hydrogen peroxide

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hydrogen peroxide

Nehal

September 6, 2009 5:27 PM

Hi Dr. Choo,

I was wondering if it is safe to rinse with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth.

Thanks,

Nehal

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Dr. Sue-Ann Choo

September 14, 2009 1:43 PM

It is not recommended to rinse with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth since the product that is sold over the counter is not the right concentration and rinsing with it doesn't stay on the tooth long enough to cause any effect. You will end up bleaching your gums white and/or causing a minor burn on your gums.

The hygrogen peroxide in teeth whitening gels is stronger in concentration, a thicker mixture so it stays on the tooth and not injested, and is usually applied by a dentist or in mouthguard-types of trays to hold the gel against the teeth.

With many teeth whitening products sold over the counter and as inexpensive as $25, why would you risk damaging your gums?

Dr Choo

P.S. Hydrogen peroxide used in a diluted solution (1/3 of 3% Hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2/3 water) works great to clear up gum infections (3 times a day for 3-4 days).