Hydrogen peroxide how long teeth

The amount of hydrogen peroxide in commercial whitening treatments varies and can be as much as 10 percent in some products. But studies suggest dilution is a good thing when it comes to using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. Concentrations that are too strong can damage the enamel, or outer coating, of your teeth. In a study , scientists applied diluted hydrogen peroxide solutions of 10, 20, and 30 percent to human teeth that had been extracted for varying amounts of time.

They found that higher concentration solutions caused more damage to teeth, as did keeping the teeth in contact with hydrogen peroxide for a longer amount of time. This suggests that low-concentration treatments of hydrogen peroxide, applied for shorter periods, have the least potential to damage your teeth.

According to a study , scientists found that a 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution was just as effective as a 25 percent solution at whitening teeth.

But to achieve the same level of whiteness, one would need to whiten teeth with the 5 percent solution 12 times to get the same level of whitening as one time with the 25 percent solution. There are two ways: swishing it around your mouth, or mixing it with baking soda and setting it on your teeth as a paste before rinsing. Several studies suggest that using hydrogen peroxide — whether in a commercial product or at home — can cause damage to your teeth.

The risk of damage increases when you:. Talk with your dentist before applying any hydrogen peroxide to your teeth to determine which strategy and application schedule makes the most sense for your situation.

Teeth sensitivity is perhaps the most common side effect of hydrogen peroxide use. You may find consuming hot or cold foods or liquids unpleasant after a peroxide treatment. Avoid doing so for as long as you experience pain. This happens because peroxide can cause significant damage to the protective enamel of teeth if used too often or in too-high concentrations. More serious side effects of hydrogen peroxide whitening include inflammation of the teeth roots in the gums. Hydrogen peroxide is one of those things that we see and use often.

Its versatility makes it great for a lot of things, from cleaning cuts to cleaning upholstery and bleaching hair. Some people even use it to de-yellow their toenails. But should you use it to de-yellow your teeth? Hydrogen peroxide, chemically expressed as H2O2, is such a highly effective compound, because it oxidizes the second it touches air. While the oxidation that takes place makes it effective to kill bacteria, it also damages the cell wall and most materials it touches.

This makes hydrogen peroxide a pretty aggressive chemical. Products that contain peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, act as whitening agents to change the color of teeth.

Peroxide can partially penetrate tooth layers and remove compounds that cause discoloration. Many people fear that higher levels of peroxide may lead to more side effects, such as: B. Enamel degradation and tooth sensitivity. However, this is not always the case. However, how much time these products spend on your teeth seems to matter. In fact, the authors of a study found that lower concentration gels had more negative effects on tooth enamel when left on the teeth for long periods of time.

Higher concentration gels generally take less time on teeth to be effective, which can reduce the risk of damage to the enamel. However, another study in the American Journal of Dentistry found that a mouthwash containing only 1.

People with sensitive teeth should consult their dentist before using hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth. Clean this mixture in your mouth every day for 2 to 4 minutes before spitting it out. Do not swallow the liquid. Alternatively, a homemade paste can help some people remove small stains. To make this paste, add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda enough to make a smooth, thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the teeth with a toothbrush.

Let the paste sit on your teeth for a few minutes and then rinse with water. Do not swallow the paste. Many over-the-counter tooth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Individuals must carefully follow the instructions on these products to obtain the best results. In cases where the discoloration of the tooth is less, a simple rinse containing hydrogen peroxide may be sufficient.

Anyone who experiences pain or tenderness when using hydrogen peroxide products on their teeth should stop using them and contact a dentist. Before using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth, there are some risks to be considered. The common side effects of tooth whitening methods are tooth and gum sensitivity and irritated or inflamed gums.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms during treatment should stop using the product and contact the dentist to discuss other options. Some people may prefer tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide in a clinic. The dentist may ask the person to come and do the cleaning first. When cleaning the tooth surface, hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the teeth evenly. During this consultation, the dentist will also check for cracks, as cracks in the teeth can cause the peroxide to penetrate further into the tooth.

This can become a problem if the peroxide comes in contact with the delicate dentin underneath, as it can cause irritation or tenderness. There are many other teeth whitening solutions that people can use at home. Although some anecdotal evidence suggests that they are effective, many of the popular home remedies for teeth whitening have very little scientific evidence to support their use. However, most of these home remedies for teeth whitening should be relatively safe to try.

They include:. The ADA does not recommend any of these methods and notes that research shows that some of these methods are ineffective and can actually damage your teeth or cause other adverse effects. Regardless of which whitening solution a person is using, they should consider talking to their dentist first. Hydrogen peroxide is a common home remedy for teeth whitening.

It is part of many tooth whitening solutions for use at home and in the dental office. A simple mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide can help remove light stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on the teeth for long periods.

For people with darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both at the counter and at the dentist. Video Testimonials. Read Reviews. Patient Forms. Financing Application. Supported by science?