Evaluation of Coconut Oil Pulling vs. Whitening Mouthwash as Home Teeth Whitening Methods

Abstract

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate whitening efficacy, tooth sensitivity, and soft tissue irritation of coconut oil pulling as a home whitening method compared to an over-the-counter whitening mouthwash. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical study was done on 60 females at Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Dentistry. The participants were divided into two main groups (n=30), to test two whitening agents; Study Group “Coconut Oil Swish” and Control Group “Crest 3D White”. Color measurement was done using the VITA Easyshade® Advance device at three times; the baseline, after one week and after two weeks of whitening. Pain assessment “ tooth sensitivity & soft tissue irritation” was done by utilizing the Pain Rating Scale “Wong-Baker FACES”. Results: The results in this study revealed no significant difference between lightness of the both group but the color differences (ΔE1 & ΔE2) in the Crest 3D White (control group) were scientifically higher than in the Coconut Oil Swish (study group). Regarding the pain assessment, a significant difference in pain scores was found between the two groups as Coconut Oil Swich (study group) recorded lower pain score than Crest 3D White (control group). Conclusion: Although the Coconut oil pulling revealed a whitening efficacy after two weeks of use; the whitening mouthwash that contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide recorded higher color change at one- or two-weeks use. Coconut oil pulling causes less tooth sensitivity and/or soft tissue irritation during regular use when compared to the whitening mouthwash that contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide.