I've actually been trying coconut oil pulling for about four months now, and while I can't say my teeth look Hollywood-white, I do think there's been some subtle improvement. Maybe it's just more effective at removing coffee or tea stains rather than deeply whitening teeth?
Funny you mentioned the citrus toothpaste—tried it once and felt like brushing with a sour candy 😅. On the other hand, the coconut oil pulling feels gentler and doesn't leave my gums feeling irritated afterward. I suspect it's more of a maintenance thing rather than a dramatic whitening method, though. My orthodontist did mention that keeping stains off consistently can help maintain a naturally brighter smile over time.
Honestly, from personal experience, I'd say don't expect miracles—but it's definitely worth a shot if you're looking for something mild and natural to add to your routine.
I've been curious about coconut oil pulling too, but honestly, the idea of swishing oil around for 15-20 minutes makes me a bit anxious. Glad to hear it's gentle though—my gums get irritated pretty easily, especially with those whitening toothpastes. Tried charcoal toothpaste once, and while it did help with stains a bit, the mess it left in my sink was not worth the hassle...lol.
I agree about the citrus toothpaste—felt like brushing with lemonade, weirdly refreshing but way too sour for everyday use. Right now, I'm sticking to baking soda toothpaste occasionally; it seems to gently remove stains without causing sensitivity. Might give coconut oil pulling a shot after reading your experience, even if it's just for maintenance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
"Right now, I'm sticking to baking soda toothpaste occasionally; it seems to gently remove stains without causing sensitivity."
Totally get why baking soda feels like a safe bet—I've used it too and found it pretty gentle. But honestly, coconut oil pulling didn't do much for me personally. I stuck with it for about a month, which felt like forever each morning, and didn't notice any significant whitening or gum improvement. Might just be my stubborn teeth though... If you're hesitant, maybe try a shorter session first and see how it feels?
"Right now, I'm sticking to baking soda toothpaste occasionally; it seems to gently remove stains without causing sensitivity."
Definitely agree with you there—baking soda toothpaste has been my go-to whenever my teeth feel a bit dull. I did try oil pulling myself, and while it wasn't exactly life-changing, I noticed my mouth felt fresher overall. Might've been more placebo than anything else, who knows... Everyone's teeth react differently, so it's great you're finding what works for you without sensitivity issues. Keep doing what's comfortable and effective!
I've been curious about baking soda toothpaste but haven't tried it yet—worried it'll wear down enamel over time. Have you noticed any enamel issues or talked to a dentist about long-term use? Just trying to ease my mind before giving it a go...
