Why I Stopped Bleaching My Teeth & What I Do Instead

For years, I was obsessed with having super white teeth. Like many people, I thought a bright, stark-white smile was the ultimate sign of good oral health. I used whitening strips religiously, always chasing that "perfect" shade. But after a while, I started noticing some changes—my teeth became softer, the edges turned slightly translucent, and my sensitivity to hot and cold foods skyrocketed.

Suddenly, drinking tea or eating ice cream wasn’t enjoyable anymore—it was painful. My love for warm herbal infusions and refreshing cold drinks turned into a struggle, all because I had weakened my enamel in the name of aesthetics. That’s when I started looking into the real science of tooth health, beyond just whitening.

2 years ago when I used to whiten my teeth with strips.

What I Learned About Teeth & Enamel

Teeth aren’t supposed to be bright white—in fact, naturally healthy teeth have an off-white, slightly yellowish hue due to the dentin underneath the enamel. Over-whitening, especially with chemical bleaching agents, can wear down enamel, leading to:

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Weakened enamel, making teeth more prone to damage

• Translucent or thinning edges

• Disrupted oral microbiome, which affects gum and tooth health long-term

I realized that instead of chasing an artificial white shade, I needed to focus on strengthening my teeth, remineralizing enamel, and keeping my gums healthy. And that’s when I turned to oil pulling.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Your teeth and gums are connected to so much more than your appearance.
They’re part of your skeletal system, and that means they’re directly impacted by your mineral stores, hormones, and inflammation levels.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Your Bones Store the Minerals That Make Hormones. Your body pulls minerals like calcium and magnesium from your bones to help produce hormones — especially estrogen, which plays a major role in menstrual health. When you’re depleted, your body may rob minerals from your bones to keep hormone production going — which weakens bones and teeth over time.

2. Estrogen Fluctuations Affect Gum Health. Estrogen levels dip during your luteal and menstrual phases. This drop makes gums more prone to inflammation, bleeding, and sensitivity — which is why some women notice sore gums or even mouth ulcers during their period or in perimenopause.

3. Gum Inflammation Raises Stress & PMS. Chronic inflammation in the mouth is linked to elevated cortisol (your stress hormone) and blood sugar imbalance — two major players in PMS and hormonal imbalance. This can worsen cramps, mood swings, and fatigue.

My Holistic Oral Care Routine (Cycle-Supportive)

This is how I support my oral health in a way that also honours my cycle:

• Oil Pulling with coconut or sesame oil in the morning — reduces bacteria and supports gum health. (Always spit in the trash to protect your pipes!)

• Brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste (like @boka) to avoid endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone production.

• Tongue Scraping to remove toxins, improve digestion, and support clear breath and oral microbiome balance.

• Flossing Daily — a small habit that makes a huge difference in reducing inflammation and supporting whole-body wellness.

My Go-To Oil Pulling Blend for Strong, Healthy Teeth

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that helps detox the mouth, reduce bad bacteria, freshen breath, and support overall oral health. I created my own herbal-infused oil pulling blend using powerful ingredients that work with my body—not against it.

DIY Herbal Oil Pulling Blend

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil – Detoxifies, antibacterial, nourishes gums

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Anti-inflammatory, supports gum health

• ½ tsp neem powder – Antibacterial, prevents plaque buildup

• ¼–½ tsp turmeric powder – Anti-inflammatory, helps brighten teeth naturally

• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder – Antimicrobial, freshens breath

• ¼–½ tsp clove powder – Antiseptic, reduces gum inflammation

• 2–3 drops peppermint essential oil – Cooling, antibacterial, and refreshing

• 1–2 drops vitamin E oil – Preserves freshness and nourishes gums

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler on the stove, melt the coconut oil and olive oil over low heat.

2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in neem powder, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, and clove powder.

3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add peppermint essential oil and vitamin E oil.

4. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles.

5. Pour the strained oil into a clean glass jar or container for storage.

How to Use:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of the oil blend in your mouth.

2. Swish for 10–20 minutes (don’t swallow!).

3. Spit into a trash can (not the sink—oils can clog pipes!).

4. Rinse with warm water.

5. Brush your teeth afterwards to remove any residue.

Now that I focus on overall oral care. My teeth are naturally white and much stronger!

How to Use Turmeric Without Staining Your Teeth

Turmeric is an amazing ingredient for oral health, but it’s also known for its strong yellow pigment. To avoid staining:

• Use a small amount (¼–½ tsp) in your oil pulling blend.

• Don’t apply directly to teeth—always mix it into the oil.

• Rinse well with warm water afterward.

• Brush your teeth with a natural toothpaste after oil pulling to remove any remaining colour.

Want More Gentle, Phase-Aligned Rituals?

Your body is always speaking to you — even through your gums.

If you’re ready to feel more connected to your cycle and less overwhelmed by where to start…

✨ My Quick Start Guide to Cycle Synching is the perfect first step.

It’s simple, soulful, and designed for women who want to feel better without adding more to their plate. Inside, you’ll find:

✔ Clear breakdowns of the four phases
✔ What your body needs in each one
✔ Gentle food, movement, and self-care suggestions
✔ A supportive roadmap to help you honour your feminine rhythm with ease

It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence.