You’ve heard us mention time and time again that your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. And in the pursuit of a perfect smile, many often turn to hydrogen peroxide. But is it safe to use? We asked the experts what to know. Show
It must be used in the right concentration“Using peroxide diluted appropriately can certainly help maintain gum tissue health and can slowly whiten teeth,” says New York cosmetic dentist Jason Kasarsky, DDS. “It kills bacteria and even has the power to help heal mouth sores and disinfect your toothbrush. But the key thing to remember is that you have to use it properly and dilute it to a safe percentage.” Dr. Kasarsky says to follow the “one third, one third and one third” rule when diluting. That means that the mixture you use should include equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, water and Listerine. If you feel unsure of your mixing ability, you can use a product called Peroxyl that contains a safe amount of hydrogen peroxide. “There are no bad effects that can occur if you dilute it appropriately,” says Dr. Kasarsky. “If it’s not diluted properly, you can create tooth sensitivity and blanche your gums, although the negative effects typically don’t last very long. As for the rumor that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can cause cancer, that’s a myth as it’s not a known carcinogen.” Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Rhonda Kalasho, DDS adds that when diluted properly, hydrogen peroxide can also be effective against illness. “Most recently, hydrogen peroxide has been used as a therapeutic treatment for COVID-19,” she says. “A study from Hindawi researched the effect of a peroxide rinse and the severity of illness, and it was shown that hydrogen peroxide at a 3 percent concentration reduced hospitalization rate. In summary, peroxides are very safe to rinse with if you are just swishing and spitting and using a low concentration, i.e below 3 percent.” “While a diluted concentration of hydrogen peroxide is marketed and sold professionally over the counter as an oral rinse, there are some concerns with its use,” says Fort Washington, PA, prosthodontist Glenn J. Wolfinger, DMD. “The major problem arises in patient’s ability to accurately dilute solutions and monitor usage to a safe level.” Dr. Kalasho adds that “Because a mouth rinse tends to go all over the mouth, a high contraction peroxide can cause a chemical burn to the oral mucosa.” It kills the bacteria in your mouthConversely, Beverly Hills, CA cosmetic dentist Kourosh Maddahi, DDS says the issue with hydrogen-peroxide mixing comes down to killing off good bacteria in your oral cavity. “I am definitely against rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide,” he notes. “It kills all the bacteria, which means 98 percent of the good bacteria in our mouth that help protects us against disease and infection. It can also break down enamel over time and cause tooth and root sensitivity along with gum irritation.” It’s not an alternative to other whitening methods“There have been several studies that evaluated the effectiveness of using hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes to whiten teeth,” says Dr. Kalasho, who adds that most studies showed no significant difference in the color of teeth. “It has been determined that gels, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, do a better job at whitening the teeth and improving overall
brightness.” It's PersonalAt NewBeauty, we get the most trusted information from the beauty authority delivered right to your inbox Find a DoctorFind a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you Select a state Select a state Select a statePublished: 11/13/2020 Can you use hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash for your oral health? The answer is yes—but not too often and only when heavily diluted. And for goodness' sake don't swallow it! Whether you're wondering about hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse because you're tired of spending money on big branfd names, or you want to soothe sores, freshen breath, or whiten teeth, you may be considering this medicine cabinet staple. In this article we'll answer your questions including:
We also asked dentists what they think about using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash in order to find out once and for all if this is the best solution for our mouths. One note before we begin: when we refer to hydrogen peroxide (HP) for use in mouth rinses, we are never referring to a solution with a concentration of more than 3%, and even then you should dilute it further with water. Table of contents
What is hydrogen peroxide?Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that has disinfectant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It is also a mild antiseptic with a variety of household uses, including cleaning countertops and preventing infection in minor cuts and burns. In diluted concentrations, with degree of dilution depending on usage, it should be safe to use but may burn skin and should never be swallowed. Hydrogen peroxide is related to carbamide peroxide. Both have whitening qualities but work slightly differently. Read more about carbamide peroxide vs carbamide peroxide. The benefits of a mouth rinse made with hydrogen peroxide for dental health include: 
Risks of using hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse
What are dentists saying?To begin with, Dr J. Salim from Sutton Place Dental Associates says that not all dentists agree about the safety of hydrogen peroxide. He says that 1% HP solutions are excellent antibacterial agents, but they shouldn't be used too often or for too long. That's because it can penetrate the enamel, dentin, and collagen-rich tissue found within the dentin, damaging it as a result. He also doesn't recommend rinses with hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth because “to obtain meaningful teeth whitening results with HP-based mouth rinses, you would need high concentrations which could harm your oral mucosa.” He goes on to say that higher concentrations are safe for professional dental use because your gums are protected with hardening resins or a liquid rubber dam. Another dentist, Dr. Sonal Bhoot from Dental Expressions Leawood, agrees that a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can reduce bacterial growth, but he is more generous in promoting it as a way to whiten teeth—only, of course, when used with the “utmost care and precaution.” Dr. William Cranford from Cranford Dental says “Hydrogen peroxide lowers the level of bacteria in the mouth for a short period.” For this reason, in fact, during the COVID pandemic, he and his team are asking patients to gargle with a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse prior to going in for dental treatment. Before gargling with peroxide, Dr. Cranford advises mixing water with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to obtain a 1% solution. At that percentage, he says, hydrogen peroxide is no longer carcinogenic. He goes on to say “If it makes your mouth feel better, use HP as a mouth rinse; however, this does not clean the teeth like brushing does. We do not recommend HP for bleaching the teeth or to deal with decay or sore teeth or gums.” He also warns that using it too much can turn your tongue black! Finally, Dr. Esteban Kosak from Symptoms Care says that “using hydrogen peroxide with regular brushing and flossing reduces gum inflammation.” He also says that it can whiten teeth, but using it every day will negatively impact your oral health. In fact, he recommends limiting use to just a few times per month. Of all of the dentists we asked, most could agree that HP mouth rinses:
And if you're wondering exactly how hydrogen peroxide works, check out the brief video below where Dr. Eric Berg explains how it kills bacteria to help soothe sore throats and infections. How to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwashSo how should you use hydrogen peroxide for mouthwash for better oral health and hygiene?
Alternatives to hydrogen peroxideIf you're attracted to the frugality and simplicity of this DIY mouth rinse with HP but not so attracted to the actual HP itself, there are plenty of alternative homemade mouthwash options as well. Let's have a look! Baking soda mouthwashYou can make a simple baking soda mouthwash by mixing together 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a half a glass of warm water. Just stir them together and swish for 30 seconds. This mouth rinse can soothe gums and canker sores, including mouth irritation caused by cancer treatment. It can also be gargled to soothe a sore throat and to get rid of bad breath. Baking soda is alkaline, so it will neutralize acids that irritate sores and kill bad bacteria so you can heal faster. Unless directed by your doctor, this mouth rinse is for temporary use. Saltwater rinseAn even easier natural mouth rinse to throw together is saltwater. Saltwater is another remedy for sore throats, canker sores, and inflamed gums, as it has antibacterial and healing properties. It creates an alkaline environment in your mouth so acids won't cause more irritation. This is another rinse meant to help your mouth recover temporarily, as long-term use could weaken your enamel. Natural mouthrinse optionsIf you aren't averse to purchasing a mouthwash, there are plenty of natural options that are affordable, free of harmful chemicals and that can safely be used on a daily basis while providing many of the same benefits as hydrogen peroxide (but without the risks). One such option is the Extreme Whitening Mouthwash by Dr. Brite. This mouthwash is made with aloe, coconut oil, neem and activated charcoal to soothe teeth and gums and keep them healthy too. Plus it's got a gentle mint flavor that will keep breath fresh all day. If you're interested in this option, you can get 10% off your order with code DRBRITE10. Should you or shouldn't you?Our takeaway after interviewing dentists, reading studies, and even consulting one of our own team members is this: You can use a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse, made with a maximum 3% HP and diluted with two parts water, to ease pain and facilitate the healing of oral cuts, canker sores, sore throats, and inflamed gums. You should only use this mouthwash until you are feeling better, as prolonged use can damage your tooth enamel. Furthermore, HP mouthwash is not recommended as a tooth whitening solution because to see results, you'd have to use it for an extended period of time or at a much higher concentration. You can have a look below for a summary of the pros and cons of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash:
ConclusionYou can find hydrogen peroxide in 1% and 3% solutions. When diluted with water, the 3% solution can be used as a throat gargle or mouth rinse to ease pain, reduce irritation, and facilitate the healing of sores and cuts by eliminating harmful bacteria. The 1% solution can be used as-is for the same purposes. While dentists use hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening, home mouth rinse will not likely have a very noticeable effect on tooth color, as the percentage used by dentists is much higher (around 25%). Nor should you attempt to use such a strong solution at home, as you could end up seriously burning your gums or skin, permanently damaging your teeth, or injuring your internal organs. The bottom line is that when used in highly diluted solutions (and only temporarily), hydrogen peroxide is safe and effective for soothing and healing sores, inflammation, and cuts. Is it safe to gargle with hydrogen peroxide?It is safe to gargle with hydrogen peroxide to ease sore throats. You should use a solution of 3% concentration (maximum) and dilute it with two parts of water. Don't gargle hydrogen peroxide for more than 30 seconds and make sure not to swallow any of the solution. Do you rinse your mouth with water after using hydrogen peroxide?There is no strong or unified opinion among dentists as to whether you should rinse with water after rinsing with peroxide. The important thing is to not rinse for more than 30 seconds. Do not to rinse habitually over long periods of time, make sure you use a diluted solution, and make sure to not swallow any. Can you use hydrogen peroxide for oral thrush?The antiseptic benefits can help you keep your mouth clean if you have oral thrush and relieve symptoms. However, if your thrush symptoms persist, you need to see your doctor. How do you make a homemade mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide?To make your own homemade mouth rinse with HP you need one part 3% hydrogen peroxide and two parts water. You swish for 30 seconds (don't swallow), and don't use for long periods of time. Hydrogen Peroxide as Mouthwash: Pros and Cons of Gargling and Rinsing 4 (79.13%) 23 vote[s] Contributors:
Natalie used to work as a Community Health Worker and Health Insurance Navigator. She continues to follow her passion for connecting people with the healthcare they need by writing informative content about dentistry and medicine.
Joseph Salim DMD is a NYC cosmetic and sleep apnea dentist, as well as a botox specialist. In 1996 he founded Sutton Place Dental Associates, a multi-specialty dental practice. Dr. Salim completed his General Practice Residency at the Lutheran Medical Center in New York in 1993. He has received numerous awards, and in 1989 was the recipient of a grant for outstanding academic achievement. Sign up to receive the latest news and offers from Dentaly.org Should you use rinse before or after brushing?According to the American Dental Association, it doesn't matter whether you use mouthwash before or after brushing. Both are equally effective. The sequence in which you brush, floss and rinse makes no difference as long as you do a thorough job and use quality products.
How often should I swish my mouth with hydrogen peroxide?Although hydrogen peroxide can be beneficial for certain situations, you should only use it a few times a month. Rinsing with undiluted hydrogen peroxide can burn your organs and cause internal bleeding.
Do you rinse after swishing hydrogen peroxide?Swish it all around your mouth for the recommended time and spit it out. Never swallow your peroxide rinse, no matter the concentration. Also, make sure to rinse thoroughly every time you use hydrogen peroxide. Mouthwash at the same time every day to get the most benefit.
How do you rinse with hydrogen peroxide?To rinse with hydrogen peroxide, use a 3 percent concentration found in most grocery and drug stores and mix 2 parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide. For example, mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, gargle and swish all around the mouth for 30 seconds. Then spit the solution out.
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Should you rinse with peroxide before or after brushing
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