I've done oil pulling with both coconut and sesame oil, and yeah, it feels pretty weird at first—especially the texture—but you get used to it surprisingly fast. Coconut oil definitely tastes better IMO, but sesame oil is supposed to have some extra antibacterial properties. As for gentle whitening toothpastes, I've tried a few and honestly didn't notice much difference. They're probably fine for maintenance, but don't expect dramatic results overnight. Maybe worth a shot if you're super sensitive though.
I've tried oil pulling too, and man, that first time was rough...felt like swishing melted chapstick around my mouth, haha. Coconut oil is definitely easier taste-wise, but I didn't really notice dramatic whitening from it either. One thing I've found helpful in a pinch is brushing gently with baking soda mixed with water—nothing fancy, just a quick paste. It won't magically give you Hollywood teeth overnight, but it does seem to brighten things up noticeably if you're desperate before some event or something.
I've done the baking soda thing too—works alright, but can be a bit harsh if you do it too often. One quick trick I've found helpful is rubbing the inside of a banana peel on my teeth for a couple minutes before brushing. Sounds weird, I know, but it actually does brighten things up a bit without costing anything extra. Won't be dramatic, but it's decent enough if you're short on time and cash.
I've heard about the banana peel thing before, and yeah, it does sound kinda weird at first, but I've actually seen a few people swear by it. Tried it myself once or twice—didn't notice a huge difference personally, but maybe I didn't stick with it long enough. Glad it's working for you though!
One thing I've found pretty helpful when I'm in a pinch is oil pulling with coconut oil. I know, sounds kinda trendy and all, but hear me out... You just swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for about 10-15 minutes (I usually do it while scrolling through my phone or something), then spit it out and brush as usual. It doesn't give you that instant Hollywood-white smile or anything dramatic overnight, but I definitely notice my teeth looking brighter and feeling smoother afterward. Plus, it's gentle enough to do regularly without worrying about damaging enamel like baking soda can if you're not careful.
Another quick hack I've tried is mixing a tiny bit of activated charcoal powder into my toothpaste every now and then. Just be careful—it's messy as heck and can stain your sink if you're not careful (learned that the hard way...). But it does seem to lift surface stains pretty well if you use it sparingly.
Honestly though, these quick fixes are great for temporary boosts, but nothing beats consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings if you're really after lasting brightness. Still, it's fun experimenting with these little hacks from time to time—keeps things interesting at least!
I've tried oil pulling too, and yeah, it does seem to help a bit with surface stains. Have you noticed any sensitivity afterward though? I found activated charcoal kinda harsh on my gums, personally. You're totally right about consistency being key—these hacks are fun to experiment with, but nothing beats regular dental care for lasting results. Glad you're finding stuff that works for you!