Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash: The Natural Cure For Bad Breath And Gum Disease?
What To Know
- When hydrogen peroxide is used as a mouthwash, it comes into contact with the bacteria and viruses in the mouth.
- However, it is important to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash only occasionally, as it can damage the teeth if used too often.
- However, it is important to not use it more often than twice a day, as it can damage the teeth and gums.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in many household products, including mouthwash. It is a powerful oxidant that can kill bacteria and viruses. This makes it an effective ingredient for preventing and treating gum disease and other oral health problems.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the formula H2O2. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly bitter taste. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent, which means that it can donate oxygen atoms to other molecules. This makes it effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work in Mouthwash?
When hydrogen peroxide is used as a mouthwash, it comes into contact with the bacteria and viruses in the mouth. The hydrogen peroxide kills these microorganisms by oxidizing them. This process damages their cell walls and proteins, making them unable to survive.
Benefits of Using Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
There are several benefits to using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, including:
- Kills bacteria and viruses: Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing bacteria and viruses that can cause gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems.
- Prevents gum disease: Hydrogen peroxide can help to prevent gum disease by killing the bacteria that cause it. Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss.
- Treats canker sores: Hydrogen peroxide can help to treat canker sores by killing the bacteria that cause them. Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the inside of the mouth.
- Whitens teeth: Hydrogen peroxide can help to whiten teeth by removing stains. However, it is important to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash only occasionally, as it can damage the teeth if used too often.
Side Effects of Using Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
There are a few potential side effects of using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, including:
- Tooth sensitivity: Hydrogen peroxide can cause tooth sensitivity in some people. This is because it can damage the enamel on the teeth.
- Gum irritation: Hydrogen peroxide can also cause gum irritation in some people. This is because it can kill the beneficial bacteria that live in the mouth.
- Nausea and vomiting: Hydrogen peroxide can cause nausea and vomiting in some people if it is swallowed.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
To use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, follow these steps:
1. Rinse your mouth with water.
2. Pour 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash into a cup.
3. Swish the hydrogen peroxide mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
4. Spit out the hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.
5. Rinse your mouth with water again.
When to Use Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can be used once or twice a day. It is important to not use it more often than this, as it can damage the teeth and gums.
Who Should Not Use Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash?
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash should not be used by children under the age of 6. It should also not be used by people who have sensitive teeth or gums.
Alternatives to Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
There are a number of alternatives to hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, including:
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash: Chlorhexidine is a powerful antiseptic that is effective at killing bacteria and viruses. It is often used to treat gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride mouthwash is often used to prevent tooth decay.
- Herbal mouthwash: Herbal mouthwashes are made from natural ingredients, such as peppermint, tea tree oil, and chamomile. They can help to freshen the breath and kill bacteria.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Is hydrogen peroxide mouthwash safe to use?
A: Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is safe to use for most people. However, it is important to not use it more often than twice a day, as it can damage the teeth and gums.
Q: Can hydrogen peroxide mouthwash whiten teeth?
A: Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can help to whiten teeth by removing stains. However, it is important to use it only occasionally, as it can damage the teeth if used too often.
Q: What are the side effects of using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash?
A: The side effects of using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
