How Do You Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide?
To whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide, select a solution that is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Make toothpaste by combining hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, and brush as usual. Rinse your mouth by swishing hydrogen peroxide around in your mouth after brushing.
Fifteen to 78 percent of patients using hydrogen peroxide on their teeth will experience tooth sensitivity due to the breakdown of enamel from the peroxides, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Hydrogen peroxide-based whitening solutions and over-the-counter options remove surface stains, which can also remove and break down the enamel of the teeth. For this reason, dentists suggest using professional products, in-office whitening options or whitening agents approved by and bearing the seal of the American Dental Association. Lower amounts of peroxide exposure are recommended to reduce the chance of enamel breakdown and tooth sensitivity.
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Choose a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution
Not all hydrogen peroxide is safe for oral use. Choose a solution that is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Look for hydrogen peroxide in the first-aid or wound-care department of grocery and drug stores.
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Make the toothpaste
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a small bowl or container. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture, and brush your teeth as you do with regular toothpaste. The baking soda acts as an abrasive cleaner for the teeth, removing plaque and tartar from the surface. Hydrogen peroxide works as a bleaching agent, making teeth whiter.
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Rinse with hydrogen peroxide
Once you’re done brushing, swish a small amount of the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution around in your mouth to remove the baking soda residue, kill bacteria and provide extra whitening. Do not swallow the hydrogen peroxide solution, as this can make you sick. Spit the solution out, and rinse your mouth out with water.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used on its own as a whitening option to remove coffee stains, tea stains and berry stains. This can be used as a rinse or applied directly to the teeth. If these options are used, they should be followed by a mouthwash or water rinse to remove the peroxide.
