Interest in natural remedies has grown exponentially in recent years, and coconut oil is one of those ingredients that gets resurrected from time to time under the promise of improving health. Coconut oil, although high in saturated fat, can increase HDL cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The lauric acid found in the oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help fight infections, moisturize and protect skin and hair. Finally, coconut oil is used in mouthwashes to improve the health of your teeth.
This practice is called “oil extraction” in English, and consists of keeping the oil in the mouth for 10 or 20 minutes then spitting it out. THE influencers They promote this procedure as an effective method for whitening teeth and preventing cavities, but is it really effective?
Where do oil extractions come from?
He “oil extraction” It is a practice from Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient medical tradition in India. According to this tradition, oil pulling (originally with sesame or sunflower oil) helps “suck” toxins from the body and improve oral health, among other benefits.
In reality, all the supposed benefits come from a single effect: the oil’s ability to dissolve fats and dental plaque bacteria, thanks to its lipid composition. Coconut oil, in particular, contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid known for its antimicrobial properties.
Plaque is a sticky, clear film made up of bacteria, saliva and food debris that builds up on the surface of your teeth and gums and can lead to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease if left. is not properly disposed of. The properties of coconut oil might help reduce the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque buildup, bad breath, and cavities, but brushing your teeth with toothpaste also does the same thing.
Preventing cavities and gingivitis: myth or reality?
One of the benefits of coconut oil is its ability to prevent tooth decay. Cavities are caused by a type of bacteria that lives in our mouth called Streptococcus mutans. It is one of the most abundant and must be present because it is one of the important oral microcytes. It is also one of the bacteria most present in dental plaque.
A recent study of 60 adults showed that using coconut oil rinses for 10 minutes a day significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in saliva in just two weeks, but that was in comparison to distilled water rinses. An older study compared the effects of coconut oil and found that it was as effective as a commercial chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing S. mutans. These are small studies that suggest that coconut oil has, as we already know, antibacterial properties, but they don’t give it any advantage over other methods.
Gingivitis, which consists of an infection of the gums and a weakening of the anchoring of the teeth, also finds its origin in the formation of dental plaque. Our own immune system begins to attack the bacteria present in plaque and at the same time gum tissue. Again, it is beneficial to reduce bacterial plaque. A 2020 study verified the effectiveness of coconut oil in reducing the effects of gingivitis, but only in a sample of 20 patients, and compared to a group who did not rinse at all.
Is coconut oil effective for whitening teeth?
Another appeal under which coconut oil rinse is popularized and marketed is its purported whitening effect. Proponents of this practice say the oil can reduce stains on teeth and make them whiter over time. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. A review of studies found no correlation with teeth whitening and other natural methods, and commercial methods using hydrogen peroxide have been shown to be effective as whiteners.
The perception of having whiter teeth could be due to the removal of surface plaque, which could slightly improve the appearance of the teeth. Again, the same effect is achieved by brushing your teeth.
Comparison of Coconut Oil with Regular Dental Hygiene
Pulling with coconut oil might have a complementary effect, but should not replace conventional methods of maintaining dental health. In fact, using coconut oil alone may be less effective at reducing plaque and cavities than a combination of brushing, flossing, and fluoride rinses.
Coconut oil also does not remove toxins from the body, a myth that is baselessly propagated to many other treatments, since the body does not accumulate toxins unless there is a serious illness.
That said, pulling with coconut oil can be a complementary practice to your oral hygiene routine and is unlikely to cause harm, but should not be considered a substitute for expertly tested and recommended measures. dental health professionals.
