Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth

Brush Teeth with Whitening Toothpaste

• Brushing your teeth using whitening toothpaste with a 3.5% concentration of hydrogen peroxide would be apt. Brush at least two times a day and it takes about 3-6 weeks to get back to the whiteness. 

• However, using these toothpastes can only remove superficial stains like those from smoking and drinking. For removing deeply entrenched stains, you should also use other tooth cleaning products that contain hydrogen peroxide. Before you purchase an item, ensure that it is stamped with the ADA’s "Seal of Acceptance" just to be doubly sure that you’d be using a safe product.

Apply Gel-Filled Trays

Many gel-filled trays are enriched with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Teeth can be whitened effectively with them. Go for an OTC gel-filled tray recommended by a dentist. You’ll find standardized gel-filled trays in pharmacy stores or the apothecaries that will suit mouths of different sizes. However, if you’re looking for a tray that’s a perfect fit, then consult your dentist who can design a customized salver with the right amount or concentration of filling. For best results, you’d need to wear the tray three times daily (at least 30 minutes a time) for no less than two weeks.

Attach Whitening Strips

You can complement your use of toothpaste with whitening strips that are as efficient as gel-filled trays and less reactive to gums in comparison. You can alternate between trays and strips, especially if the former causes you gum irritation or teeth sensitivity. 

Since a wide range of whitening strips are available that vary in terms of quality, opt for a product that not only lets you achieve desired results quickly but is also less sensitive to your gums. Read the directions clearly and look for the ADA’s (American Dental Association) acceptance seal before buying.

Brush with Brush-On Gel

Want to know another teeth cleaning agent with hydrogen peroxide? Teeth can regain their glow with brush on gels which contain hydrogen peroxide and can be brushed or painted on teeth. 

You can buy these products either in bottles or in pen-shaped containers. The bottles usually are supplied with a brush that you can dip in the solution and paste it onto your teeth. The pen functions more like a lipstick that you can rub or paint across the teeth. Application of the brush-on gel is usually recommended before going to bed, and in two weeks, you will see some effects.

Try Professional Treatment

If you want to get your teeth whitened under the supervision of a dentist, then you can opt for a bleaching process that is achieved using laser technique or light. This form of treatment is particularly suitable if your teeth are deeply stained. Be aware that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used is very high, and it can be costly but not generally covered by insurance.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda

A time-honored home remedy for reinstating the whiteness and glow of your teeth is to use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. 

• Mix one tbsp. baking soda with two tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide to foster a paste.

•  Daub your forefinger or toothbrush in the paste and brush your teeth thoroughly. 

• Rinse your mouth after letting the paste stay for about 1-2 minutes. 

• Then make it a point to brush teeth with quality toothpaste to remove all traces of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Teeth may be damage if there are some residues.

Note: Applying this paste 2 to 3 times a week is a maximum and more usage may cause reverse effects. 

Swish Teeth

Swishing or rinsing your mouth is also a classic way of obtaining whit teeth. Transfer diluted hydrogen peroxide (less than a quarter of a teacup) to a tumbler, take a small swig of the chemical and swish it fully inside your mouth. Pay attention to avoid swallowing any into the throat. After whooshing for a couple of minutes, spit it out into a washbasin and open the faucet to drain it out.

In general, whitening agents with low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (teeth whitening products mentioned above like toothpastes or brush-on gels) do not harm healthy teeth. But you have to be cautious:

• The enamel of the teeth lets hydrogen peroxide pass through it quite conveniently. Though most studies have confirmed that the chemical is not harmful to enamel, a few have concluded that it can adversely affect the tooth’s surface by rendering the enamel considerably porous. Ultimately there is mineral loss as the chemical seeps deeply inside and reach the dentine and pulp. 
  

• Side effects of using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening purpose may include gum/tooth sensitivity or pain, and soreness of the throat. But the sore is rare and happens only if you tend to swallow the chemical inadvertently while rinsing or keeping it in your mouth longer than usual.