On the TikTok Beauty feed, a fad is getting people talking: rinsing your mouth for a long time with coconut oil to brighten your smile. The videos promise “magical” results with just a spoonful of oil.
This ritual, called oil pulling, is presented as a natural tip for white teeth and healthier gums, while making part of the dental body grimace. And there the questions really begin.
Oil pulling and white teeth: the viral promise on TikTok
Behind the trend lies a very old practice: explains Irene Esteve, dentist and expert in dentofacial aesthetics, in ELLE Belgium.
An American study also reminds us: , specifies the American National Institute of Health.
Oil pulling: how to practice this oil mouthwash
In the videos, followers swish a spoonful of vegetable oil around their mouth for 10 to 20 minutes, then spit it out, often before or after brushing. The most cited oils remain sesame, sunflower and especially coconut oil.
The idea displayed is to “remove” bacteria and debris to limit dental plaque, bad breath and minor bleeding from the gums. And then, for some users, oil pulling would be a shortcut to a clearer smile, even if the available studies remain few and on small groups.
What do dentists say about oil pulling and white teeth
For dentists, the real risk lies elsewhere. , analyzes Irene Esteve.
Dental organizations point out that brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing remain the basis for preventing cavities and gum disease. Oil pulling can be considered a plus, provided you follow a few simple reflexes:
- Never replace brushing or flossing with oil.
- Practice it occasionally, a few times a week at most.
- Spit out the oil into a tissue or the trash can, never into the sink.
For whiteness, experts point out that an oil does not modify the internal color of the enamel: real color changes occur through peroxide-based treatments supervised by a dental surgeon, when indicated.
Does oil pulling really whiten teeth?
Oil can help remove some surface stains, but its effect on color is limited compared to professional bleaching.
Can oil pulling replace brushing your teeth?
No. Dentists insist: only mechanical brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and interdental cleaning effectively remove dental plaque.
With which oil should you use an oil pulling mouthwash?
Traditional practices use sesame oil; today, sesame, sunflower or edible coconut oil are the most mentioned on TikTok.
How long does an oil pulling session last?
Fans generally aim for between 10 and 20 minutes, keeping the oil moving in the mouth before spitting it out.
