My Oral Care Routine: My secret for a Healthy, Radiant Smile

A nice smile sets the tone for the people around you giving you that approachable, elegant, and effortlessly pretty appeal.And if you know me, you know I take my oral care very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that onions and garlic have no place in my diet. (No judgment to those who indulge be happy and enjoy life!!)

Now, this may sound a little crazy, but yes my oral routine has steps. Six steps, to be exact.Stay with me here! You don’t have to dive into all six at once. You can start with a few and slowly layer them into your life like I did over the years.

Here’s my full oral care routine for a healthy, radiant smile:

Step 1: Oil Pulling

First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, I grab a spoonful of coconut oil about a tablespoon and pop it into my mouth. I slowly start swirling it around, gently pushing and pulling it through my teeth. I know at first it feels strange. The texture is thick, but after a minute it melts into an oil and becomes easier to manage.I aim to swish for up to 30 minutes, but when I first started, I could only manage about 5 minutes and that’s perfectly fine!While I'm oil pulling, I make my bed, empty the dishwasher, listen to a podcast, or even hop in the shower.

Important: Always spit the coconut oil into the trash can never down the sink, or you risk clogging your pipes!

Why it’s worth it: Oil pulling helps remove toxins, improves oral bacteria balance, freshens breath naturally, and even supports healthier gums.

Step 2: Tongue Scraping

Once I finish oil pulling, I immediately grab my stainless steel tongue scraper. (I found mine on Amazon I specifically chose stainless steel to avoid using plastic.) I stick out my tongue and gently scrape from back to front about 7–10 times, rinsing the scraper between each pass.I spend about 1–3 minutes doing this until my tongue looks and feels completely clean.

Why it’s worth it: Tongue scraping removes bacteria, toxins, and buildup that cause bad breath and dull oral health. Plus, using stainless steel keeps it non-toxic, durable, and more eco-friendly!

Step 3: Flossing

Next up is good old-fashioned flossing. I use a regular waxed dental floss and carefully glide it between each tooth first the top teeth, then the bottom. I make sure to hug the curve of each tooth and go gently along the gum line.

Why it’s worth it: Flossing prevents plaque buildup, cavities, and keeps gums healthy and strong.

Step 4: Water Flossing (Waterpik)

After traditional flossing, I use my water flosser (mine is from Rossmann simple and affordable!). I fill the reservoir with warm water and add a few drops of mouthwash for a fresher feel. I gently trace along the gumline with the water jet, spending extra time on any tricky or tight spots.

Why it’s worth it: A water flosser reaches deep into spaces traditional floss can miss, helping to remove food particles, plaque, and stimulate healthy gums.

Step 5: Brushing

Of course, no oral care routine would be complete without a good brush.I aim for a clean, non-toxic toothpaste when possible:

• In the U.S., I love Uncle Harry’s (an alkalized clay toothpaste a bit of an acquired taste, but totally worth it for that fresh, clean feeling).

• In Germany, I use Marvis for a chic option, or Colgate when I’m being budget-conscious. I brush for at least two full minutes, making sure to gently scrub every surface fronts, backs, chewing surfaces, and tongue.

• Why it’s worth it: Brushing removes plaque, whitens teeth, and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and protected.

Step 6: Mouthwash

Last but not least, I finish with a good swish of mouthwash. My go-to is CB12 it’s the best at neutralizing bad breath without being overly harsh. I rinse for about 30–60 seconds and feel instantly fresher.

Why it’s worth it: Mouthwash helps kill lingering bacteria, freshens breath for hours, and gives that final polished feeling to your routine.

A healthy, radiant smile doesn’t just look good it feels good too. Whether you add one step, three steps, or go for the full six, your future self (and your smile) will thank you