Whitening teeth has become more prevalent recently as more products are introduced to the market. However, many of these products are expensive, causing people to seek cheaper solutions.
The most significant research body supports the most cost-effective method to whiten your teeth at home. The primary ingredient in most products for teeth whitening: is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
You can make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and natural toothpaste or baking soda and use a toothbrush to scrub, mix everything helps it stick together and taste better.
How To Brighten Your Smile Naturally
The most effective method to whiten your teeth naturally is with hydrogen peroxide. The most effective teeth whitening products available on the market use a large amount of H2O2 for sparkling results. H2O2 is available in any health or grocery shop and is recommended as a mouthwash in the early morning.
- Use 3 or 4 drops in a glass of water. This will clean your mouth in the morning. Don’t be scared by the foaming. It’s an effect of the pH levels of acid in your mouth. This natural mouthwash leaves your mouth fresher and cleaner than many commercially-produced types of mouthwash.
- Next, mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda or natural toothpaste. Utilize a small glass to mix H2O2 with toothpaste into a paste before cleaning your teeth. This simple procedure is guaranteed to whiten your teeth naturally over a longer time.
- To get quick results, consider buying 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide at specialty health stores or a trusted online retailer like walmart.com. The hydrogen peroxide in food grade is much more potent than regular H2O2. It must be handled with extreme care and avoid contact with skin and hair. When I apply 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide to my mouthwash, I dilute one drop into the water in a glass to bleach my teeth naturally two times every day.
The majority of people should use the store-brand over-the-counter purchased hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is effective because of its alkaline properties. The alkalinity of H2O2 helps oxygenate your body’s tissues and neutralizes acidic effects on teeth. Oxygen is a bleaching agent that can bleach your teeth over time by using it regularly. However, the results differ from person to. The best thing about hydrogen peroxide is its low-cost bleaching of your teeth can cost as little as pennies compared to thousands or hundreds of dollars spent on dental whitening kits or cosmetic laser whitening done by dentists.
What does the science say?
Here’s what you should be aware of: Most hydrogen peroxide bottles you purchase from a drugstore or supermarket are reduced by 3 percent or less. The amount of H2O2 used in commercial whitening solutions is different and could be up to 10 percent in certain products.
However, studies have shown that dilution can be beneficial in using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. Solid concentrations can harm the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth.
A study was conducted in which researchers applied diluted 10, 20, and 30 percent hydrogen peroxide solutions on human teeth extracted over a variety of time. They discovered that solutions with higher concentrations caused more damage to teeth and prolonged contact of the tooth with the hydrogen peroxide. This suggests that low-level H2O2 treatment used for shorter durations is the least likely to cause damage to teeth.
Should you use hydrogen peroxide on your teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide can be a low-cost home product that you’re likely to have in your pantry today. If handled with care, it can be an effective method of whitening your teeth. But, if it is misused and in massive or persistent doses, it could cause severe and costly damage to your teeth. If you plan to bleach your teeth using H2O2, take care. If you have any concerns consult your dentist, who will provide advice on the best method to improve your oral health. In the meantime, you can help keep your teeth white and prevent staining your teeth by avoiding foods and drinks that could cause staining to your teeth.
Check the list of foods that may stain your teeth.
- Citrus fruits
- Coffee
- Red wine and tea
- Sticky and hard candy
- Tomato-based sauces
- Energetic drinks
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work?
Hydrogen peroxide (also known as H2O2) is a highly efficient compound because it oxidizes when it touches air.
Although it effectively kills bacteria, the oxidation it causes damages the cell wall and other materials it touches. H2O2 is a very aggressive chemical.
However, many in-office and at-home treatments employ peroxide-based agents, carbamide peroxide, to whiten teeth. Carbamide Peroxide whitens the teeth by reducing it into H2O2 and urea. This acts as an acid to remove stains.
You may be wondering, “Isn’t acid what causes cavities?” This can’t be healthy for your teeth. “I might as easily pour soda into my cavities.” Don’t let this deter you from trying whitening products.
The majority of whiteners that you can get from CVS or that we use in our office only contain 10% carbamide peroxide. The American Dental Association recommends whiteners with a maximum of 10% peroxide. You risk destroying your precious enamel if you use more than 10%.
Is It Safe To Put Hydrogen Peroxide on Teeth?
Can use hydrogen peroxide solutions safely if they are applied correctly. Side effects can be severe or mild depending on how much H2O2 you use and how long it is in contact with your teeth. Using less concentrated hydrogen or for a shorter period of time is better.
Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening Side Effects
The most common side effects of products for whitening teeth which contain hydrogen peroxide are the increased sensitivity of teeth and irritation to the mouth. They are usually light and quick-lasting but more likely to occur when hydrogen peroxide is used at higher levels.
A few of the negative effects associated with the use of peroxide to whiten teeth result from its capability to raise the sensitivity of teeth. You may notice that eating hot or cold food items is more uncomfortable, particularly for those who already suffer from sensitive teeth. The use of whitening products at home increase the chance of developing chronic hypersensitivity to hot temperatures.
Suppose you’re suffering from moderate tooth decay, like an exposed surface of the root of a damaged tooth. In that case, the delicate dentin could be especially susceptible to increased teeth sensitivity.
The oxidation of enamel can cause tooth discoloration due to the partial exposure of the dentin. If you’re using home remedies alone, it is possible to overlook the root cause and believe like your teeth feel sensitive.
Medical Caution
In as much as the side effects of dilute hydrogen peroxide may be mild, anything over 3% concentration is harmful and could even lead to severe gum disease.
Summary of hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening options
The following table summarizes the product options you have for whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide.
| Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide home whitening | Convenient and affordable | Weak results; can cause damage to teeth and gums |
| Whitening strips | Convenient and affordable | Weak results; patchy coverage at times and can cause sensitivity |
| In-clinic whitening | Excellent results; safe, effective, and professional | Very expensive |
| Whitening pens | Convenient and affordable; easy to use | Weak results |
| Whitening mouthwash | Convenient and affordable | Weak to no results; to be used alongside other products |
| Whitening kits | Convenient and affordable; may use LED technology | Results not as strong as professional solutions, depending on ingredients |
What are the Similarities between carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide?
We now know that carbamide peroxide contains hydrogen peroxide. There are many similarities between them. There are some differences. However, that may be of value in your search for more information.
- Are oxidizing agents: Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide react with oxygen. They oxidize to break down stains and make teeth whiter and brighter.
- Whiten teeth. Can often use these chemicals to whiten teeth. The results can vary depending on how concentrated they are.
- Sensitivity: Whitening procedures can cause sensitivity. However, there is usually no difference in how sensitive you will feel, regardless of whether you are using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
- Do not cause rebound. Rebound occurs when teeth look whiter after a whitening treatment, usually caused by dehydration. Rebound is not caused by hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide vs carbamide peroxide: what’s the difference?
There are many similarities between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. But what about the differences? Let’s take a look at the differences between them.
- Chemical composition Hydrogen peroxide is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Carbamide peroxide is composed of H2O2 and urea (carbamide). Carbamide peroxide contains H2O2.
- Speed Hydrogen peroxide has a much faster breakdown rate than carbamide, and most of its whitening properties are released within 30 to 60 minutes. Carbamide Peroxide gives off half its whitening power within two hours. Then, it continues to be active for as long as 6 hours. This means that products containing H2O2 are worn for shorter periods during treatment. However, it does not affect the treatment duration.
- Shelf life: Carbamide peroxide has an extended shelf life than hydrogen. However, hydrogen peroxide’s shelf life can be extended using refrigeration.
