Is it safe to use peroxide as a mouthwash?

Have you ever heard that peroxide is an excellent mouthwash? You might even have considered giving it a try but held back because of safety concerns. Fear not! In this article, we will explore whether using peroxide as a mouthwash is safe or harmful.

What Exactly Is Peroxide?

Peroxide refers to hydrogen peroxide, which is a clear liquid that has the chemical formula H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms bound together by weak chemical bonds, making it highly unstable.

When hydrogen particles break apart from the molecule, they create free radicals capable of destroying bacteria by rupturing their cell membranes.

Hydrogen peroxides strength to kill bacteria make some people believe that it makes an exceptional oral cleansing agent.

However one must be cautious with using any product inappropriately and consider what can go wrong!

The Safest Way To Use Hydrogen Peroxide

If you are looking for safe ways to use hydrogen peroxide, then the following points will help you:

• Be sure to mix water with your solution – A concentration above 3% should only be used under medical advice.
• Swish around approximately ten minutes every day or so;
• Rinse thoroughly afterward – minimizing exposure time helps reduce irritation;
• Avoid swallowing hydrogen-peroxide; ingesting too much creates toxic effects in your body system.

Remember always “water-down” your solution before using! This way reduces ineffective cleaning results likely caused by overexposure time frame on tooth enamel & gum lines.

Possible Side Effects When Used Topically

While using diluted solutions may frequently offend some taste-buds; overall there exist other potential side-effects like those we list below:

Tooth and Gum Irritation

Commonly observed side-effect among users documented instances show those who use a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide over a prolonged period may experience irritation to both soft gum tissue and tooth enamel. Sensitive individuals especially pregnant women or with recognized gingival issues have more significant probabilities of experiencing these setbacks.

Teeth Sensitivity

Some people suffer an increased sense of discomfort when exposing their teeth directly to hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash for extended periods (especially without adequate water dilution). This sensitivity occurs due to the disruption in the dentin’s protective layer against sensory stimulus which can worsen by using agents that dry this area out.

Gum Bleaching

Gingiva and mucosa discoloration can occur due to exposure time related bleaching-impact processes since food coloring pigments actively absorbed around oral tissues(Note – some consider it rather fashionable!). Alongside changes in color perceptions that typically arise after excessive usage, these hues show up as grey-blueish directly on surrounding soft tissues within stained faded region(s).

PS: Don’t Be Scared To Smile; there are various products available if you experience unwanted whitening.

Negative chemical reactions

Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with particular other cleaning agent(s) makes way for harmful emission; even under low concentrations – avoid solutions where oxygen is present like bleach/cleaning fabrics or furniture sprays

When Should Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Mouthwash Not Be Used?

The following conditions necessitate avoiding hydrogen peroxide usage:

• Pregnancy: Routine use may cause potential harm leading to premature birth-gum bleeding/dental abscess forming;
• Children below 12 years: immature dental structure breeding ground for unproductive microdwelling spots recontamination risk;
• Thin Enamel Layers: susceptible areas like injured gums will increase risks.

Querying appropriateness ahead of using anything new food supplement switch should be careful growth-opportunities–“just say no”. Seek expert opinion first!

Is It Safe To Use Peroxide As A Mouthwash – Final Verdict

Peroxides primary purpose is an element for cleaning and antiseptic solutions. Hydrogen peroxide’s capacity to destroy bacteria made it all the rage when COVID hit us worldwide, leading every second person fumbling at possible merchandise usage/dosage/risks.

It’s safe enough to use hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash but only when appropriately diluted (around 3%) with water beforehand. Too high a concentration can cause painful tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, while prolonged use may lead to harmful effects on oral health in general.

Being cautious while consuming any substance applied directly inside one’s mouth cavity area/consumption obligates responsible consumer judgement [Citation Needed? Nah.] .

In a nutshell- grab your tumbler (non-metallic)- if you still consider using hydrogen-peroxide-based mouth rinse after incorporating these pointers into your lifestyle choices next time there’s brush-o-clock!