Coconut oil is a natural remedy that helps whiten teeth and get rid of bacteria and plaque. It also helps maintain fresh breath. Unlike many other home remedies, using coconut oil for teeth whitening has no side effects and can be used even on sensitive teeth.
There are claims that using coconut oil to whiten your teeth result great improvements in dental health. Also, as compared to other oils that can be used for pulling, coconut oil has a fairly pleasant taste. It is much cheaper.
According to snopes.com, “While the benefits of oil pulling may be unproven, it does promote oral hygiene than ordinary oral rinse or mouthwash.”
Coconut oil does not whiten teeth by bleaching but rather with lauric acid which helps get rid of plaque and bacteria- major contributors to yellow teeth. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids with 50% being lauric acid. Lauric acid has proven anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help to get rid of plaque and bacterial - major contributors to yellow teeth.
There are many different types of bacteria that inhabit the mouth- good bacteria and those that are responsible for oral problems. According to authoritynutrition.com, bacteria creates a thin layer that they use to adhere to the surface of the teeth. This is what is known as plaque.
When bacteria and plaque get out of hand, they cause bad breath, gum inflammation and yellowing of teeth. Oil pulling with coconut oil works by removing the bacteria stuck to the surface of the teeth. It also helps to keep your breath fresh.