In recent years, the trend of coconut oil pulling has spread rapidly on social networks, promoted as being able to whiten teeth, detoxify, and even treat inflammation. This method, also known as oil pulling, originated from traditional Indian medicine, but when it entered modern life, many of its uses were exaggerated far beyond scientific evidence.
cannot replace basic oral hygiene
According to Dr. Jeffrey D. Clark, a community dental expert, lecturer at the University of Illinois Chicago Dental School (USA), coconut oil is not a "shield" to protect teeth as many people mistakenly believe. Coconut oil is free of fluoresorescent, a key factor in preventing tooth decay. Quitting to brush your teeth just to get a grease is a serious mistake, Dr. Clark emphasized.
He said that coconut oil can temporarily reduce bacteria in the mouth thanks to its oil properties, but it is not enough to clean hard plaque or protect tooth enamel for a long time.
The longer you want it, the better it gets?
Another common misconception is that coconut oil is more efficient the longer it is. Many people keep the oil in their mouths for 20 - 30 minutes every morning. According to Dr. Clark, this does not bring added benefits but also causes jaw fatigue and irritation of the mouth lining, especially in people with pre-existing periodontological diseases. The stall time, if applied, should only last a few minutes and not be done too often.
No real whitening effect
Coconut oil is unlikely to whiten teeth under the dental mechanism. Teeth look brighter after grinding only because the soft plaque is washed away. To improve safe tooth color, you need professional methods or change your eating habits, do not rely on folk tips, Dr. Clark warned.
Not everyone is suitable
Children, the elderly or people with poor swallowing reflexes are at risk of swallowing oil, leading to digestive disorders, even pneumonia if the oil enters the airway. In addition, coconut oil is high in fat, so swallowing it regularly is not recommended.
Detoxification is just a vague concept
According to international health experts, there is no scientific evidence that coconut oil cloves can detoxify the entire body. The liver and kidneys are the organs that take on this function, not the mouth.
Experts agree that if you want to use coconut oil, consider it as a supplementary measure, not a replacement. Proper toothbrushing, using periodic toothpaste and dental check-ups are still the most sustainable foundation for oral protection.
