I've tried charcoal before and yeah, the mess wasn't worth it for me either. Baking soda felt safer at first, but after my dentist warned me about enamel wear, I got nervous and stopped altogether. Honestly, just drinking less tea made a noticeable difference. Took some getting used to though—I really miss my afternoon cup sometimes...
I hear you about the tea—cutting back helped me too, but I still cave sometimes for a good Earl Grey. Funny thing, my dentist actually recommended switching to herbal teas to avoid stains, but honestly, chamomile just doesn't hit the same, you know? I've been curious about those whitening mouthwashes lately...has anyone tried them long-term and noticed if they're gentler on enamel than baking soda or charcoal?
"I've been curious about those whitening mouthwashes lately...has anyone tried them long-term and noticed if they're gentler on enamel than baking soda or charcoal?"
I've used whitening mouthwashes consistently for about a year now, and from my experience, they're definitely gentler on enamel compared to activated charcoal or baking soda. I initially tried charcoal toothpaste because of all the hype, but my dentist warned me it could be abrasive over time. Sure enough, after a few months, my teeth started feeling overly sensitive.
Switching to a whitening mouthwash (one with fluoride) made a noticeable difference—my teeth felt smoother and sensitivity decreased significantly. It's not an overnight miracle, but with regular use, I've seen gradual improvement in brightness without the harshness. I still indulge in coffee and black tea occasionally (can't resist a good Earl Grey either), and the mouthwash seems to keep stains manageable. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully; leaving it in your mouth too long can cause irritation.
