Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive household product you probably have on hand right now. When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage.
What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is safe for teeth?
For the past 60 years or so, swishing with hydrogen peroxide has been a “whitening fad” in oral health regimens. Usually store-bought hydrogen peroxide has a concentration of about 3%, so it’s safe for your mouth.
Can household hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?
Summary. Hydrogen peroxide is a common home remedy for teeth whitening. It is part of many tooth whitening solutions for use at home and in the dental office. A simple mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide can help remove light stains.
Why you shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide on teeth?
When used in excess, hydrogen peroxide can actually worsen your oral health by causing tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, soft tissue damage on the tongue and throat, and aging your smile. A common result of “over bleaching” with peroxide is a blue cast to the teeth.
What is the best hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening?
For every 10 percent of carbamide peroxide, there is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are effective teeth whitening treatments. The two ingredients produce nearly identical results.
Is 3% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth?
Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth but at a great cost to the tooth enamel. Overuse of hydrogen peroxide may cause gum irritation and tooth decay. When used sparingly (two times a week) and at concentrations no more than three percent, it is generally safe.
How long should I leave 6 hydrogen peroxide on my teeth?
Recommended wear time is 1.5 hours per day for 6% Hydrogen Peroxide. Wear time of 3 to 4 hours per day for the Hybrid Pro, and 6 hours, but better overnight, for 10% and 16% Carbamide Peroxide. After whitening brush teeth. Clean your whitening trays with cool water and a soft toothbrush.
How often should you use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth?
For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally. Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth.
Can I rinse my mouth with hydrogen peroxide?
Gargling hydrogen peroxide may be an effective way to sooth a sore throat, disinfect your mouth, and whiten your teeth. Just make sure you dilute it first, and try not to swallow any in the process. If you’re hoping to whiten your teeth, try to gargle consistently for several months for the best results.
How can I instantly whiten my teeth?
A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been proven to work in some cases for instant results in a pinch. Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda. Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth.
What happens when you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda?
What happens when you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? When you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, it causes an exothermic chemical reaction that turns it into the grease and mineral-busting cleaning powerhouse that I love.
Is carbamide peroxide safe for teeth?
Teeth Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth whitening using hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is safe when done properly. Any type of whitening treatment can cause short-term sensitivity though. Using whitening products too often or leaving them on too long can make the situation worse.
How do you dilute hydrogen peroxide?
To make a gallon of 3% peroxide: In a clean gallon container, combine 1 and ¼ cups of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide with 14 and ¾ cups of water. To make 3% hydrogen peroxide from 35% hydrogen peroxide, the general mixing guideline is: 1 part 35% hydrogen peroxide plus 11 parts water = 3% hydrogen peroxide.