"And totally get what you mean about whitening toothpastes feeling gritty...it's weirdly abrasive somehow."
Yeah, that gritty feeling is exactly why I stopped using whitening toothpaste too. My dentist actually mentioned that some whitening formulas use harsher abrasives to scrub stains, which can wear down enamel over time. I've found gentle toothpaste works great on dentures as well—regular toothpaste left mine looking dull and scratched up. Switched to a sensitive formula and noticed a huge difference almost immediately. Another tip my dentist gave was to occasionally soak retainers or dentures in diluted vinegar to remove stubborn buildup gently. Worked wonders for me, might be worth a try if you're dealing with cloudiness or stains.
I've noticed the same thing about whitening toothpastes feeling gritty and harsh, and honestly, my teeth felt more sensitive after using them. Switched back to a regular gentle toothpaste and things improved noticeably. The vinegar trick sounds interesting though—never heard of that one before. Does it leave any taste behind afterward, or does rinsing thoroughly take care of it? I'd be worried about that lingering vinegar flavor...
Tried the vinegar thing once—honestly, not my finest moment. Rinsed like crazy afterward, but still felt like a salad dressing for hours. 😂 I agree about whitening toothpastes though; felt like sandpaper on my teeth. Now I just stick to gentle toothpaste and occasional baking soda brushing. Way less drama, and my teeth thank me.
"Now I just stick to gentle toothpaste and occasional baking soda brushing. Way less drama, and my teeth thank me."
Totally agree with this approach—gentle toothpaste is usually the safest bet. Baking soda can be great occasionally, but just a heads-up: don't overdo it. Too frequent use can wear down enamel over time... moderation is key.
Yeah, baking soda's great in moderation, but I learned the hard way not to get carried away with it. A few years back, I got obsessed with DIY whitening and brushed with baking soda almost daily—thought I was being clever. Fast forward a couple months, my dentist gently informed me I'd been sanding down my enamel like an old wooden table... lesson learned. Now it's gentle toothpaste most days, baking soda maybe once every couple weeks tops. Teeth are happier, dentist is happier, wallet is definitely happier.
