When used in high concentrations over an extended period of time, hydrogen peroxide can damage the protective enamel on your teeth
When used in high concentrations over an extended period of time, hydrogen peroxide can damage the protective enamel on your teeth and lead to problems such as:
- Teeth sensitivity
- Cavities and tooth loss
- Irritation and inflammation in the teeth and gums
- Damaged nerves in the tooth pulp
- Increase risk of oral cancer
While hydrogen peroxide can be helpful in maintaining oral hygiene, it should be used no more than twice a year to avoid damage to your teeth.
What is hydrogen peroxide used for?
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is often topically applied to burns and cuts to prevent infections, and it removes dead skin cells by creating a frothing effect.
Hydrogen peroxide is often used to whiten teeth, heal mouth ulcers, and soothe sores in the throat. Because hydrogen peroxide also has antiseptic properties, it can reduce mild discomfort caused by oral herpes and gingivitis. It can even fight bad breath, as it kills bacteria in the mouth.
Although oral consumption can be lethal, accidentally swallowing a small amount of low-concentration 3% hydrogen peroxide does not pose a serious threat. However, in high quantities, hydrogen peroxide can be corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Therefore, it should be used with caution.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can whiten teeth. However it can also burn the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Due to these negative effects, most dentists do not recommend frequent use of hydrogen peroxide, although some may support the occasional use of it in low concentrations to remove plaque and stains on the teeth.
Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is diluted to roughly 3%. In many tooth whitening products on the market, however, concentrations may be as high as 10%. Dentists believe that it is important to use diluted concentrations to avoid tooth damage. They also recommend rinsing thoroughly after using hydrogen peroxide.
If you want to whiten your teeth using hydrogen peroxide, consult your dentist to make sure you are doing it safely and effectively.
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Dexter A, Eyrumlu A, Hedrick A, Guirguis P. Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe and Does It Work? Dentaly.org. https://www.dentaly.org/us/teeth-whitening/peroxide-teeth-whitening
Gillespie C. Is it Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth? Here's What Dentists Say. Health.com. https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/is-it-safe-to-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-whiten-teeth
Playa Family Dentistry. How Do You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Your Teeth. https://www.playafamilydentistry.com/how-do-you-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-whiten-your-teeth/
