Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in numerous teeth whitening solutions to use in the dental clinic and at home. Thanks to the powerful bleaching properties. Although it is most effective for surface staining, it will not cause any impact on internal stains such as discolored dying or dead teeth. Hydrogen peroxide will give a bright set of teeth. But when used incorrectly, this chemical can also damage your gums, enamel, and overall health.
How Long Does It Take for Hydrogen Peroxide to Make Teeth White?
Hydrogen peroxide will show its whitening effects in half an hour to one day. But the amount of time it takes to make teeth white fully relies on the extent of staining and teeth condition.
Are Whitening Teeth with Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?
Hydrogen peroxide has a long safety track record for bleaching teeth without affecting the enamel strength. Overusing hydrogen peroxide can result in gum and teeth damage with time.
Generally, store-bought teeth-bleaching products have a 3% – 20% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Most mouth rinses and toothpaste have a minimal amount. It makes them safer for long-term use. But in-office teeth whitening near you has more concentration. Extended bleaching with a high peroxide concentration when used for multiple days could result in sensitive teeth and gum irritation.
Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide for teeth bleaching is not safe for every individual. The dental professional recommends people with worn down enamel or thin enamel, cavities, leaky or failing dental restorations should not whiten teeth using hydrogen peroxide.
When purchasing an at-home teeth bleaching treatment, make sure the hydrogen peroxide concentration is 10% or less. If you desire to get the process at the dental clinic, a percentage of 38 is safe.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Make Teeth White?
Hydrogen peroxide is an acidic chemical compound. In high concentrations, it is a robust oxidizer and can be abrasive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. That is why caution is essential when it comes to individuals and animals.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks the stains from polymers into monomers using an oxidation process. It brightens the overall tooth color slowly and safely without damaging oral health. Although the oxidation that occurs kills bacteria, it also causes damage to cell walls and the thing it comes in contact with. It makes hydrogen peroxide quite a harsh chemical.
The dentist 90210 mainly dilutes this chemical using a teeth-bleaching product (baking soda) to prevent gum and enamel damage. If you desire the oxidizing and bleaching effects, buy a paste with hydrogen peroxide. Just spend some extra money on peroxide-containing products manufactured mainly for teeth whitening. Teeth bleaching kits approved by the American Dental Association consist of a healthy level of carbamide peroxide, which is proven to keep tooth enamel healthy.
Different Methods to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Let us explore the diverse ways to use hydrogen peroxide:
Whitening Paste
Combine baking soda with a tiny hydrogen peroxide amount to create a paste. Brush teeth using this paste and a soft brush. Now wash your mouth deeply but avoid swallowing.
Commercial Products
You can pick a store-bought teeth-bleaching product that has hydrogen peroxide as one of the primary ingredients. Do not forget to stick to the caution and instructions on the package.
Mouth Rinse
Dilute hydrogen peroxide in a 1-to-1 ratio with water and use this solution as a mouth rinse for nearly 30 seconds. But avoid swallowing.
If you want to add hydrogen peroxide to your dental health routine, speak to the dentist near you or visit Implant Dentistry by Doc Rok immediately.
Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Teeth
Let us explore the side effects of using hydrogen peroxide:
- It can lead to esophagus injury.
- It does not eliminate stains from the kid’s teeth.
- Mixing teeth whitening products and hydrogen peroxide could lead to enamel erosion and gum irritation.
- Hydrogen peroxide results in tooth sensitivity. But it can be permanent with long-term use.
- Swallowing it could lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Hydrogen Peroxide Alternatives
Different hydrogen peroxide alternatives include:
- Try to use a straw when consuming tea, coffee, or other dark-colored drinks.
- Use a product with a diverse whitening ingredient.
- Visit the dentist to find the most effective and safe teeth bleaching treatments and products.