The idea of mixing turmeric with coconut oil to whiten teeth has taken social media by storm, with wellness influencers claiming it as a natural alternative to commercial whiteners. Julie Beyars of @balancedbeyars, also known as the Hormone Hype Sisters on Instagram, shared that she uses a turmeric and coconut oil paste before special events, claiming it “seriously whitens” her teeth.

On TikTok, influencer @itsevette, who posted a similar hack last year, mixes two tablespoons of turmeric with half a cup of coconut oil, calling it “magic gold for your teeth.” She emphasizes that despite turmeric’s tendency to stain, it surprisingly appears to whiten teeth when combined with coconut oil. Another TikTok creator, @babzy531, says she hasn’t needed a dentist since starting the routine in 2015 and recommends following the turmeric paste with a coconut oil rinse.

Despite these claims, most dentists remain skeptical. Dr. Nina Khedkar, an orthodontist in Massachusetts, told Newsweek that turmeric’s strong pigment may actually risk staining teeth rather than whitening them. She advised against the trend, suggesting it may not be effective and could even leave yellow stains due to turmeric’s natural color.

November 13,2024