Is it ok to put hydrogen peroxide in your mouth?

We have all heard about the multiple uses of hydrogen peroxide- from disinfecting wounds to teeth whitening. But can you really put hydrogen peroxide in your mouth? The answer is, drumroll please….it depends.

Let us dive into the world of hydrogen peroxide and see if it’s ok to use it as a DIY mouthwash.

What Exactly Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide, also known as H2O2, is a chemical compound that consists of two atoms of hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen. Yes folks, we get chemical here too! Bet you didn’t expect chemistry class when researching about putting something in your mouth. Its antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for cleaning cuts and scrapes.

But why would anyone want to put this antiseptic solution in their mouths? Keep reading!

Benefits Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide As A Mouthwash

There are claims that using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash can benefit not only our dental hygiene but also our overall health. Here are some purported benefits:

Teeth Whitening

Using store-bought teeth whitening products or getting professional treatments at the dentist office can be expensive. Some people opt for natural solutions such as baking soda or coconut oil while others swear by using hydrogen peroxide mixed with water as a cheap alternative.

Killing Bacteria

One study found that gargling with 1% solution reduced plaque formation better than traditional mouthwashes over time . This could mean fewer periodontal disease symptoms like gum inflammation or bleeding gums among other things!!

Reducing Bad Breath

Hey, who doesn’t want minty fresh breath? Using HP (not Harry Potter) may help eliminate nasty odors caused by bacteria residing inside our mouths .

These sound pretty good so far! Let’s see what the healthcare professionals have to say.

Dentists Weigh In: Is It Safe?

Using Hydrogen Peroxide as a mouthwash sounds like an exciting idea, but is it safe ? Who can we trust for answers? Let’s look at what dentists are saying on this topic.

According to Dr. Harold Katz of TheraBreath, hydrogen peroxide is considered safe when used properly. He suggests limiting exposure by using no more than 1% or 3% solutions and warns against swallowing the solution .

Dr. Ron Baise of NYC Smile Design also agrees that using HP in small amounts should be fine but doesn’t recommend overdoing it .Okie-dokie then! Small doses seem okay, so what’s the right ratio?

How To Dilute Hydrogen Peroxide For Use As A Mouthwash

It’s important to note that store-bought hydrogen peroxide sold in brown bottles are best due to their purity levels . What percentage should you use though?

Most sources suggest diluting 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide with water before using it as an oral mouthwash for safety reasons.

Check out this chart:

Ratio	Hydrogen Peroxide (HP)	Water
1:1	45 ml	45 ml
1:2                 30 ml	60ml

Tips for Using Hydrogen Peroxide Safely as a Mouth Rinse

Great! Now we know how much HP needs mixing with our trusted companion-like water. But wait…there’s more?! Here are some tried and tested tips:

• Do not gulp directly from the bottle
• Gargle for a minimum of 30 seconds
• Do not swallow the solution. Spit out completely after gargling and rinse mouth with water.
• Avoid overuse

Side Effects of Using Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Everything comes with side effects, so keep these in mind if using HP:

Tooth Sensitivity

Frequent use may cause tooth sensitivity especially if it is used directly on teeth without diluting it

Gum Irritation

Undiluted or strong solutions could irritate healthy gum tissue leading to tenderness and soreness.

Stomach Upset

Swallowing hydrogen peroxide can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting among other serious health issues!

Ok folks! Time to wrap up all this information as always ”better be safe than sorry”. Let’s weigh in the pros and cons of using hp as a mouthwash one last time!

Pros & Cons

PROS

1. Affordable teeth whitening alternative
2. Antibacterial properties that promote oral health (extinguish bacteria)
3. Natural remedy for bad breath

CONS

1. Possible tooth sensitivity (especially when not diluted)
2. Higher concentrations can harm gums tissues The phrase “Higher Concentrations Can Harm Gums Tissues” is bold due to being very important
   3 Chances of swallowing too much by accident

In conclusion folks, hydrogen peroxide does have some impressive benefits when used properly . But like anything else in your routine, moderation is key.

And now we can answer with confidence whether it’s okay to put hydrogen peroxide in our mouths: Yes, but only after diluting!!

P.S — Don’t forget that too much of anything sweet , even something good-for-you will still increase cavities statistics 😉