Hollywood Stars Use Coconut Oil for a Better Smile: Should You?
If you’ve ever caught yourself marveling at a celebrity’s dazzling smile and thought, “What’s their secret?” Get ready for something unexpected (and probably already in your kitchen cabinet): coconut oil.
That’s right! Some Hollywood stars reportedly swish their way to healthier gums and shinier teeth with this tropical wonder. But beyond the buzz, does the science actually support using coconut oil for your mouth? Let's break it down.
What Is Oil Pulling, Anyway?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish oil (usually coconut) in your mouth for several minutes to “pull” out toxins and bacteria. Think of it as mouthwash, but with benefits that go beyond just fresh breath.
While it may sound like a TikTok trend, oil pulling has been around for thousands of years, and coconut oil is one of the best options to try, thanks to its supercharged antibacterial properties.
Coconut Oil: A Natural Germ Fighter
The secret weapon in coconut oil is lauric acid, which makes up about 50% of its fat content. Lauric acid is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory powers. That means it’s not just moisturizing; it’s fighting the bad guys too.
In a 2016 study published in the Nigerian Medical Journal, oil pulling with coconut oil was shown to significantly reduce levels of Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
That’s not all. Other studies have found that oil pulling may help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and even bad breath when used regularly.
Will It Whiten Your Teeth?
Sort of! Coconut oil doesn’t bleach your teeth like hydrogen peroxide, but it can help remove surface stains and reduce plaque, giving your teeth a smoother, shinier appearance.
So while you might not see a “Hollywood white” in a week, you'll likely notice your teeth feeling cleaner, and your mouth feeling fresher.
How to Try It at Home
Here’s the basic routine, no glam squad needed:
Take 1 tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil.
Swish it in your mouth for 5–20 minutes (you can listen to a podcast or dance around while you do it!).
Spit it into the trash (not the sink; your pipes will thank you).
Rinse with warm water, and brush your teeth as usual.
Do this 3–5 times per week, and your gums and smile might just thank you.
A Few Notes Before You Swish
Don’t use oil pulling as a replacement for brushing and flossing.
Skip if you have jaw issues or trouble swishing for extended periods.
And remember: coconut oil doesn’t contain fluoride, so don’t ditch your toothpaste.
🥥 Bottom Line
Whether you’re red-carpet bound or just want your mouth to feel minty-fresh and bacteria-free, coconut oil is a simple, natural way to boost your oral health. It might not replace your dentist, but it could make your check-ups a whole lot easier.
So go ahead - swish like a star. 🌟
References
Peedikayil, F. C., Sreenivasan, P., & Narayanan, A. (2015). Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis — a preliminary report. Nigerian Medical Journal, 56(2), 143–147. https://doi.org/10.4103/0300-1652.153406 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25838632/
Asokan, S., Kumar, R. S., Emmadi, P., Raghuraman, R., & Sivakumar, N. (2009). Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using dentocult SM strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 19(1), 41–44. http://www.ijcmr.com/uploads/7/7/4/6/77464738/ijcmr_1689_v2_1.pdf
Thaweboon, S., Nakaparksin, J., & Thaweboon, B. (2011). Effect of oil-pulling on oral microorganisms in biofilm models. Asia Journal of Public Health, 2(1), 62–66.https://oa.mg/work/2184902127
Ogbolu, D. O., Oni, A. A., Daini, O. A., & Oloko, A. P. (2007). In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(2), 384–387. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2006.1209https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17651080/
