Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth & Is It Safe?

Does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? And is hydrogen peroxide safe to use on teeth? Hydrogen peroxide, a common household staple, is a controversial ingredient in holistic dental care. Time to separate fact from fiction and determine if hydrogen peroxide is a good fit for your oral health routine.

How Hydrogen Peroxide Works

To understand how hydrogen peroxide interacts with our pearly whites, we need to explore its chemical properties.

Whitening:

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent, giving it the ability to break down stains and discoloration on teeth.
When applied to teeth, it penetrates the enamel and enters the underlying dentin. This is where the magic happens - hydrogen peroxide breaks down the chemical bonds that hold the stain molecules together, effectively bleaching the teeth and restoring their natural whiteness.

Antibacterial:

Hydrogen peroxide has been proven to be an effective antibacterial agent promoting good oral health.
By killing harmful bacteria in the mouth, hydrogen peroxide may prevent bad breath, dental plaque, and gum disease.

Potential Risks and Precautions

So hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth, freshens breath, prevents gum disease, is super cheap, and most of us already have a bottle hanging out in the back of our cabinet. Sounds pretty perfect!

However, it's important to know that improper use of hydrogen peroxide may lead to tooth sensitivy and/or gum irritation. Always consult your healthcare professional.

It's best to use a 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide and dilute it 50/50 with water.

Final Verdict: Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe for Teeth?

Yep! When used properly diluted and not overused.

If you experience sensitivity when using hydrogen peroxide in your oral care routine, stop using it and consult your healthcare provider.

This study says, "Data accumulated during the last two decades demonstrate that, when used properly, peroxide-based tooth whitening is safe and effective."
This study says, "Overall evidence supports the conclusion that the proper use of peroxide-containing at-home tooth bleaching agents is safe."
This study says, " rinsing with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide has demonstrated an antigingivitis effect."
The American Dental Association lists hydrogen peroxide as an effective whitening intervention.