Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Dentists often find it difficult to suggest the right oral care products tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Many times, a patient could be looking for a toothpaste that whitens his or her teeth, while another patient might need a mouthwash that soothes a sore throat or one to combat periodontal diseases. For all these problems, there is one solution, hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is not confined to a few benefits for our teeth. Multiple advantages range from aesthetically brightening the teeth to protecting them against microbial infections. This mouthwash does not fundamentally differ from other mouthwashes; it is merely applied under conditions of special handling and under clear usage instructions to avoid irritation or mucosal lining and inner tissue damage.

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, give you guidelines on its safe use, and talk about how it can elevate your daily dental practice and patient care.

Benefits of using Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

1. Teeth whitening: Hydrogen peroxide is a common bleaching agent used for teeth whitening. It is present in several toothpastes and mouthwashes these days. Various researches show that it whitens the teeth up to a considerable extent if present in a mouthwash however, is not as effective as carbamide peroxide.
2. Heals sore throat: Bacterial infection is often the main cause of sore throat. Hydrogen peroxide helps reduce the irritation caused by the infection, by decreasing the number of bacteria in the mouth and clearing the infection.
3. Treats periodontal diseases: The antibacterial action of hydrogen peroxide proves to be helpful in the management of various periodontal diseases. It is done by reducing and destroying the plaque that forms a biofilm on the tooth which is the root cause of periodontal diseases. This mouthwash also helps in reducing plaque depositions in hard-to-floss areas of the oral cavity. 
4. Mouth sores: The antiseptic properties also help in treating minor cuts, canker sores, minor irritations in the mouth, etc. The foaming released by it helps clean the area and remove dead cells eventually reducing the bacteria.

Key Considerations for Dentists Recommending Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash to Patients

Hydrogen peroxide has several benefits but it can also have some side effects if not used correctly. Also, hydrogen peroxide needs time to work. Since gargling is relatively quick, it will not kill all the bacteria in the mouth, but it may reduce the count.

One should keep in mind the following instructions to use when suggesting a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to their patients:

• 3% of hydrogen peroxide should only be used. Stronger concentrations might irritate.
• Patients should mix two parts of water with one part of hydrogen peroxide.
• Gargling and swishing all around the mouth should be done.
• Gargling should be continued for 30 seconds.
• The solution should always be spat out and should not be ingested.

Safety and Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide poses several dangers when ingested or used undiluted or when instructions are not rightly followed. Following are some key precautions and side effects: 

• Patients should never use food-grade hydrogen peroxide, which has a concentration of 35% as, if ingested by mistake, it can cause major gastrointestinal problems.
• 3% of concentration is considered safe but is dangerous when consumed in larger quantities.
• If higher concentrations or larger quantities are used, it can even lead to a weakened enamel.
• A temporary oral condition, like black hairy tongue, can also be caused by excessive use of this mouthwash.
• Aerosols inhaled during the solution’s mixing should be avoided, as they can irritate the lungs. Masks or other protective covering should be suggested.
• Patients should be priorly informed that redness may be noticed around the gingiva and irritation might be felt on the inside of the mouth, this usually suppresses within a few hours of gargling with hydrogen peroxide. However, if this persists longer, they must be instructed to contact you immediately.
• If a patient reports dizziness or throws up medical help should be sought immediately.

Conclusion:

It is important for dentists to recommend the best dental products for their patients, but equally essential for them is to educate patients about these oral care products. We all know the saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” and a good mouthwash can thus, help patients achieve optimal oral health. By guiding patients toward preventive measures, dentists can empower them to maintain the best possible oral hygiene.

Dentists can find a variety of mouthwashes and other preventive care dental products, including options with hydrogen peroxide, on India’s best online dental store, DentalKart. Exploring these choices allows dentists to elevate their patient care and contribute even more to the healthier smiles of the nation!

Read Also: Daily Oral Care: Best Dental Hygiene Products for Every Day

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth?

Yes, it is safe to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash for teeth, once daily, if instructions are positively followed and taken according suggested minimum concentration.   

2. At what concentration is it safe to use?

It is safe to use Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at a concentration between 1 to 3%. If used in higher concentrations it can cause damage to the enamel and surrounding tissues.

3. Do we need to dilute the hydrogen peroxide mouthwash every time?

Yes, it should be diluted every time even when you are using it within the safe range of concentration. This mouthwash should be diluted to 1 part mouthwash and 2 parts water or as instructed according to your dentist depending on the oral condition.

4. Does the Hydrogen peroxide remove tartar?

Hydrogen peroxide helps reduce the bacteria in the mouth thus, cutting down on plaque and tartar formation.

5. Can we ingest the mouthwash after swishing it?

No, it should be spit out once gargling is done for 30 seconds.