"Maybe it's just my sensitivity though..."
Actually, you're not alone—lots of folks find charcoal toothpaste too abrasive. Baking soda can be gentler, but have you tried a toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth? Might give you brighter results minus the discomfort... worth a shot maybe.
I had the same issue with charcoal—it felt way too gritty for me. Switched to a gentle whitening toothpaste (the sensitive kind) and noticed improvement after about two weeks. Baking soda isn't bad, but definitely gentler options out there...
Charcoal felt weird to me too—like it was scratching my teeth more than cleaning them. I switched to a sensitive whitening toothpaste after getting my braces off, and it made a difference without that gritty feeling. Baking soda was okay, but I always worried about using it too much since my gums got a bit sore once. Did you notice any sensitivity when you switched toothpastes? Or has anyone tried those whitening strips with sensitive teeth? I’m still nervous about anything too harsh since my enamel feels thinner after braces...
I totally get being nervous about enamel after braces. I actually tried those whitening strips once, thinking the “gentle” version would be fine, but my teeth felt zingy for days and I regretted it. Sensitive whitening toothpaste has been the only thing I can handle without flare-ups. Honestly, even baking soda freaks me out a bit—my dentist warned me it can be abrasive if you’re already worried about thin enamel. I know some people swear by it, but I’m way too cautious after all the dental work I’ve had.
I totally relate to being super careful after braces—my kid just finished treatment and we’re still figuring out what’s safe. Our orthodontist actually said both baking soda and charcoal can be a bit rough on enamel, especially if it’s already sensitive. We’ve stuck with a gentle whitening toothpaste and just focus on good brushing habits for now. I know it’s not a “quick fix,” but I’d rather play it safe than risk more dental work down the line.
