I've used those whitening strips a few times myself, and honestly, they're pretty gentle. My teeth get sensitive too, but I just spaced out the treatments a bit more...worked fine. Definitely less messy than charcoal—my sink still hasn't forgiven me for that one, haha.
Did you notice any extra sensitivity after using the strips, or was spacing them out enough? I've been tempted to try them but worry they'll make my teeth ache...good to hear they're gentle though. Maybe I'll finally give it a shot.
I spaced mine out every other day and it helped a lot with sensitivity. When I tried daily, my teeth definitely felt achey...nothing terrible, but noticeable. Spreading them apart made a big difference for me, though everyone's teeth react differently.
I've tried both baking soda and activated charcoal, and honestly, baking soda felt gentler for me. Charcoal made my teeth feel a bit gritty afterward, and I wasn't a huge fan of the mess it left in the sink. But I totally get what you're saying about spacing things out—when I first started whitening strips, I did them daily and my teeth got super sensitive. Switching to every other day definitely helped.
One thing I'm curious about though...does anyone know if charcoal is actually safe long-term? I've heard mixed things about it being abrasive and possibly damaging enamel over time. Baking soda seems like the safer bet, but I'm still not 100% sure. Maybe it's just one of those things that depends on your teeth?
Charcoal can definitely be abrasive if used regularly over a long period—it's not something dentists usually recommend for everyday use. Baking soda's milder, but even then, moderation's key. Maybe check with your dentist first to see what's best for your enamel?
