Does Coconut Oil Whiten Yellow Teeth?

Swishing coconut oil in your mouth (oil pulling) is anecdotally said to help whiten teeth. While some studies suggest that using coconut oil for oil pulling may help remove plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth, limited research exists on whether this practice results in whiter teeth.

Coconut Oil for Teeth Whitening: Does It Work?

How does coconut oil whiten teeth, and does it work? People have reported that oil pulling (swishing edible oil around your mouth) with coconut oil may whiten teeth. However, research does not fully support this claim.

Some research shows that oil pulling with coconut and other oils reduces saliva bacteria, effectively reducing gingivitis and bad breath caused by plaque (bacteria coating the teeth).

Coconut oil (and other oils, like sesame) have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that likely help prevent bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. Because plaque buildup can lead to tooth discoloration, some supporters of the practice have suggested that this could (in theory) result in a whitening effect on the teeth.

Much of the available research on oil pulling is conducted in smaller studies over shorter periods. In addition to a lack of confirmed teeth-whitening cases from oil pulling, experts note that some types of oil have been linked to adverse side effects, including diarrhea and upset stomach.

Type of Coconut Oil to Use

Coconut oil's mild, pleasant taste makes it a popular oil-pulling option. It's generally safe for most people when applied to the skin and consumed by mouth in small doses on a short-term basis.

There are two main types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined (also called virgin or cold-pressed). When it comes to oil pulling, selecting an unrefined coconut oil option is likely the better choice. Unrefined oil is not as processed as refined oil, so it contains higher levels of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Plus, refined coconut oil is sometimes produced with chemical solvents, which may not be suitable for use in the mouth.

While oil pulling doesn't involve swallowing the oil, keep in mind that coconut oil contains a type of fat that may increase cholesterol levels. People with high cholesterol should avoid unintentionally consuming coconut oil while oil pulling.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Coconut Oil on Teeth

Using coconut oil for oil pulling is a relatively simple habit that can be performed daily before brushing your teeth. General steps that people who practice oil pulling take include:

• Placing roughly 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of coconut oil in your mouth
• Swishing the oil around the teeth and in the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes
• Spitting out the oil, preferably into a wastebasket so as not to clog sink pipes
• Rinsing the mouth with water, then brushing your teeth

Try not to swallow the oil during this process. If the full 20 minutes is too difficult to maintain, try starting with five or 10-minute increments.

Teeth-Whitening Alternatives

Other teeth-whitening options backed by experts include in-office procedures, professional products from a dentist for at-home use, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners like toothpaste, strips, and gels.

In addition to these products, some potential at-home remedies are often marketed for teeth whitening, though little evidence supports their efficacy. Here are a few alternative options:

• Baking soda: As an abrasive compound, this option may help remove plaque but can damage tooth enamel if used too frequently. Try regular toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient, rather than using baking soda alone, to safely whiten teeth or remove stains.
• Lemon juice: Brushing or rinsing with lemon juice may whiten and brighten teeth, but the citric acid in lemons could be harmful to the teeth and potentially dissolve the bone.
• Strawberry: Because this fruit contains ascorbic acid, it's often purported to help whiten teeth. One study noted teeth-whitening success with a mixture of strawberries and baking soda, though experts caution that the berry's acids can harm the teeth.
• Charcoal: As an ingredient in certain toothpaste, activated charcoal is said to help pull tartar, bacteria, and stains from the teeth. However, studies haven't fully supported the whitening claims and note that the ingredient's abrasiveness has the potential to damage teeth.

If you're interested in alternative teeth-whitening options, consider discussing the pros and cons with a dental care provider.

Summary

There is not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that coconut oil (oil pulling) whitens teeth. Some research suggests that oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, potentially supporting oral health.

While more studies are needed on this topic, adding coconut oil to your standard dental care routine is not likely to be harmful. Check with a dental healthcare provider if you have any questions about the safety or efficacy of using coconut oil for teeth whitening purposes.