I've been thinking about trying activated charcoal myself, but honestly, the mess factor makes me a bit hesitant. Glad to hear it didn't irritate your gums though—that's reassuring. Still, enamel erosion freaks me out more than anything... baking soda does feel like the safer bet overall. Maybe I'll start slow and cautious with baking soda first and see how it goes before diving into charcoal territory. Thanks for sharing your experience, helps ease some of my anxiety around this stuff!
I've been down the charcoal road myself, and honestly, the cleanup was a bit of a hassle for me too. Baking soda felt gentler overall—less anxiety about enamel damage. Starting slow sounds smart... that's exactly what I did, and it worked out fine. Good luck!
Haha, charcoal was a mess for me too. I tried it once before a friend's wedding thinking I'd get that Hollywood smile overnight—ended up looking like I'd been chewing on ink cartridges. Took forever to rinse out, and I swear my toothbrush stayed grayish for weeks after. Baking soda's definitely easier on the nerves (and my sink). I've been mixing a tiny bit with toothpaste every few days, and it's been pretty decent. Not dazzling-white-instantly kind of decent, but noticeable enough that my coffee habit isn't as obvious anymore. Just don't go overboard...my cousin got carried away and ended up with sensitive teeth for days. Moderation is key, as always. Good luck with your teeth adventures!
Haha, charcoal is definitely a disaster waiting to happen. Tried it myself once—ended up looking like a goth vampire extra for half the day. Baking soda's safer, but yeah, moderation matters. Also, don't brush too hard...learned that the hard way (ouch).
Yeah, charcoal's messy and abrasive—my dentist warned me about enamel damage too. Baking soda's gentler, but even then, it's best to limit use to once or twice a week. Honestly, regular toothpaste with fluoride and occasional whitening strips worked better for me long-term. Less drama, fewer risks...and no vampire cosplay moments.
