Coconut oil has been said to boast a number of different remedies for your hair, skin and nails, but did you know that it can also help your teeth? Coconut oil can be used for oil pulling which provides a number of benefits for your teeth. In this article, we will provide information on the benefits of coconut oil for the teeth. We will also discuss how to whiten your teeth with coconut oil.
Issues With Standard Bleaching Treatments
Coconut oil is a tooth-whitening alternative that is known to be safer than using traditional tooth whitening-agents. This is because tooth whitening does not come without its own set of risks. While those that sell such products say that the risks are minimal, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says otherwise. Studies have shown that your teeth can get sensitive after you use traditional whitening kits. For this reason, they state that it should only be done in a dentist’s office.
This is just one of the several risks that come with whitening your teeth at home. When you bleach a decaying or decayed tooth, it can kill the nerve. This will mean that you’ll need an extraction or a root canal.
Most bleaching products in the United States also often have at least 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. A study has shown that this level of the compound can change the tooth enamel and make it rough as well as weakening the teeth altogether. It can also release mercury found in silver fillings which can mean toxins getting into your blood.
How Coconut Oil Works on Teeth
Coconut oil is used as one of the most popular ways to whiten yellowed teeth. It is an ancient method and completed by a task that is called oil pulling. All that it takes is swishing coconut oil around in your mouth much like you would a mouthwash.
Oil pulling works by cleaning out your mouth and detoxifying it at once. It sucks out the toxins and bacteria, creating a clean and antiseptic environment. This helps facilitate the proper flow of the liquid in your mouth that is needed to stop any cavities as well as disease.
There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria in your mouth, and these bacteria, whether good or bad, create a film on the teeth. This film sticks to the surface and is known as plaque. While a little bit of plaque is normal, if too much is present, it can mean problems such as:
- Yellow teeth
- Inflamed gums
- Bad breath
- Cavities and more
Coconut oil does not bleach the teeth but instead it whitens them using lauric acid. This is a fatty acid that gets rid of that plaque and bacteria, both of which are contributors to yellow teeth. This acid is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory in nature. These properties have been confirmed by a number of studies and shown to be effective.
While there have not been many studies done in total, research is growing on the topic. This research is showing that not only is it good for the mouth but it is good for detoxing the body as well.
Why Coconut Oil?
You may be wondering why coconut oil in particular is the chosen oil for this practice. There is definitely a reason. It is the oil of choice for a number of different health issues such as:
- Aiding digestion
- Balancing hormones
- Slowing down aging signs
- Stopping Candida
- Increasing levels of good cholesterol
- Lowering bad cholesterol
- Reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Boosting energy levels
- Balancing blood sugar and more
For your mouth, coconut oil can stop bad breath, probably because of its ability to help improve the state of the breath by removing plaque and bacteria. It can also reduce gingivitis and plaque which can stop inflammation. This inflammation comes on when the immune system begins to attack the bacteria in the plaque in your mouth.
It can also, of course, help whiten your teeth. Some of the other benefits that come with oil pulling with coconut oil specifically includes:
- Clearing up your complexion
- Strengthening your gums and jaw
- Healing bleeding gums
- Reducing inflammation
- Healing cracked lips
- Giving the immune system a boost
- Fighting against tooth decay
- Calming down a dry throat
- Preventing cavities
How to Oil Pull
In order to go through with oil pulling, you will need around a tablespoon or a little less of oil. Make sure that it is raw, organic cold pressed oil. Follow these steps:
- Put the coconut oil into your mouth.
- Allow it to warm up and melt into a liquid.
- Swish the liquefied oil in your mouth for around 15 minutes minimum, 20 minutes maximum.
- Ensure that it is covering all areas of your gums and your teeth.
- Be sure that you do not gargle it like mouthwash and instead are only swishing it around the mouth.
- After 20 minutes have passed, spit out the oil into a trash can. Don’t use your sink as it may clog it up.
- Rinse out your mouth using warm water.
- Brush your teeth in a usual way with your standard toothbrush.
- It is recommended that you do this every day or at least a few times a week.
You can also get some coconut oil toothpaste to help further this. You can buy some premade toothpaste or make your own depending on your needs. Coconut oil toothpaste won’t contain any strange or potentially toxic chemicals. In fact, these types of toothpastes are mostly all natural to give you a greater peace of mind.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how to whiten your teeth with coconut oil and a few of the perks of coconut oil. Do you have any questions about coconut oil, or how to whiten your teeth with coconut oil? Let us know in the comments section below.
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