As HealthLine explains, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. It works as an effective agent for disinfecting small cuts and bruises by oxidation. While you can use the compound for various purposes around the house, one of its most interesting uses is in oral care. By gargling with hydrogen peroxide, you can get rid of various mouth infections and improve the appearance of your teeth. You can buy the compound at your local drug store in different concentrations from 3% to 35% hydrogen peroxide.
Read ahead for the main benefits of using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash.
1. Healthier Teeth and Gums
Washing your mouth regularly with hydrogen peroxide can protect you against canker sores. The solution also lowers the possibility of any tiny lesions in your mouth getting infected. When used regularly along with brushing and flossing, you can reduce the swelling in your gums, and heal any wounds in the mouth more quickly.
Fill the white cap on the bottle with the 3% H2O2 solution and swish it around your mouth for about 10 minutes. Make sure the compound washes your front teeth and gums also. Alternatively, dissolve the hydrogen peroxide in lukewarm water in equal proportions for good results.
2. Relief from Toothache and Tooth Infections
Hydrogen peroxide is effective as an anti-pathogen and can remove viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause infections. You could try gargling with hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes several times each day as a cure for a toothache or tooth inflammation. You might just find that the action can take away the pain, and even, eliminate the need for a tooth extraction or root canal. For better results, add a rinsing with coconut oil to your routine.
3. Whiter, More Sparkling Teeth
While hydrogen peroxide is great for oral health, it also acts as a mild bleaching agent and can give you whiter, sparkling teeth. It will interest you to know that most of the teeth whitening products you buy at the local drug store have H2O2 as the main component. So, go ahead and discard the whitening strips and dental trays, and simply, opt for hydrogen peroxide.
Make a paste with H2O2 and half a teaspoon of baking powder. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply it on the teeth. After a few minutes, wash out your mouth carefully with water. If you can do this 2 to 3 times a week, you can avoid going for professional whitening treatments.
4. Relief from Sore Throat
Given that sore throats are typically caused by a bacterial infection and H2O2 acts as an antibacterial agent, gargling with hydrogen peroxide can help cure the condition. That’s because H2O2 forms a foam when it connects with the mucus in your throat, and that makes it easier to remove it. You’ll also get relief from the discomfort and throat irritation.
5. As a Dental Hygiene Product
In place of using conventional toothpaste as a dental hygiene product, consider using hydrogen peroxide. Make a paste with 3% H2O2 and baking soda and use it to brush your teeth. Alternatively, you could simply dip your toothbrush in a 3% solution and brush as usual. By soaking the toothbrush in the compound for a few hours each week, you can disinfect it and rid it of any infection-causing germs.
A Word of Caution
Before buying and using the hydrogen peroxide solution, it is preferable that you check with your doctor about the right way of using the solution. Also, ask about the precautions you must take. Most importantly, you must take care not to swallow any of the solution. While adults can safely use it, avoid giving it to kids. Right after gargling with hydrogen peroxide, you may sense irritation inside the mouth or that the gums seem red. This reaction should settle within a few hours. But, if the after effects remain for a longer while, and you start to feel lightheaded, weak, and nauseous, head for the emergency room right away.