My brother brushes like he’s scrubbing grout and never has a problem—if I did that, I’d be in pain for days.
This cracked me up. It’s wild how different everyone’s teeth are. I tell people all the time—what works for your cousin might wreck your own enamel. You’re totally right about gentle being safer. Honestly, I tried the coconut oil thing once and just felt like I was marinating my mouth for no reason... didn’t notice any Hollywood sparkle, but hey, maybe my genetics just aren’t on board.
Honestly, I tried the coconut oil thing once and just felt like I was marinating my mouth for no reason... didn’t notice any Hollywood sparkle, but hey, maybe my genetics just aren’t on board.
I laughed at “marinating my mouth”—that’s exactly how it felt for me too. I gave oil pulling a shot because my aunt swore by it, but all I got was a weird aftertaste and a mild craving for popcorn. Never saw much difference in color, unless you count the extra shine from all that oil.
Baking soda, on the other hand, actually did something... but maybe a little too well? My teeth felt smoother and looked a bit brighter, but my gums got annoyed real quick. Guess I’m one of those “handle with care” types. Anyone else get that gritty feeling after using baking soda, or is it just me being sensitive? I always wonder if it’s worth the trade-off—slightly whiter teeth versus cranky gums.
Curious if anyone’s had luck mixing the two, or is that just asking for trouble?
Mixing baking soda and coconut oil is tempting, but honestly, I’d be a little nervous about it. Baking soda’s pretty abrasive, especially if your gums are already sensitive—adding oil might make it feel gentler, but it won’t really change the grit factor. I’ve seen people end up with irritated gums or even enamel wear from overdoing the baking soda thing. Whitening toothpastes are usually a bit safer since they’re formulated to balance cleaning and sensitivity. If your gums are getting cranky, maybe cut back or switch to something milder. Anyone else get that “sandpaper” sensation after using baking soda? It’s not just you.
My kid’s dentist actually warned us about using baking soda too much, especially for younger teeth. I totally get the “sandpaper” feeling you mentioned... we tried it once (with coconut oil to make it less harsh) and my daughter complained her mouth felt scratchy for hours. Switched back to a gentle toothpaste after that. It’s tough because everyone wants those pearly whites, but sensitive gums just aren’t worth it in my book. You’re not alone—lots of people react the same way.
I tried baking soda for a while because I was desperate to get rid of some stains from my braces, but honestly, it made my gums sting and my teeth felt rough after. I’ve heard coconut oil is gentler, but does it actually make teeth whiter or just... feel cleaner? I’m always worried about damaging my enamel since I already have sensitive spots from my brackets. Anyone else have luck with something less abrasive?
