Had a similar experience—pro whitening left me with sensitive teeth for days. Strips were gentler, but results faded quicker. Curious, anyone tried natural methods like charcoal or baking soda?
I totally get the sensitivity thing—had my teeth whitened professionally for the first time last month, and wow, I wasn't prepared for how sensitive they'd feel afterward. Drinking cold water was like torture for a couple days. Haven't tried charcoal yet, but baking soda was surprisingly gentle when I gave it a shot. Didn't see dramatic results, but it felt safer somehow... less harsh, you know? Might be worth a try if you're nervous about sensitivity.
"Drinking cold water was like torture for a couple days."
Yeah, I remember that feeling vividly—it's no joke. Did your dentist give you any desensitizing gel afterward? Mine recommended one, and it honestly made a huge difference. I applied it for about a week after my whitening session, and it really helped ease the sensitivity faster than I expected.
Also, totally agree about baking soda being gentler. I've tried charcoal toothpaste before, and while it did brighten things up a bit, it felt kinda gritty and abrasive to me... wasn't a fan of the texture at all. Baking soda felt way smoother and less aggressive on my gums. Maybe not as dramatic results-wise, but definitely more comfortable overall.
Have you considered using toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth? I've found that switching to one of those for a few weeks before and after whitening treatments helps keep sensitivity manageable. Might be worth looking into if you're planning another session down the road.
I totally relate to that sensitivity issue after whitening. Did your dentist mention anything about fluoride treatments afterward? Mine suggested using a fluoride rinse every night for a week or two, and it seemed to help calm things down quicker. Might just be placebo, but it felt like it made a difference to me.
Funny you mention charcoal toothpaste—I actually didn't mind the texture that much, but it stained my sink something fierce, lol. Baking soda definitely feels gentler, but I didn't really notice much whitening from it personally. Maybe I wasn't patient enough?
Also curious if you've tried drinking through a straw afterward? Sounds silly, but it helped me avoid that sharp sensitivity when drinking cold stuff. It was a lifesaver for iced coffee cravings those first few days...
My dentist also mentioned fluoride treatments—said it helps rebuild enamel and ease sensitivity. I tried it, and honestly, I think it did help, but it's hard to tell if it was just my teeth naturally calming down over time or the fluoride actually working. Never bothered with charcoal toothpaste myself; seemed gimmicky. But straws for cold drinks? Definitely helped me too... iced tea was torture without one for about a week. Did your dentist suggest anything about avoiding acidic foods afterward? Mine didn't mention it, but I've read mixed things online.
