Yeah, those strips can definitely trigger sensitivity issues...been there myself. I've found using a fluoride mouthwash right after helps calm things down. Baking soda's decent too, but gotta be careful not to overdo it—can wear enamel down if used too often.
Totally feel you on the sensitivity—those strips can be brutal sometimes. Fluoride rinse is a solid move. Baking soda works, but yeah, moderation's key or you'll end up polishing your teeth down to Tic Tacs...been there, seen that! Hang in there, you're doing great.
I've definitely been down the baking soda road myself...works great in a pinch, but yeah, gotta be careful not to overdo it. Has anyone tried oil pulling for quick brightening? I've heard good things about coconut oil, but honestly, swishing oil around my mouth for 15-20 minutes feels like forever—never managed more than five before I got bored or distracted, lol. Curious if anyone's had luck with shorter sessions or if it's really an all-or-nothing kind of thing. Also, has sensitivity been an issue for anyone using activated charcoal? I've seen mixed reviews on that front and haven't dared to test it out myself yet.
"swishing oil around my mouth for 15-20 minutes feels like forever—never managed more than five before I got bored or distracted, lol."
Haha, same here. I've tried oil pulling a couple of times but always ended up scrolling through my phone and forgetting about it after a few minutes. Honestly, even those short sessions seemed to help a little, though nothing dramatic. About activated charcoal—my friend swears by it, but she did mention some sensitivity when she used it too often. Might be worth starting slow if you decide to give it a shot.