Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening: Does It Work and is It Safe?

In the recent years, we have seen the growing popularity of tooth whitening. With this demand is the rise of whitening products making their way into the market. However, many of these products can be very expensive, pushing people to looking to cheaper alternatives. Perhaps the most affordable way to whiten teeth at home is by using hydrogen peroxide, which is the main ingredient used in many tooth-whitening products: hydrogen peroxide. Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work? Hydrogen peroxide bottles can be conveniently bought at grocery or drug stores, and are usually diluted at 3 percent. In commercial whitening treatments, the amount of hydrogen peroxide varies and can contained up to 10 percent. However, studies show that dilution is actually a good thing when hydrogen peroxide is used in teeth whitening, as stronger concentrations can damage the tooth enamel. A study was conducted where scientists applied diluted hydrogen peroxide solutions of 10, 20 and 30 percent to extracted human teeth. It was found that solutions with higher concentrations caused more damage to the teeth. The results of this study show that low-concentration hydrogen peroxide treatments have the least potential for tooth damage. Another study showed that a 5 percent solution is just as effective as a 25 percent solution at whitening teeth. However, to achieve the same whiteness level, the 5 percent solution will have to be used 12 times compared to the one-time use of the 25 percent solution. This means that the use of low-concentration solutions will require more treatments to achieve the desired whiteness. How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide There are two ways to use hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. The first one is by using it as a rinse to swish around the mouth, or by mixing it with baking soda and allowing to sit onto the teeth surface before rinsing. To use hydrogen peroxide as a rinse, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and swish this mixture around the mouth for 30 seconds. To use as a paste, mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Continue to add a little bit more of peroxide until you achieve a thick paste. Using a toothbrush, apply the paste onto your teeth using small, circular motions and leave it for two minutes. Thoroughly remove the paste by swishing water around the mouth. IsUsing Hydrogen Peroxide Safe? Many studies suggest that the use of hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to the teeth – whether done at home or in a commercial setting. The risk of damage increases when a very strong solution is used, when it is left it contact with the teeth for an extended period of time, and when the hydrogen peroxide is applied to the tooth too many times. The most common reported side effect of the use of hydrogen peroxide is tooth sensitivity. You might find that consuming cold or hot food or drinks unpleasant following a peroxide treatment. Peroxide can cause significant damage to the teeth’s protective enamel when used too often and in high concentrations. More serious side effects include the inflammation of the teeth roots, which can lead to secondary issues like infection. Considering all these, it is important that you first consult your dentist before you apply any hydrogen peroxide solution to whiten your teeth. You need to determine the application strategy and schedule that best fits your particular case. As much as possible, get your whitening procedures done in a dental clinic by a licensed professional to ensure the best results with fewer risks.