis and to keep one’s oral cavity healthier, but this does not exempt one from periodic dental check-ups.

How to Whiten Teeth with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil for whitening teeth can be used alone or in addition to other products. It can easily be made at home by gently melting it over heat and then transferring it to an airtight container.

Keep it in the fridge to solidify a bit, but take it out just before using it to achieve a creamy consistency. The right consistency is one that spreads well on the toothbrush and allows you to perform a normal tooth brushing.

You can enhance the whitening effect of coconut oil on your teeth by adding another ingredient that we all have at home: baking soda. A small spoonful will suffice; combine it with the coconut oil and let it act on the teeth for a few minutes, then spit it out.

Alternatively to baking soda, you can opt for a few drops of essential oil, this way not only will your teeth appear whiter, but your breath will also be pleasantly scented. Even with essential oil drops, mix everything, let it solidify and use a teaspoon of the mixture to brush your teeth.

Oil Pulling with Coconut oil

Using coconut oil for teeth, often referred to as “Oil Pulling,” is an ancient practice that some people believe can help improve oral health. Here's how you can do it:

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Instructions

Start on an empty stomach:
It is generally recommended to do oil pulling in the morning before eating or drinking anything, although you can also do it before each meal if you prefer.
Start Swishing for 15-20 minutes:
Gently swirl the oil in your mouth, pushing and pulling it between your teeth and around your gums. Try to cover the oral cavity as much as possible. Proper oil pulling should be done for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure that the oil has enough time to bind to the bacteria and plaque in your mouth. If you are new to oil pulling, you may want to start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you get used to the sensation.
Avoid ingesting and disposing of the oil properly:
Try your best not to ingest the oil as it fills with bacteria and toxins from your mouth. When you're done, spit the oil into a trash can instead of the sink to avoid clogging your plumbing, as coconut oil solidifies in colder temperatures.
Repeat regularly:
After extracting and rinsing the oil, continue with your normal oral hygiene routine: brush your teeth and floss. For potential benefits, make oil pulling a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. Most advocates suggest doing this 3-5 times a week.

Notes

Although many people believe in oil pulling for various oral health benefits, it is important to note that scientific research on its effectiveness is limited. Always consider professional medical advice, particularly if you have specific oral health concerns.

Keyword: coconut oil, oil pulling

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