Hydrogen peroxide is a well known antiseptic, widely found in most homes and first aid kits. A versatile compound with many different uses, hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in many tooth whitening treatments, which leads many to wonder if hydrogen peroxide is an effective tooth whitener on its own in higher concentrations. While this is true, and hydrogen peroxide WILL help to whiten your teeth, there are mild potential side effects you should know about before starting. Here’s how to get the best possible hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening results while avoiding damage to your smile.

An effective ingredient in most commercially available tooth whitening products, hydrogen peroxide acts as a whitening agent by partially penetrating tooth layers and removing unwanted compounds and stains that cause discoloration. The problem is, most store bought hydrogen peroxide solutions contain only a 3% concentration. Dentists may offer whitening treatments with hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 40%, but many people fear that higher levels of peroxide leads to more side effects, such as enamel degradation and tooth sensitivity. However, this does not seem to be the case. What does seem to matter is how much time these products spend on your teeth. A 2016 study found that low concentration gels had greater negative effects on tooth enamel when left on the teeth for longer periods of time than higher concentrations and shorter exposure. Higher concentration gels take less time to be effective, which means faster results and reduced risk of damage to your enamel.

Before using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth, there are potential side effects you should consider. The most common side effects of all tooth whitening methods are tooth and gum sensitivity and irritated or inflamed gums. If you experience these symptoms, stop the treatment and contact your dentist to discuss other options. Some people may prefer hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening in a professional clinic. In this setting, the dentist may ask you to come in for a cleaning first. When the surface of the teeth have been cleaned, hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the teeth evenly. The dentist will also check for small cracks in the enamel, which will cause the peroxide to penetrate further into the tooth. This may become problematic if the peroxide comes into contact with the dentin, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel. This will stimulate the nerves inside the teeth, causing irritation and increased sensitivity.

Now that you’re aware of potential side effects, let’s talk about hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening at home and how to get the best and fastest results. You will simply need a tooth brush, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. To make the paste, add two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide to one teaspoon of baking soda and mix the solution with a clean spoon. The result will be a thick, smooth paste. You may apply the paste directly to your teeth with a toothbrush in small circular motions, the same way as you would normally brush your teeth. Leave the paste on your teeth for just a few minutes before rinsing with water. Be sure you don’t swallow the paste. Alternatively, some people may prefer mouth wash to a paste. A study in the American Journal of Dentistry found that mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide caused a noticeable whitening of tooth enamel after just four weeks. To make your own peroxide mouthwash, you will simply need to add two ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide and two ounces of water in a small glass. Swoosh the mixture around in your mouth everyday for two to four minutes before spitting it out. Again, do not swallow the liquid.

If “do-it-yourself” isn’t your thing and you’d rather use a commercial product to get your results, many over-the-counter tooth whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide are fine options as well. The American Dental Association states that products with the ADA seal of approval are perfectly safe and effective whitening treatments. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions on any product you purchase in order to obtain the best results. Again, if you experience pain or tenderness when using a hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening product, stop using it and contact your dentist.

In all, hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective remedy for teeth whitening whether you’re at home or in the dental office. A simple and easy mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide will remove light stains, and a paste containing peroxide and baking soda works wonders to brighten your smile. However, it’s important to remember that you should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solution on your teeth for longer periods of time. For darker stains, stronger whitening solutions are available both by prescription and at the dentist.

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