A popular at-home teeth-whitening hack involving turmeric and coconut oil has garnered attention on social media, with influencers claiming it can brighten teeth. However, dental professionals remain divided on its effectiveness and safety. While some advocate for the natural remedy, others caution that it could do more harm than good.
In a viral Instagram video posted by the Hormone Hype Sisters (@balancedbeyars), influencer Julie Beyars shared her method for creating a teeth-whitening paste: mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a quarter-cup of coconut oil. Beyars, who uses the mixture twice a week before events, claims it “seriously whitens my teeth.” Similarly, TikTok user Evette (@itsevette) showed her followers how she uses a slightly larger ratio of turmeric and coconut oil, calling it “magic gold for your teeth” that has kept her smile pearly white without the need for professional dental care.
Another TikTok user, @babzy531, touted the combination as a way to avoid costly dental visits, despite her habits of smoking and drinking tea and coffee. She also recommended swishing coconut oil in the mouth, much like a mouthwash, after brushing with the paste to maximize results.
However, dentists are generally skeptical of the trend, with most warning against the use of turmeric and coconut oil as a teeth-whitening solution. Dr. Nina Khedkar, an orthodontist at Charles River Orthodontics, stated that turmeric’s vibrant yellow pigment is likely to stain teeth rather than whiten them, making the DIY paste an ineffective choice. Dr. Fatima Khan, co-founder of Riven Oral Care, echoed these concerns, adding that turmeric can be difficult to remove from teeth and may actually leave them looking more yellow if not properly rinsed.
Dr. Steven Barefoot of DentaQuest also dismissed the hack, stating that there is no credible evidence supporting its teeth-whitening claims and suggesting that it would not provide any oral health benefits.
While most experts caution against the practice, Dr. Jessica Tasios from Oral Dental in Birmingham, UK, took a more measured stance. She acknowledged that, while there is no scientific backing for the whitening effect of the turmeric-coconut oil combination, the mixture may offer some benefits. According to Tasios, turmeric’s antibacterial properties could potentially help with gum inflammation, making it a safe, albeit unproven, home remedy for oral health. However, she emphasized that there was “no inherent risk” in using the paste, even though she could not formally recommend it as an effective whitening treatment.
Ultimately, the trend remains controversial, with anecdotal success stories continuing to circulate online. While turmeric and coconut oil may have some positive effects on oral health, experts agree that more research is needed to determine its true impact on teeth whitening and overall dental hygiene. For now, those considering the hack should be cautious and aware of the potential risks, including possible staining and ineffective whitening.
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