If you have ever thought and looked up teeth whitening you would most certainly have come across teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide. We are here to clear the air on whether hydrogen peroxide can be used for teeth whitening or not and if it safe to use.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly found in antiseptics at home. It has a number of uses. It is an active ingredient of many teeth whitening products. It works like a bleaching agent working on the stains and discolored teeth making them more even toned and whiter. Does it mean we can use hydrogen peroxide bought from our local store to whiten our teeth?
While hydrogen peroxide can do it there are some things one must know about it like for example if used incorrectly it can damage the enamel of the teeth.
Is teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide effective?
Most commercial teeth whitening kits available over the counter have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is a factor in determining how effective it is for whitening purposes. Generally, these teeth whitening kits have a concentration of 10 percent or less. This is good because lower the concentration lesser the damage to the teeth but this also means it will not be as effective as say a 40 percent concentrated solution generally used by the dentists.
But a study in 2004 suggested that using a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution could have the same effectiveness as that of a highly concentrated solution. But for that the lower concentrated solution will need to be applied more frequently. In other words, a 10% solution will have the same effect as a 40% solution if the 10% is applied 4 to 5 times as compared to one time with 40%. This example is just for illustration purposes and not to be taken as is.
How long will it take to whiten my teeth?
The duration needed to whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide depends –
- Condition of teeth
- Concentration of the solution
- Reason and amount of discoloration of teeth
How can I use it?
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water.
- Use this solution just like a mouthwash. Swish it in the mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spit the solution out once done. Make sure you do not swallow any of it.
Warning: In case of any burning or feeling of hurt in the mouth, spit it out immediately and consult a doctor.
You can use it as a mouthwash daily and see the results in a few weeks’ time.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to make a paste to remove localized stains on the teeth. For making a paste –
- Mix a little baking soda with hydrogen peroxide solution to make a thick paste.
- The paste should be thick but not gritty.
- Use this paste like a toothpaste and brush your teeth with it for 2 minutes.
- Use water to rinse of any paste remaining in the mouth. Ensure all paste is removed and none remains in the mouth or is swallowed.
Risks associated with whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide
As we mentioned above stronger the concentration of hydrogen peroxide the more damage it can do to the enamel of the teeth. Loss of enamel makes them sensitive to eating hot and cold things. Tooth sensitivity is one of most common side effects. Some others are gum sensitivity, gum irritation and inflamed gums. Please consult a dentist incase you observe these side effects.
What else can I do to keep my teeth white?
If you want to keep your teeth pearly white it would help if you could eliminate these from your diet –
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red Wine
- Energy Drinks
- Soda
In conclusion we can say using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening is a fairly common and inexpensive method and can be used as a home remedy with adequate safety precautions. Look for ADA’s (American Dental Association) seal of acceptance while choosing an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit. It can be effective for mild staining of teeth however if you have darker stains then hydrogen peroxide as is available in the market may not be the best solution for you. It is better if you consult your dentist and go for teeth whitening at a dental clinic. The dentist may first get the teeth cleaned before the teeth whitening process to ensure more effective results. To know more read our blog – Is teeth whitening safe?
There are many other home remedies floating on the net for teeth whitening like using charcoal and salt or lemon juice with baking soda, oil pulling or using apple cider vinegar. Remember many of them are harmful for teeth than helpful and none of these are recommended by the ADA. So if you plan to whiten your teeth at home using any method please ensure you consult your dentist before you give it a shot.
We hope this blog was informative and useful. Please share it with your family and friends if you liked it. For any dental queries, you can always call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. You can also schedule an appointment with us. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Regardless of your issue we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also.
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