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Can this $14 remedy really whiten teeth and freshen breath? Dentists weigh in
If you're anything like me (and most people in this day and age), then you're easily influenced by product recommendations on social media. Right now, I can't open a single platform without seeing someone mention the GuruNanda Coconut & Mint Pulling Oil — which is billed as a "natural" remedy that can help whiten your teeth, combat bad breath and improve overall oral hygiene. From TikTok to Instagram and even in my private neighborhood Facebook group, people cannot stop gushing over this natural remedy. More than 10,000 people have purchased this pulling oil/tongue-scraper combo pack this month alone. Right now, it's on sale for a refreshing $14 at Amazon.
The natural whitening alternative is made with only two ingredients: MCT liquid coconut oil and 100% pure peppermint essential oil — talk about a no-nonsense approach to your oral health.
Why is this a good deal? 💰
It's no secret that professional teeth whitening sessions are pricey, especially since they're not covered by most insurance plans. Popular at-home kits like the top-selling Crest 3D Whitestrips can also run you a pretty penny (it's on sale for $30 at Amazon). Meanwhile, the GuruNanda pulling oil is currently half the price of the Crest strips and only a fraction of a professional session.
Why do I need this? 🤔
The oil isn’t a traditional teeth whitener or mouthwash. It’s actually designed specifically for oil pulling. Never heard of oil pulling? The ancient Ayurvedic practice has been around for thousands of years and involves swishing oil in your mouth for a period of time. "The idea behind oil pulling is that the oil 'pulls' harmful bacteria, plaque and toxins from the teeth and gums," explains Dr. Kristy Gretzula, DDS of Hawley Lane Dental. However, she stresses that this should not — and cannot — replace regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
GuruNanda’s formula is made up of MCT oil to promote overall oral health and peppermint oil to combat bad breath and leave a refreshing taste. Per the brand, all you need to do is measure one tablespoon of the oil into the included 8-ounce cup and swish for two minutes (you’ll eventually work your way up to 10 minutes). When the time is up, spit (don’t swallow) the oil into the trash can — not your sink because no one wants clogged pipes. GuruNanda also recommends pulling on an empty stomach every morning for "optimal results."
Like most natural alternatives, the GuruNanda oil is not FDA-approved. So, we chatted with a few experts for their professional take on the matter. The answer? Eh. "There are some studies that show using coconut oil can lessen bacterial count and improve oral health," explains Dr. Theresa C. Wang, DDS, a prosthodontist at ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. However, there is no concrete evidence since not enough studies have been done to back up these claims.
Now, what about teeth whitening? "Oil pulling might remove some spots and stains caused by bacteria," explains Dr. Maria Cespedes, DDS, of Edition Dental. "However, the oils themselves have no whitening properties, so they will not give you whiter teeth." If you want whiter teeth, it's better to try a whitening toothpaste, an at-home whitening kit or ask your dentist about a professional whitening session.
If you are intrigued by the GuruNanda pulling oil, especially after seeing so many before and after posts on social media, go for it! Experts note that there's no harm in it. In fact, it might be a nice addition to your morning routine.
What reviewers say 💬
Even though more research needs to be done on oil pulling as a whole, nearly 15,000 have experienced positive results, giving it a perfect five-star review.
Pros 👍
"My teeth feel like a Colgate commercial," shared this happy Amazon shopper in their five-star review. "I have used other whitening strips and while they have helped ... this product honestly helped bring my teeth to a full sparkle. I have had more people compliment my smile and ask how I have gotten my teeth so clean and white."
"Talk about making your mouth feel fresh," declared a second fan. "This product is where it’s at. I have turned my family onto using it also and they absolutely love it and they are a tough crowd to sell to. I use it daily, and my teeth have become very white and my mouth feels fresh all the time."
"My teeth are the whitest they have ever been," shared this enthusiastic Amazon customer. "I had to build up to five minutes of swishing. I could only do maybe 30 seconds at first because it is an oil and takes getting us to ... This is my fourth bottle and I love it. My breath smells amazing too."
"This is my second purchase," explained another five-star reviewer. "I prefer this brand because the scent and flavor are extra clean and it keeps my teeth as white as tissue paper ... it definitely keeps me from having to use whitening products."
Cons 👎
One of the biggest things customers take issue with? You can probably guess — the actual feel of the oil. "I do think my teeth are 'whiter,'" shared this four-star reviewer. However, they went on to write: "The oil texture is really hard to swish in my mouth for two minutes ... I am lucky to get through 30 seconds."
"The feeling of the inside of my mouth being coated in oil was sensory overload," added another customer. "Imagine rubbing oil all over your hands and then rinsing them with water, but in your mouth."
A few other customers also noted the coconut and peppermint taste. "I’m not giving five starts because it tastes gross," explained this shopper in their four-star review. "Other than the taste, when I get done brushing my teeth afterward my mouth and breath are extremely fresh. I’ve only used it a couple of times but so far it’s worth it."
The bottom line? You may want to sit this one out if you have a hard time with weird textures and interesting flavors.
The kit comes with a handy dandy tongue scraper. Beware: it's grossly satisfying.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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