Gargling With Hydrogen Peroxide

While lips are definitely prominent facial features, having well-aligned pearly white teeth can give you that beautiful smile that could certainly make you look attractive. If you are not blessed with beautiful teeth and are not ready to shell out money on cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening treatments, the least you could do is to keep your teeth in good condition by following a dental care regimen. Even those who have beautiful pearly white teeth may end up with discolored and stained teeth due to a lack of oral hygiene. While brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will certainly help, you must also use a mouthwash that would provide protection against germs.

Did you ever think about gargling with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash? Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a compound that is made up of two atoms of hydrogen and two atoms of oxygen. Since H₂O₂ can be very caustic and volatile in its concentrated form, FDA has given the approval for the use of 3% H₂O₂ as a mouthwash. A 3% pharmaceutical grade H₂O₂ is easily available at pharmacies. Since the constitution of this compound is such that it breaks down quickly on being exposed to light, it is sold in opaque brown bottles that minimize its exposure to light. You can also use 35% food grade H₂O₂, but make sure that you dilute it down to 3%. An ounce of 35% food grade H₂O₂ can be diluted by adding 11 ounces of distilled water.

Benefits of Using a Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

Due to its bactericidal properties, using a H₂O₂ mouthwash is an effective way to prevent bacterial infections. However, one must remember to dilute the pharmaceutical grade 3% H₂O₂ before use. Adding water is essential because H₂O₂ is an acid, and you might get a burning sensation in your mouth if you use it directly. Once you have diluted it, swish it around your mouth so that it comes in contact with your gums and teeth thoroughly. While gargling, tilt your head backwards. Be careful and keep exhaling with your mouth open. Do this for about 10 minutes.

Bad Breath: Halitosis or bad breath can be a cause of embarrassment for many. Bad breath could be caused due to tonsillitis, sore throat or gum infections. Dryness of mouth can also cause bad breath. Since poor oral hygiene leads to gum problems and infections, you must brush your teeth and use an antibacterial mouthwash before you go to bed. This is to prevent the vigorous bacterial action that takes place when bacteria start acting on the food debris that may be stuck in your teeth. Bacteria thrive on decayed food when there is a lack of oxygen. This causes bad breath. If you suffer from bad breath, do gargle with diluted H₂O₂ after brushing your teeth at night. You can add a tablespoon of 3% H₂O₂ to a cup of water for using it as a mouthwash. This is definitely worth a try.

Sore Throat: If you have a sore throat, you could combine H₂O₂ with listerine and use this like any mouthwash. Gargling with this solution may surely help in fighting off bacteria that may be responsible for causing sore throat. If you have used it before and didn't like the aftertaste, you could use another mouthwash after you finish gargling with diluted H₂O₂. If you dislike its taste, you can gargle with salted lukewarm water. Just add a pinch of salt to lukewarm water and gargle for 10 minutes. This will surely help.

Teeth Whitening: Your dream of getting pearly white teeth is no longer distant, just remind yourself to use H₂O₂ mouthwash. Well, most of the teeth whitening products contain H₂O₂, so there's no harm in trying this home remedy. Take a tablespoon of H₂O₂ in a cup and swish this around in your mouth for a minute. It begins to bubble due to the reactions that take place between H₂O₂ and food debris. This is a great way of getting rid of the germs that might be attacking your gums and teeth. You will surely notice a difference in the color of your teeth after some time. Though H₂O₂ can help in whitening teeth, you must never overuse it in an enthusiasm to whiten your teeth quickly. It should never be swallowed. It can harm the enamel coating of your teeth and make them over sensitive.

Gargling with H₂O₂ is definitely a simple and inexpensive way to improve your dental health. Since germs can easily find their way into your toothbrush, you can soak your toothbrush in a solution of diluted H₂O₂ for a few minutes. This is to get rid of germs that may be clinging on to your toothbrush. So, use it wisely and get ready to flash your pearly whites with full confidence.