Coconut oil is the ingredient that never clocks off. Beloved by clean beauty devotees and DIYers alike, coconut oil is whipped into body butters, melted into hair masks, stirred into bulletproof coffee, and smeared on toast — all before 9 a.m.

Next in line: oral care. Consumers are increasingly scrutinising toothpaste labels and ditching sulphates in the name of oral health, so, as the overachiever ingredient that goes with anything, coconut oil quickly made its way from the bathroom shelf to the bathroom sink.

In fact, coconut oil–based toothpastes are one of the fastest-growing segments in a natural oral care market set to hit over £4.2 billion by 2030 (a jump from £2.6 billion last year). But is coconut oil actually good for your teeth, or just another multitasker pushed past its limits?

Coconut oil in oral care: how it all started

The modern coconut oil-in-toothpaste trend owes its origins to a much older ritual: oil pulling. The practice, which comes from Ayurvedic medicine, involves swishing oil around the mouth for several minutes to “draw out” toxins.

Recently, oil pulling has been rebranded by the clean beauty crowd as a holistic, fluoride-free solution to everything from plaque to bad breath. While there is limited evidence on the effects of this practice, the studies that do exist suggest that oil pulling with coconut oil may have a beneficial effect on improving oral health and dental hygiene.

Thanks to this practice, coconut oil quickly became the go-to ingredient for a clean oral care routine, with popular oral care brands like Ecodenta offering a range of coconut oil products.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, subtly sweet, and packed with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Lauric acid in particular is a fatty acid that, as recent studies have shown, does exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

That part’s not in dispute. Where things get murkier is when coconut oil is added to toothpaste and sold as a comprehensive oral health solution and a suspiciously large list of benefits. But first things first.

What coconut oil can do for your teeth

Lauric acid is what gives coconut oil its antimicrobial profile. It’s been shown to reduce the levels of Streptococcus mutans (the bacteria most associated with tooth decay) and may also inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, which is linked to oral thrush and irritation in some people.

Reviews confirm that coconut oil, when used regularly, can reduce the microbial load in the mouth and assist in managing gingival inflammation. However, it also noted that these effects were mild and should be considered adjunctive to (not replacements for) clinically proven treatments.

This is echoed by the NHS, which lists fluoride and hydroxyapatite as ingredients proven to prevent cavities and remineralize enamel effectively. So, what does that mean in real terms?

Coconut oil toothpaste may help:

• Reduce bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath
• Support gum health by calming inflammation
• Gently lift surface-level stains (from things like wine or coffee)
• Provide a milder alternative to SLS-based pastes for people with sensitive mouths

But it may not:

• Whiten your teeth significantly
• Rebuild enamel
• Offer meaningful cavity protection unless paired with proven actives

What to look for in a coconut oil toothpaste

What makes coconut oil toothpaste attractive isn’t just the science. It’s the idea of stepping away from complicated chemical names and chalky textures. Traditional toothpastes often rely on synthetic surfactants, strong artificial flavours, and microplastics, all ingredients that we can barely pronounce. Coconut oil, by contrast, is easy to recognise, soft on the mouth, and tastes great.

Of course, natural doesn’t mean effective. Just because coconut oil is the star ingredient, doesn’t mean the formulation offers real functional support for enamel protection.

If you’re buying a coconut oil toothpaste because you want it to improve your oral health, you’ll want to look for ingredients that do more than coat and cleanse. Coconut oil may be the star of the show, but you should look for these supporting ingredients:

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol widely recognised for its oral health benefits. It helps neutralise the pH level in your mouth, creating an environment less hospitable to harmful bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay. Clinical studies support xylitol’s ability to reduce cavity-causing bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans. It also promotes saliva production, which aids in natural cleansing and remineralisation of enamel.

Hydroxyapatite or calcium-based compounds

Hydroxyapatite (a mineral that closely resembles the natural mineral content of tooth enamel) or other calcium-based compounds can help to repair and remineralise weakened enamel by replenishing lost minerals.

Zinc, tea tree, or charcoal (used in moderation)

These ingredients are often added for their antibacterial properties, which help reduce plaque and combat bad breath. Charcoal may also offer mild whitening effects, while tea tree oil provides a natural antimicrobial boost. However, moderation is key, particularly with charcoal, to avoid potential enamel abrasion.

Brands like Ecodenta pair coconut oil with xylitol and other natural components (think aloe vera juice and peppermint essential oils) to soothe gums, reduce inflammation, and support enamel health.

Let’s talk about teeth whitening

Many coconut oil toothpaste brands advertise brightening benefits, but the results are closer to maintenance than transformation. Because coconut oil dissolves surface-level pigments, it can help prevent staining from one too many espressos, but it won’t lift intrinsic discoloration the way peroxide formulas can.

If you’re looking to go several shades lighter, you’ll still need professional whitening or a peroxide-based formula. Coconut oil will simply help you hang on to your brightness longer, and help you avoid build-up.

Is coconut oil for everyone?

Not quite. There are a few instances where coconut oil toothpaste may not be the best option:

• If you’re high-risk for cavities, fluoride or hydroxyapatite is a safer bet
• If you wear orthodontic appliances, oil-based pastes may interfere with adhesives
• If you have a coconut allergy, even topical use can trigger reactions
• If you’re after dramatic whitening, this probably isn’t your hero product

That said, you can mix it up and use a coconut oil paste in the morning for gentle cleansing, and fluoride at night for full protection (you don’t have to choose a side!).