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| - Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that coconut oil pulling can whiten teeth. We did a thorough fact check and found out the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a post on Pinterest, coconut oil pulling can offer several health benefits. The proposed benefits include teeth whitening, prevention of cavities, killing bad breath, healing cracked lips. The post further suggests that it can soothe sore throats, detoxify the body, and strengthen teeth, gums, and jaw.
Fact Check
Can coconut oil pulling whiten teeth?
No, not really. There is no credible scientific evidence that suggests coconut oil pulling can whiten teeth. Teeth whitening involves removing stains due to foods, drinks, or smoking. And, most effective teeth-whitening methods involve peroxide-based treatments. Coconut oil does not contain any bleaching agents that could lift or remove stains from the teeth. At best, it may help remove some bacteria, but this does not translate to noticeable whitening.
A 2022 meta-analysis found that oil pulling can lower the number of bacteria in saliva but does not significantly reduce plaque or improve gum health compared to regular dental care. We found another evidence一a 2021 review of studies from 2010 to 2020 found limited and low-quality evidence supporting oil pulling for oral health. Some studies in the review show a reduction in plaque compared to chlorhexidine. However, due to bias and unclear methods, oil pulling cannot be recommended as a reliable addition to standard dental care.
In addition to this, there are several posts on social media which claim that teeth whitening products can whiten your teeth. However, most of them lack enough evidence.
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, shares her expert opinion on coconut oil pulling. She says, “Coconut oil pulling does not have any bleaching properties that can whiten teeth. While it may help reduce bacteria in the mouth, which can improve overall oral health, there is no scientific evidence that it can visibly whiten teeth. Professional treatments or whitening toothpaste are more effective for achieving a brighter smile.”
Can oil pulling prevent cavities?
Not as much as claimed. Coconut oil pulling has some antibacterial properties due to the presence of lauric acid (which makes up about 50% of coconut oil). But, this practice is unlikely to provide significant cavity prevention. Research suggests that oil pulling can reduce levels of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is involved in the development of cavities. However, it should not replace traditional dental hygiene practices.
Coconut oil might help reduce bacteria in the mouth. But, the effects are limited compared to regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Indian dentists also recommend brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental check-ups as the most effective ways to prevent cavities.
We asked Dr Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, from NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, whether oil pulling can prevent cavities. She states, “Coconut oil pulling may reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth due to its antibacterial properties, but it should not be considered a substitute for brushing, flossing, or using fluoride toothpaste. Even though it can contribute to better oral hygiene, it is not sufficient on its own to prevent cavities.”
Does coconut oil pulling kill bad breath?
It may. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties may reduce the number of bacteria that contribute to bad breath (halitosis). A 2022 study concluded that oil pulling is as effective as chlorhexidine (a common mouthwash ingredient) in reducing bacteria that cause bad breath. However, the effectiveness of oil pulling is temporary. Also, it should not serve as the primary method for addressing bad breath. Proper brushing and flossing are more effective in the long term.
Can coconut oil pulling help heal cracked lips?
There’s no direct evidence. The claim that coconut oil pulling can heal cracked lips lacks conclusive scientific support. Cracked lips are generally because of dehydration, cold weather, or vitamin deficiencies. Even though coconut oil can be applied topically as a moisturiser, swishing it in your mouth may not help treat lip issues. Drinking enough water and using lip balms for moisture are more effective for healing cracked lips.
Does coconut oil pulling detoxify the body?
No, coconut oil pulling cannot detoxify the body. The idea that coconut oil pulling can ‘detoxify’ the body is a common claim in alternative health circles but is not true as per science. The body has its own detoxification systems, primarily the liver and kidneys, which filter out toxins. Swishing oil in the mouth has no known impact on these processes. The term ‘detoxify’ is often misused to promote unproven health treatments or detoxification diets, and this is one such instance.
Can oil pulling soothe sore throats?
We found no scientific evidence to support this claim that coconut oil pulling can soothe sore throats. Although the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties might offer some benefit for mild throat irritation, there is no clinical research to substantiate this claim. Traditional remedies like warm salt water gargling are more widely supported for soothing sore throats.
What does the research say about oil pulling?
Oil pulling, especially with coconut oil, is a popular practice since centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. However, modern scientific studies have mostly shown modest results. Research primarily focuses on its effects on oral bacteria, plaque, and bad breath. But, the evidence is either minimal or suggests that oil pulling should be considered an adjunct to regular dental care, not a replacement.
The Indian Dental Association (IDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) do not recommend oil pulling as a substitute for standard oral health practices. Instead, they advocate for brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental visits. Oil pulling might reduce plaque and gum inflammation according to current evidence. However, its effects are minimal when we compare it to more established methods of maintaining oral hygiene.
THIP Media Take
Coconut oil pulling may offer minor benefits in reducing oral bacteria and improving oral hygiene. But, many of the claims made about it—such as teeth whitening, cavity prevention, detoxification, and cracked lip healing—are an exaggeration or still not proven by scientific evidence. It should not replace traditional dental hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly. For those looking for proven ways to whiten teeth or treat oral health issues, consulting a dental professional is the best course of action.
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