Does Swishing Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth? This article has everything! Find answers to your teeth-whitening questions here!
Hydrogen, a colorless liquid, is an active ingredient in many commercial teeth-whitening products. That’s why if you want to know Does Swishing Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth? Let’s find out below.
Read Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaning Teeth here
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Teeth can become dull, yellow, and discolored due to the following reasons:
- Consumption of certain foods and drinks
- Chewing tobacco
- Poor Dental Hygiene
- Dental Injury
- Smoking
- Due to some medications
Does Swishing Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?
As hydrogen peroxide is a popular ingredient in teeth-whitening products, it seems an ideal product to whiten stained teeth. The truth is, swishing with peroxide can damage your teeth and gums. Plus, it can cause some other side effects as well. That’s why hydrogen peroxide is not a safe and reliable remedy for teeth whitening.
Best Hacks to Make Your Teeth Whiter
Instead of hydrogen peroxide, use these safe and effective teeth-whitening hacks to get the perfect smile.
1. Try Baking Soda
Baking soda gives white, sparkling teeth, all thanks to its abrasive qualities and alkaline nature that removes acid-based stains. Furthermore, its antibacterial activities helps in dental care as well.
Remedy
Create a paste by combining 1/2 tablespoon of each baking soda and water in a small bowl. Brush your teeth gently with the prepared mixture for 1-2 minutes and spit it out. Repeat this remedy only once a week. You can also swap the water with a sufficient amount of toothpaste.
2. Activated Charcoal
According to this study, activated charcoal has a negative charge. When applied on discolored teeth, charcoal makes a bond with the positively charged plaque of the tooth surface, thereby giving you stain-free teeth.
Remedy
Crush 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal into a small bowl and pour enough amount of water. Brush your teeth with this mix for 2-3 minutes, spit it out, and clean your mouth with lots of water. Redo this remedy once daily for up to 2-3 weeks to notice positive results.
Precautions to Consider
Before using the above teeth whitening remedies, read the following precautions to avoid mishaps.
- Be Patient: Teeth whitening is a gradual process, and expecting immediate results can lead to overuse of products or methods and potential damage to your teeth.
- Gentle Brushing: Avoid brushing your teeth too hard. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to avoid damaging your gums and teeth enamel.
- Proper Use of Natural Ingredients: If you’re using natural ingredients for teeth whitening, like baking soda or activated charcoal, use them sparingly. These substances are abrasive and can damage the enamel if used too often or in large quantities.
- Avoiding Ingestion of Whitening Products: Never swallow teeth-whitening products or mixtures, even if they are made from edible ingredients. Swallowing these products can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- For Sensitive Teeth and Gums: Activated charcoal and baking soda are abrasive. That’s why if you have sensitive teeth and gums, avoid these hacks.
- Rinse Mouth Properly: Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after using teeth whitening hacks to ensure no residual substance is left behind.
- Consult your Dentist: Before starting any home remedies, consult your dentist to ensure the methods are safe for you.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Teeth whitening hacks can help improve the appearance of your teeth, but they aren’t a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
- Monitor the Changes: If you notice any adverse reactions like increased sensitivity or gum irritation, discontinue the remedies and consult a dentist.
- Precautions for Pregnant and Nursing Women: Pregnant and nursing women should consult their doctor before using any teeth-whitening remedies.
How to Prevent Teeth from Staining?
Incorporate the below tips in your daily life to prevent the teeth from staining in the first place.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, to remove plaque and prevent staining. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. This will help remove tartar, a hardened plaque that can cause staining.
- Avoid Drinks that Stain Teeth: Certain foods and drinks are known to stain teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, and cola.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco can stain your teeth yellow or brown. By quitting smoking, you can prevent further discoloration of your teeth.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water throughout the day rinse away food particles and prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to staining.
- Limit Consumption of Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar contributes to tooth decay and discoloration. It’s better to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Always brush your teeth after consuming any sugary stuff.
Does Swishing Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth: Conclusion
In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide is not a safe teeth-whitening solution due to its potential toxic side effects. Instead, natural alternatives like baking soda and activated charcoal used judiciously can offer safer whitening solutions. However, follow precautions and maintain good oral hygiene habits, to ensure the health and longevity of your bright smile. Above all, remember that teeth whitening is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can You Use Expired Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth?
No, it’s not advisable to use expired hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down over time, especially if improperly stored, leading to decreased effectiveness. Furthermore, peroxide can pose risks even when it’s not expired, as it can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even damage the tooth enamel.
2. Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe to Whiten Teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is not safe for any kind of internal usage. Potential risks of using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening include gum inflammation, increased tooth sensitivity, and enamel degradation. Moreover, if swallowed, peroxide leadd to unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Learn How to Clean Teeth With Apple Cider Vinegar here