Welcome to the pearly gates!

No, I'm not talking about heaven...I'm referring to your teeth.

Not sure how you feel about your teeth but mine have always been my pride and joy. I have my family and orthodontist to thank for making my brilliant smile possible. If they had not intervened, my smile as you know it today would be look horrendously different.

Only recently have I become a little more comfortable with the idea of sharing childhood photos that take place between the ages of 6-14. My mom always tells me how adorable I was but she has to say that because I'm her daughter whom she created! 

The dorky, nerdy little Cobi is still inside, she has just evolved in her look. 

:::

Ok, so all these talk about teeth, let me get to the purpose of this month's Recipes + Rituals. I wanted to share my teeth whitening secrets (well, not so secret anymore).

As of late, (meaning the last 5 years haha) OIL PULLING is my go to for oral hygiene and whitening outside of good ol' tooth brush and toothpaste.

What is it?
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling — known as gandusha in Ayurveda — specifically coconut oil pulling, is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10–20 minutes.

Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease.

Benefits, to name a few.

Treat tooth decay
Kill bad breath
Heal bleeding gums
Whiten teeth
Soothe throat dryness
Prevent cavities

Why I love it...
It is not harsh on your teeth or your mouth, especially if you are prone to sensitivity. I notice a difference in my mouth and the brightness of my teeth if I do not oil pull for a week or more. I don't mind the feel of oil in my mouth either which for some people is a barrier to incorporating this practice. Also, after a night out of drinking where the residual alcohol taste lingers in your mouth even after brushing, this nixes it in a heart beat. My mouth feels clean and fresh without having to remind me of the previous night's shenanigans.

I oil pull in the morning before brushing my teeth. The most efficient way I have found is for me to put the oil in before I hop in the shower, helping me to effectively multitask. 

Onto the next one!

This one is making its way back onto the scene because I have some things going on with my gums that brushing, oil pulling and flossing are just not alleviating. The added bonus is that it also helps whiten teeth ;)

Hydrogen peroxide - is a little miracle worker. The body's white blood cells natural produce this as a first line of defense to fit infection. It is a highly effective way to keep your mouth hygienic because it anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent!

How to Use:

I usually just pour directly from the bottle into my mouth the equivalent of 2 tablespoons. You don't need much because it will start to activate and expand immensely. I recommend staying near the sink so it's easy for you to spit out or manage the overflow if you got to zealous on your pour. 

Why I love it...
If you have never used hydrogen peroxide, well you are in for a treat. It foams and bubbles like a witch's cauldron, getting into every nook and cranny. I love knowing that my mouth has received a deep clean in a matter of minutes. 

Last on my list is...CHARCOAL!

What is it? (excerpt from Wellness Mama)

Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent substance. It removes toxins when they adhere to the surface of the charcoal. It is not absorbed by the body, but passes through the GI system, so chemicals and toxins adhere to it, which then pass through the body and are expelled by the digestive system.

Activated charcoal is extremely effective at binding to toxins from household chemicals, ingested medicines, and other chemicals from the body, especially when taken within 30 minutes of ingestion. For this reason, it is a great first treatment for any kind of poisoning, but should not be taken within several hours of medications (or even vitamins) that DO need to be absorbed.

How to Use:

I have Activated Charcoal capsules which I take internally as well as use on my teeth. If you don't want to buy separate charcoal for your teeth, simply crack open (very carefully, otherwise the charcoal goes EVERYWHERE!) into a little dish or a closed container to keep by the sink. 

I will dip my tooth brush with toothpaste into the charcoal and then brush as I normally do. Don't be alarmed that your mouth will turn COMPLETELY BLACK haha this is normal. It's working hard to remove all the stains and toxins from your teeth.

Why I love it...

Anything that can turn your mouth an intense color and NOT stain it, is amazing. It makes me feel like a kid, allowing my self-care routines to be silly and fun. Most important of all, I can truly see a difference in the whiteness of my teeth.

So there you have it! 3 ways to whiten, brighten and deep clean your teeth.