Around the time I got my braces removed as a teenager, I also began struggling with a bit of tooth sensitivity. It wasn’t much at first, just mild discomfort when I ate something overly sweet or cold. Unfortunately as time went on, I also developed the habits of aggressively brushing my teeth (with my lower canines taking the brunt of the damage to my gums), and of using harsh commercial teeth whiteners on a regular basis. By the time I was in my late twenties my enamel was so worn, and my lower gums so recessed, that I avoided opening my mouth entirely on cold winter days.
I started brushing with a softer toothbrush, stopped whitening my teeth, and bought toothpaste especially designed for sensitive teeth, hoping that the sensitivity would diminish over time. It didn’t. I was so worried that my past careless brushing and overzealous whitening would mean a lifetime of oral discomfort. To say that the regular appointments with my dental hygienist were shear torture would not be an overstatement. In desperation I asked my dentist about a potential gum graft procedure to address my gum recession, to which he replied that my gums would need to deteriorate much further before gum grafts would be an option, and that the procedure only has a 50% success rate anyway. He advised me to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth (which I already was) and sent me on my way. I was completely dejected. Even with a reasonably high pain tolerance, I knew I couldn’t continue to live like this and got on the internet looking for something, anything that could help my situation.
In my desperate search I discovered the ancient ayurvedic practice of oil pulling and I want to share with you exactly how I do it and how it has helped me. At first I used the large Costco sized container of coconut oil and a teaspoon to switch the oil around my mouth for 15 minutes each night. I did this diligently every night for approximately 3 months. After this period of time my teeth were noticeably whiter and my extreme tooth sensitivity had diminished by about 50%. I also noticed my receding gums were looking better.
I continued the practice every other day for another 3 months and continued reaping the aforementioned benefits. Today, more than 5 years later, I have continued to maintain this simple habit about twice a week, though I am doing things a bit differently than when I first started out and below are my tips.
Firstly to make your life easier you can buy liquid coconut oil from the grocery store. I use this brand: insert picture. If you fountain about a teaspoon of the liquid coconut oil into your mouth (without touching the bottle), you can avoid the extra trip to the kitchen to grab a spoon. I also brush and floss my teeth before oil pulling, then oil pull for 15-20 minutes while I’m reading before bed. I will sometimes add a drop or two of peppermint oil into my mouth along with the coconut oil to improve the taste and leave my breath minty. Then very importantly, spit the oil into a small yogurt bucket or your trash can (tip, put paper towel in the plastic-bag lined trash can to absorb the oil) to avoid damage to your drains. That’s it.
I am happy to report that my tooth sensitivity has completely disappeared and there is hardly a trace of my lower receding gums anymore. My teeth are a nice natural white and given that I drink black tea daily (and sometimes twice a day), speaks to the whitening ability of oil pulling. Also my dental cleanings are a breeze and my hygienist always comments about what great condition my teeth are in. Thank you Robyn!
I hope this post will helpful to anyone who might be struggling with extreme tooth sensitivity and oral pain. Don’t worry, there is hope!
With Love,
Marcia GIve the steps of how to do it and why you use coconut oil
