This simple ingredient could be used conveniently at home to whiten your teeth. In this article, we have explored the different ways hydrogen peroxide could be used as a remedy to help whiten teeth.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good For Teeth Whitening?
Hydrogen peroxide is effective and does not cost much. Some of its key properties include:
It is a chemical lightening agent that helps whiten teeth by penetrating the enamel (1). It possesses antimicrobial properties that can benefit people with oral ailments like plaque and gingivitis (2). It can counter bad breath by eliminating the odor-causing bacteria from the mouth (3). However, do not use hydrogen peroxide directly for this purpose as it may cause mucosal abnormalities. Consult your doctor for the right method.
Thanks to its antiseptic and disinfectant properties, hydrogen peroxide has been used for ages for cleaning purposes and to heal wounds. It is getting popular as a DIY teeth whitening agent, and in the following section, we will see how it works.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Whiten Teeth
Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide Using These Methods
1. Gargling With Hydrogen Peroxide
The peroxide solution helps remove all harmful bacteria from your oral cavity and lighten the yellow stains on your teeth. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 tablespoon of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2-3 times a week.
2. Cotton Swab And Hydrogen Peroxide
This can be an alternative to swishing the hydrogen peroxide solution in your mouth. The cleaning properties of hydrogen peroxide play a role here. However, this method may not be as effective as the hydrogen peroxide gargle. You Will Need
3% hydrogen peroxide solution A cotton swab
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
3. Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
The coarseness of baking soda helps break down the yellow stains on the teeth. It basically acts as an abrasive agent. It also has teeth whitening properties (4). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of baking soda 3% hydrogen peroxide solution A toothbrush
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Use this DIY teeth whitening toothpaste 2 times a week.
4. Listerine And Hydrogen Peroxide
While the hydrogen peroxide whitens your teeth, Listerine helps clean your teeth and oral cavity, thereby killing all harmful bacteria (5). This may also help whiten teeth. You Will Need
1 part Listerine mouthwash 1 part hydrogen peroxide
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can use this mouthwash 3 times a week.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can act as a natural bleaching agent. Studies show that lemon extract and peel contain citric acid, which can help bleach the stains on the enamel (6). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of baking soda A few drops of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a week.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide And Salt
The coarseness of salt can help dislodge the yellow stains on your teeth and aid teeth whitening. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide 1 tablespoon of salt
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this 2 times a week. Once you see some results, discontinue using hydrogen peroxide for a couple of weeks (you may resume again if needed). Continuous usage of hydrogen peroxide can harm your teeth. It can damage the oral tissues (7). Also, refrigerate hydrogen peroxide once you purchase it to keep it in its stabilized form for longer. While hydrogen peroxide solution has the approval of the American Dental Association, and top dentists also recommend it for teeth stain removal, you need to proceed with caution (8). It can cause side effects in some people.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide On Teeth?
Using hydrogen peroxide solution can cause temporary gum irritation or tooth sensitivity (8). However, this may subside soon in most cases. Never swallow hydrogen peroxide solution as it may interact with the stomach acids and cause gastrointestinal issues (9). If ingested, hydrogen peroxide can cause injury in the esophagus (10). It is not recommended to use this compound to remove stains from children’s teeth. It may not be a good idea to use and combine hydrogen peroxide with OTC teeth whitening products. Doing so may result in enhanced gum irritation and erosion of the teeth enamel. There is a lack of direct evidence in this regard, so talk to your dentist.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? Hydrogen peroxide may start showing its teeth whitening effects in 30 minutes to 24 hours. However, the amount of time it will take to completely whiten the teeth depends on the condition of the teeth and severity of staining. Is 3% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth? Yes. 3% hydrogen peroxide is considered to be safe for teeth. However, it is advised to use it with caution. Is it safe to brush your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? Yes. It is safe to use 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for brushing teeth. However, individuals with sensitive teeth and gums may experience some irritation. In that case, it should not be continued.
