Regarding teeth whitening, several types of mouthwash are present on the market. However, still, some people prefer using homemade mouthwashes as they are natural and have no artificial additives.
One of the most famous options for mouthwash is hydrogen peroxide, as it is the ingredient available in almost every home, but still, some people ask questions like, “can peroxide be used as a mouthwash.”
It is a chemical that combines hydrogen and oxygen, so it is easily available at most drug stores and used as a tooth disinfectant. But many people believe gargling it will have a lot of health benefits. The best thing is that it is a budget-friendly mouthwash option that really works.
Can peroxide be used as a mouthwash for daily use
Many people use a mouthwash after every meal, and hydrogen peroxide can be the perfect option for them, as it can be used four times a day and is quite safe for most people if used correctly, but if the concentration is too strong, more than 3%, it can be harmful. So, always be sure never to use peroxide mouthwash concentration with more than 3% dilution. It’s quite suitable for daily use.
Is it safe to use peroxide mouthwash?
Mostly in many chemicals, the thing that matters is the dose, not only the composition. High levels of cyanide can be deadly, but an apple seed contains cyanide, which is not dangerous. Even California Almonds have delicious flavors, and do you know that they have low levels of cyanide?
The same is the case with peroxide. Dentists use concentrated whiteners as it has 25%, 35%, or more percentage of carbamide peroxide. It quickly changes into hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the hydrogen peroxide that is available in medical stores has only a 3% concentration.
That means it can be used as a mouthwash if it is mixed in the same amount with water. In short, a relatively low concentration of hydrogen peroxide in mouthwash is acceptable. So, a weaker hydrogen peroxide solution is safe for mouthwash.
Benefits of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
There are a number of benefits of choosing hydrogen peroxide as your mouthwash and a few of them are explained below.
Soothe a sore throat
Gargling using hydrogen peroxide can soothe a sore throat. It has antibacterial properties, which aid your body in getting rid of bacterial infections.
In addition, when hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with mucous in your mouth, it creates a foam that makes mucus less sticky and much easier to drain. Along with helping to lose the mucus in your throat, it reduces irritation and pain.
Teeth whitening
Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in a lot of teeth-whitening products. Even gargling hydrogen peroxide at home will whiten your teeth for a few hours afterward.
However, a study found that hydrogen peroxide mouthwash should be used consistently for several months to produce a long-lasting whitening effect.
Improve oral health
Along with whitening teeth and other benefits, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that will improve oral health and heal infections. This is a very good option for reducing gum inflammation, and when used regularly, it will switch out all oral problems.
Canker sores
If you have cuts or canker sores inside your mouth, hydrogen peroxide mouthwash will be a good remedy as its antiseptic properties will form bubbles and release oxygen, removing dead cells and reducing bacterial growth.
It is a natural product, so it may need some time to work. Gargling relatively fast will not kill the bacteria and may take time to reduce the sores.
Soothe toothache
If you have a toothache, you can get rid of it by using peroxide mouthwash. Some people believe placing gauze soaked in hydrogen peroxide between your teeth for 10 minutes will reduce the pain. It will be manageable until you visit your dentist.
Fight gingivitis
Residual food particles and germs can cause gingivitis, but using a strong weapon like Hydrogen Peroxide will fight against them. Brushing your teeth, flossing them, and vigorously swishing them with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can help you overcome gingivitis.
Other uses of hydrogen peroxide for oral health
Along with using it as a mouthwash, it will also help to maintain your oral health in other ways.
Alternative to toothpaste
It is believed that hydrogen peroxide can be a good option for cleaning your toothbrush. Taking a cup of hydrogen peroxide solution and soaking your toothbrush for 5 minutes inside the solution will help to sterilize your toothbrush.
Sterilize toothbrush
Imagine a condition when you do not have toothpaste at your home. Hydrogen peroxide can be an alternative. Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and using it as toothpaste will clean your teeth as regular toothpaste does.
Side effects of peroxide mouthwash
As peroxide has a lot of benefits and is used as a mouthwash very popularly, it still has some possible side effects, which are explained below.
- Sometimes it can sting your mouth.
A few people have reported that using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash can sting your mouth, and this side effect can last for several hours.
- Dry mouth
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can also dry out your mouth, which is Counter-productive for dental health. Saliva is essential for washing out bacteria and remineralizing your tooth enamel.
- Nausea if swallow
Just try to be very attentive while using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash because if you accidentally swallow it, it can cause nausea and stomach irritation.
How to make a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
It is essential to know how to use hydrogen peroxide solutions to get benefits from them and avoid side effects. So, here is a way to easily prepare hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at your home.
- Add two tbs of 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide in an empty cup. More concentrated peroxide can irritate.
- Now add two parts of water which mean four tbs in the cup.
- Gargle and swish the mouthwash solution all around your mouth.
- You can tilt your head back and gargle for about 30 seconds for the best results.
- Spit the solution out, and lastly, gargle with running tap water because peroxide can cause foam in your mouth, which is normal using water after it normalizes.