I've thought about whitening strips too, but I'm still a bit cautious. My kid tried them once and complained about sensitivity afterward. It wasn't terrible, but enough to make me pause. Have you noticed any sensitivity issues with long-term use, or is it usually just temporary? Also curious if anyone's tried those whitening toothpastes instead—are they actually gentler, or is it mostly marketing hype?
"Have you noticed any sensitivity issues with long-term use, or is it usually just temporary?"
I've definitely experienced sensitivity from whitening strips—nothing unbearable, but enough to make me cautious. It usually fades after a day or two, but honestly, the anxiety of anticipating that sharp twinge isn't worth it for me. Whitening toothpastes seem gentler, but I haven't noticed dramatic results... feels a bit like marketing hype. Personally, I've found baking soda mixed with regular toothpaste once a week does the trick without freaking out my teeth.
I've noticed similar issues with whitening strips—they can definitely trigger sensitivity, even if it's temporary. Baking soda is a decent alternative; I use it myself occasionally. Activated charcoal, though... I'd be cautious. Tried it once, and honestly, it felt abrasive on my gums and enamel. Plus, there's not enough solid research backing its safety long-term. Gentle is usually better when it comes to teeth—no point risking enamel damage for short-term brightness.
"Activated charcoal, though... I'd be cautious. Tried it once, and honestly, it felt abrasive on my gums and enamel."
Did you use pure activated charcoal powder or one of those toothpaste blends? I've heard the pure powder is harsher—maybe a gentler charcoal toothpaste would be less abrasive? Curious if anyone's compared the two directly.
I tried both actually—pure powder first, then switched to a charcoal toothpaste because the powder felt way too gritty for me. The toothpaste was definitely gentler, but honestly, still felt a bit harsh compared to regular whitening toothpaste. Maybe it's just my sensitivity though... has anyone found charcoal toothpaste that's genuinely gentle, or is baking soda the safer bet overall?
