Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening methods are very common, and have been used for many years to whiten teeth.  In recent years teeth whitening has become a huge business, but hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening has been around a lot longer.

Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid, and is available in a number of different strengths.  It is found in many households and used as a bleach or disinfectant.  Amongst its numerous commercial applications, hydrogen peroxide is used in pulp and paper bleaching, and also in rocket fuel.

Hydrogen peroxide is a combination of oxygen and hydrogen and can be found at your local grocery store.  The strength of the household grade is 3% although it is possible to purchase food grade hydrogen peroxide that is 35%.

For the purpose of further discussion about hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening, we will refer to the 3% strength product.  Using a stronger solution could cause severe damage to the mouth and gums.

Hydrogen peroxide is used in many teeth whitening systems.  If you visited your dentist for in office teeth whitening, the chances are that gel containing hydrogen peroxide would be used.  Hydrogen peroxide is also used in many, if not most of the over the counter teeth whitening products.  The other product that may be used instead, is carbamide peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening At Home

If you want to bypass all the over the counter products and visiting your dentist, it is quite common to do your own hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening.  There are a few different methods of hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening that you can try.

The first and easiest method is to put a capful of peroxide in your mouth and swish it around for a minute or two.  It’s a good idea to floss and brush beforehand, and you may want to brush again afterwards to remove the taste.  Be careful not to swallow the peroxide.

Another very common method that works well for many people is mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda.  Baking soda can be purchased from any grocery store.

Simply mix the two products together to create a paste similar to that of toothpaste.  Dip your toothbrush in the paste and brush as normal. To improve the taste of the mixture, you may want to add a little minty toothpaste. Do not swallow the mixture.

As the baking soda works as an abrasive, extended use of this technique will damage your teeth.  It is recommended that using the baking soda and peroxide mixture, is only used once or twice per week.

Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening Warnings

Using hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.  Whilst it is normal for your teeth to be a little sensitive after the initial applications, any ongoing, or increased sensitivity should be discussed with your dentist.

So whether you visit your dentist, or buy an over the counter teeth whitening product, chances are you will be using hydrogen peroxide.  If you decide to do your own hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening treatment, take care as you only have one set of teeth.

A hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening treatment should give you a cost effective method of gaining whiter teeth and a brighter smile.