Does hydrogen peroxide (3%) kill bacteria on teeth?!


Question: Does hydrogen peroxide (3%) kill bacteria on teeth?
Today I went to the dentist's office, and I got a normal cleaning. I asked her afterwards if Hydrogen Peroxide is good at killing any bacteria, whitening teeth, etc. and she said that it was absolutely dangerous to use. She was surprised that I brushed my teeth with it every day and told me that it destroys and damages the gums. I told her that someone told me this and she said that she's guessing that that someone is obviously not a dentist, of which was true, but still. She told me it does whiten but its not safe and that if I want to get my teeth whitened I should use crest whitestrips because I am too young for bleaching.

Is peroxide that unsafe? I've checked all over the internet and I haven't seen any websites saying of it being a damaging substance.

Does anone know the truth behind this product? and if its not used for teeth, as its "unsafe" then what is this really used for?



Thank you very much.

Answers:

Peroxide is a very dangerous chemical, especially if ingested (and when you brush your teeth you do ingest some of it, regardless of what you think). It can react with the acid in your stomach and cause all sorts of problems. I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to use it as a mouthwash but that person should be sued. If you want to whiten your teeth, brush with baking soda.

Peroxide at a 3% concentration has very little in the way of antibacterial properties (regardless of the fact that people think it's a good way to clean wounds ... soap and water is still more effective). To be effective as an antibacterial solution the peroxide would have to be at a concentration that would effectively burn your skin. If you want antibacterial, use mouthwash. Most are at a high enough alcohol concentration to kill the bacteria in your mouth.



Yes and no - 3% is probably too strong - I would suggest diluting it by half (50% water/50% 3% HP) down to about 1 1/2% - use it as a mouthwash . . . and make sure you do not swallow any - it could cause havoc in your digestive system.

It is commonly used as a disinfectant for cuts and scrapes.



I don't know, but I suggest you don't use it. Hydrogen peroxide is the same stuff women use to bleach their hair with. Just use mouthwash, like a normal person.



you can mix peroxide with baking soda and use is my understanding - dont use it straight

Soc



They don't want you to do that because it can burn your gums.Best use a mouthwash.




The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories