Can you brush your teeth with coconut oil? Not in place of toothpaste. Using coconut oil for teeth, usually by swishing it in your mouth (oil pulling), has become a popular wellness trend, but the American Dental Association (ADA) says there is no reliable scientific evidence that it can reduce cavities, make teeth whiter or improve oral health. Here’s what the research shows and what we’d suggest instead.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic folk remedy from India and southern Asia. You swish about a tablespoon of an edible oil, such as coconut, sesame, olive or sunflower oil, in your mouth for anywhere from a few minutes up to 20 minutes or longer, then spit it out. Coconut oil is a common choice because it’s high in lauric acid, which has shown antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies.
Those laboratory properties haven’t been shown to translate into better dental health. On its MouthHealthy site, the ADA says: “Based on the lack of scientific evidence, the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.” It continues to recommend brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing between your teeth once a day.
Claimed Benefits of Coconut Oil: What the Research Shows
Does It Reduce Bacteria?
A 2016 trial of 60 people in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found a significant drop in Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium linked to tooth decay, in the saliva of the coconut oil group after two weeks, but it measured bacteria in saliva, not cavities (2016 PubMed abstract). A 2020 Heliyon systematic review included only four randomized trials (182 participants, 7 to 14 days each). Some reported short-term drops in saliva bacteria and in plaque, the sticky film on teeth, but the reviewers called the data insufficient for conclusive findings and rated the risk of bias as high (2020 PubMed abstract).
Does It Help With Bad Breath?
Some people try oil pulling for bad breath, but the evidence is thin. A small 2011 pilot trial of 20 adolescents used sesame oil, not coconut oil, and reported results similar to a medicated mouthwash (chlorhexidine) after two weeks (2011 PubMed abstract), which can’t tell us what coconut oil does. If bad breath persists despite regular brushing and flossing, have it checked at a dental exam, since there are several possible causes.
Is It a Natural Alternative to Toothpaste?
Some patients wonder whether coconut oil can replace toothpaste, because it’s a single-ingredient food and feels more natural. That’s a fair preference, but a short ingredient list isn’t proven protection, and coconut oil doesn’t contain the fluoride the ADA recommends in toothpaste. If an ingredient in your toothpaste or mouthwash bothers you, tell us at your visit and we’ll help you find an option that works.
Does It Support Gum Health?
Gingivitis (inflamed gums) can lead to more serious periodontal disease if it’s left untreated. A 2015 preliminary report in the Nigerian Medical Journal followed 60 teenagers with plaque-induced gingivitis who added coconut oil pulling for 30 days (2015 PubMed abstract). Their plaque and gum inflammation scores dropped, but everyone used the oil, so there was no group that skipped it for comparison. If your gums bleed or look swollen, the next step is an assessment through our periodontal care services.
Is It a Low-Cost Way to Support Oral Health?
A jar of virgin coconut oil is inexpensive and sold across Pickering, Ajax, and the rest of Durham Region, but low cost isn’t proven benefit. Fluoride toothpaste and floss are sold at the same stores, and regular checkups are how small problems get caught early.
Important Limitations to Keep in Mind
Whatever you decide, here’s what oil pulling hasn’t been shown to do and what it can’t replace:
- It doesn’t replace brushing and flossing. Coconut oil has no fluoride and can’t stand in for brushing with fluoride toothpaste or for cleaning between your teeth daily.
- It hasn’t been shown to whiten teeth. If you’d like a brighter smile, ask us about professional whitening.
- It hasn’t been shown to prevent or treat cavities or infections. If you have tooth pain, a cracked tooth, or signs of infection, please contact our office for an emergency dental appointment rather than waiting on a home remedy.
The Canadian Dental Association points to the same basics: brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily help remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
How to Try Oil Pulling, If You’re Curious
The ADA doesn’t recommend oil pulling. If you try it anyway, here’s how people usually do it.
- Measure out about a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil or another edible oil.
- Swish for as long as feels comfortable, up to about 20 minutes. Start with just a few minutes if you’re new to it.
- Spit the oil into a trash can, not the sink, as it can solidify and clog drains.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Then brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss as you normally would. Oil pulling should never take the place of either.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Oral Care Routine
At Pickering Square Dental, Dr. Marvin Lean and our team encourage patients to mention any complementary practices they use, including oil pulling, at their regular checkups. What we’d suggest instead: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and keep your regular dental visits. We’re also happy to talk through simpler or more natural options.
If you have questions about oil pulling, oral hygiene, or any other dental topic, contact our Pickering dental office or call us at (905) 420-1777 to schedule a consultation. We serve families in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit:
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Oil Pulling
- Canadian Dental Association: Flossing & Brushing
- Canadian Dental Association: Dental Care FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
It depends on your oral health needs. The Canadian Dental Association says that for many people that means a dental exam every six months, while your dentist may suggest visiting more or less often depending on how you care for your teeth and gums and any problems you have. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean provides care focused on clear communication and patient comfort. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham. Dr. Lean spent the last 20 years as the Dentist for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
