Chasing that ultra-white look can backfire, especially if you’ve already had restorative work.
This is exactly what worries me. I tried baking soda for a few weeks and my teeth started feeling rougher, not whiter. Maybe the “clean” feeling is just the enamel getting worn down? I’m way too anxious to risk that again. Regular toothpaste and checkups feel safer, even if it’s not super dramatic.
Maybe the “clean” feeling is just the enamel getting worn down? I’m way too anxious to risk that again.
Honestly, I’ve seen this happen more than once. Back when I was in school, a friend got really into DIY whitening—baking soda, lemon juice, you name it. Her teeth did feel “squeaky clean” at first, but after a while she started complaining that things like ice cream or even brushing made her teeth zing. Turns out, that roughness is often a sign the enamel’s getting scrubbed away, not just stains.
I totally get wanting brighter teeth, but I’ve noticed people rarely talk about how much sensitivity can mess with your day-to-day. Sometimes the best thing is just sticking to a gentle toothpaste and letting your dentist know what’s up. The dramatic results from homemade stuff rarely last, and they can cost you more in the long run—trust me, I’ve seen some regret.
I’m curious if anyone’s actually had luck with coconut oil though? I tried oil pulling once and just ended up with a weird taste in my mouth for 20 minutes... didn’t notice any difference except craving toast.
Turns out, that roughness is often a sign the enamel’s getting scrubbed away, not just stains.
This makes me nervous, honestly. My kid’s dentist warned us about baking soda after my daughter got obsessed with “hacks” she saw online. She tried it twice and said her teeth felt super smooth, but then complained about cold drinks hurting for days. That sensitivity was enough to scare her off for good.
We did try coconut oil once—she begged me after seeing it on TikTok—but it just made her gag and left the sink a mess. Didn’t notice any real difference, and she definitely didn’t want to keep it up. I’d rather deal with a few stains than risk her having sensitive teeth long-term. Gentle toothpaste and regular checkups seem safer, even if it takes longer to see results. Those shortcuts can backfire, especially with kids.
I’d rather deal with a few stains than risk her having sensitive teeth long-term.
That’s exactly why I stopped using baking soda too. My teeth felt cleaner at first, but after a week, I started getting those zings with cold water. Did your dentist mention if sensitivity goes away on its own? I had to switch to a sensitive toothpaste for a while. Never noticed much change with coconut oil, either—just made my mouth feel greasy.
I get nervous about using anything too abrasive, honestly. I tried baking soda a couple times—my teeth looked a bit brighter, but then I started feeling those sharp twinges with cold drinks. It freaked me out. My dentist said sensitivity can improve with time, but it’s not guaranteed. Sensitive toothpaste helped, but I still avoid harsh stuff now. Coconut oil just left a weird film for me too... didn’t notice any whitening. Guess I’m stuck with a little staining, but at least my teeth don’t hurt.
