Your smile says a lot about you, and it is important to have a smile that you can proudly share with others. Additionally, your oral health is important for maintaining excellent overall health. Having excellent oral hygiene slows the spread of bacteria, protects against infection and reduces your chances of developing serious illnesses.
In recent years, oral healthcare has made leaps and bounds, from new technologies to innovative treatment methods, all promising bright, white smiles and healthy teeth. However, something that is not talked about as much is hydrogen peroxide and how it connects to your oral health. In this blog post, our team at Playa Family Dentistry talks about the safety of hydrogen peroxide and how it can help improve your oral health and brighten your smile.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also acts as a bleaching agent. While the scientific term may seem daunting, hydrogen peroxide is essentially a mixture of water and oxygen. It is likely that you already have hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet. This clear liquid is commonly found in first-aid kits and works as an affordable and effective antiseptic.
The Use of Hydrogen Peroxide in Dentistry
It may come as a surprise to find out that your dentist in Carrollwood uses hydrogen peroxide in their daily practice. The use of this chemical in dentistry dates back to the early 1900s. As an oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide works to stop the spread of bacteria in the mouth and removes plaque to fight gum disease and reduce inflammation. Essentially, hydrogen peroxide works as an all-in-one oral health solution that prevents the growth of bacteria, removes plaque, and even brightens the appearance of your smile.
Is the Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?
Since hydrogen peroxide is a chemical, many people are wary of their dentist in Citrus Park using it on their teeth. It is fair to be wary of introducing new chemicals to your oral hygiene routine, but it is important to understand that the use of hydrogen peroxide is safe in professional dental environments.
It may also surprise you to find out that many of your cosmetic products already contain hydrogen peroxide, especially if you are using whitening products. When used as directed, hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is highly effective and safe for your teeth. However, it is important to be aware that if you use hydrogen peroxide that is too highly concentrated or overuse peroxide, you can cause burns, irritation, and inflammation.
You should try to limit your use of hydrogen peroxide to one treatment at a time to reduce harm. It is a good idea to watch how your body reacts to your hydrogen peroxide treatments. If you notice irritation, discontinue use right away. Always speak to a medical professional before beginning a new peroxide treatment.
How is Hydrogen Peroxide Used for Teeth Whitening?
The active whitening ingredient in most teeth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. Many teeth whitening products can remove surface stains, but only products with a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide can truly whiten the entire tooth. When you visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening near you, they will use a whitening product with highly-concentrated hydrogen peroxide to effectively and quickly whiten your teeth. Your dentist must overlook your treatment to ensure your teeth do not become damaged from the bleaching agent.
Gargling with Hydrogen Peroxide
Lots of individuals gargle with hydrogen peroxide at home. This is a good alternative to mouthwash, and it can be used in place of oral antiseptic rinses. Gargling with hydrogen peroxide can disinfect your mouth, brighten your teeth, and reduce gum inflammation. Ensure that you speak to a dentist near you to determine the concentration of hydrogen peroxide that is safe to use for gargling. To create your own hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, follow these steps:
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide that exceeds 3% concentration
- Dilute the hydrogen peroxide by combining it with water
- Swish and gargle the diluted mixture, being careful not to swallow
- Rinse with water
Create Toothpaste Out of Hydrogen Peroxide
If you ever find yourself out of toothpaste, you can likely make your own toothpaste using things you can find in your medicine cabinet. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used to create an effective toothpaste that disinfects your teeth and gums, removes stains, and freshens your breath. To make this toothpaste, you must:
- Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of baking soda until it forms into a paste
- Brush your teeth as usual using this homemade toothpaste
- Rinse and spit
As always, make sure that you use a safe concentration of hydrogen peroxide to keep your tooth enamel and gums in excellent condition.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Benefit Your Oral Health
Your smile is an essential part of your overall self-confidence and well-being, so it is important to do everything you can to keep it radiant and healthy. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and safe method of keeping your mouth free of bacteria and brightening your smile. There are many ways to integrate hydrogen peroxide into your oral hygiene routine, from professional teeth whitening in Carrollwood to homemade rinses, you are sure to benefit from this diverse product. If you would like to learn more about hydrogen peroxide and how it can enhance your oral health, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of dental professionals at Playa Family Dentistry.
