Teeth whitening has become a common desire for many people seeking a brighter smile. Often, hydrogen peroxide, a key ingredient in many commercial teeth whitening products, is also considered a viable home remedy. However, it's important to understand the associated risks and rewards. Here's an insight into hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening, with a focus on the science behind it, the potential risks involved, and the best practices for usage.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Works
Hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth by breaking down the stains through an oxidation process1. It can partially penetrate the layers of the teeth and remove compounds causing discoloration1.
Risks of Hydrogen Peroxide
Despite its whitening capabilities, hydrogen peroxide may pose certain risks. The website Dentaly.Org stated the following "The dilution of hydrogen peroxide considered safe to use is 3%. Any higher, and you could risk damaging your enamel for good. Even then, using it for prolonged periods of time can still cause damage. Your enamel is not something you can grow back once it is gone, so be careful not to damage it"2.
Who Should Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, may not experience even whitening or any whitening at all. People with oral health issues like cavities or gum disease may find that hydrogen peroxide exacerbates these conditions.
The Role of Professional Whitening Treatments
For those seeking teeth whitening, it's recommended to consult with a dental professional. Dentists can evaluate oral health and propose suitable options, whether it be a professional treatment or a suitable home remedy. They can also monitor the whitening process, adjusting the concentration and duration of hydrogen peroxide exposure as needed 3.
What To Use Between Professional Visits?
At Waken we choose alternatives to hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of plant enzymes, pyrophosphates and zinc citrate.In combination, these ingredients can help break down stain-causing proteins, prevent tartar buildup, and fight plaque, together contributing to a cleaner, whiter smile. In independent tests, Waken's Whitening Toothpaste cleaned up to 8 shades whiter when used twice a day for 2 weeks and Waken's Whitening Mouthwash cleaned up to 5 shades whiter over the same period. Resultswill vary based on individual differences.
FAQs
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 are the disadvantages of using hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? ›
Swishing With Hydrogen Peroxide
Check with a dentist beforehand. "The bleaching agent can badly burn your gums and damage enamel if the concentration is too strong," added Dr. Kunen.
Can I safely whiten my teeth with hydrogen peroxide? ›
Like many chemicals, hydrogen peroxide is only safe in small doses. While hydrogen peroxide is generally recognized as safe for whitening, the key lies in using it in appropriate concentrations. Anything stronger than a 3% concentration is dangerous, and many whitening products dilute the solution even further.
Is rinsing with hydrogen peroxide bad for your teeth? ›
Protect Your Enamel: Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive. While that means that it can whiten teeth, it also means that it can damage them. A 2007 study found, perhaps unsurprisingly, that higher concentrations of H2O2 did increasing amounts of damage to teeth while in-vitro.
Do dentists recommend hydrogen peroxide? ›
Hydrogen Peroxide as a Gum Disease Treatment
This more severe form of gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out. Because it can kill harmful bacteria and break up plaque, dental professionals have been using hydrogen peroxide since the early 1900s to prevent and treat periodontitis.
Are there any negatives to using hydrogen peroxide? ›
Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, skin, and throat. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Hydrogen peroxide is used in many industries.
Why are you not supposed to use hydrogen peroxide? ›
"It prevents healing rather than promoting it." That's because its reactive power isn't specific to germs. Hydrogen peroxide also kills normal cells within the wound — including healthy skin cells and immune cells — and slows blood vessel formation, all of which are important for wound healing.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove tartar? ›
No, hydrogen peroxide doesn't dissolve tartar, but it can help remove the plaque that hardens into tartar.
Which is better, salt water rinse or hydrogen peroxide? ›
The fact that dental professionals choose peroxide over saltwater should tell you one thing: saltwater gargles are fine in a pinch, but hydrogen peroxide rinses are actually preferable. Peroxide rinses mix water with 3% hydrogen peroxide to help clean, brighten, and prevent gum damage.
Should I brush my teeth before or after rinsing with hydrogen peroxide? ›
Hydrogen peroxide
This compound is an effective way to combat gum disease. However, it should only be used once per day. There are some precautions that you should take before using hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. You should brush your teeth thoroughly after using the product.
While bleaching your teeth with hydrogen peroxide can whiten them, it can also cause side effects: Tooth Sensitivity: One common side effect of hydrogen peroxide is increased tooth sensitivity. This is because the peroxide can penetrate the dentin (the inner layer of your teeth) and irritate the nerve endings.
What are the cons of using hydrogen peroxide for teeth? ›
While Hydrogen Peroxide can be effective for teeth whitening, there is a chance of certain side effects like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, subsiding after a few days. Consult a dental professional if you are concerned.
Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›
A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.
How long does it take hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth? ›
Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
What happens if you leave hydrogen peroxide on teeth too long? ›
It is not recommended that you leave hydrogen peroxide on your teeth overnight as it could cause erosion to your tooth enamel or irritation to your gums.
Is hydrogen peroxide less damaging than bleach? ›
However, our experts noted that using hydrogen peroxide on its own may cause less hair damage than using hair bleach. So, when choosing a hair-lightening formula, it's best to keep your hair type and goals in mind and talk through your options with a trusted hair colorist.
How long is hydrogen peroxide active on teeth whitening? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is inherently unstable and will break down immediately once you place the whitening trays in your mouth The majority of the peroxide will be spent within the first 20 minutes of wear, but to experience the full effect of the gel, we recommend at least 1 to 1.5 hours of wear time.
