You might already be familiar with hydrogen peroxide if you have studied chemistry in school. It is a commonly found item in many homes in the medicine cabinet. You can check if it’s present in your house too!
Hydrogen Peroxide for Tooth Infection is a multi-functional, versatile antiseptic popularly known for its antibacterial properties. The powerful prophylactic can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria when used as a rinse or in diluted forms. The antibacterial antiseptic has infection-fighting capabilities, fostering a healthier oral process. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide for teeth has gained traction in dental care among household staples in terms of natural remedies.
Therefore; we will take charge to clear all your doubts and questions regarding hydrogen peroxide’s effectiveness, usage, and safety considerations in treating tooth infection.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H202) is commonly used as a disinfectant to prevent infections in minor cuts, burns, and scrapes on the skin.
It can also be used as a mouthwash to alleviate minor discomforts, such as canker/cold sores or gingivitis, and help eliminate mucus.
When applied to the affected area, H202 releases oxygen, leading to foaming. As a result, this foaming action helps remove dead skin and disinfect the area effectively.
However, it is important to note that it should not be used to treat animal bites, deep wounds, or severe burns.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Tooth Infection
Hydrogen peroxide for teeth is an excellent disinfectant with antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for relieving tooth infections and treating tooth abscesses.
The pharmacy offers a 3% concentrated solution in a brown bottle, ideal for treating tooth infections.
However, it’s important to note that full-strength food-grade H202 should never be used internally or externally due to potential risks.
How to use Hydrogen Peroxide for Gum Disease Treatment
Bacteria can gather near your gum line and form a sticky layer called plaque if you do not practice good oral hygiene. This can cause gum disease, which, if left untreated in its early stage (gingivitis), can develop into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that may result in tooth loss. Dentists have used this colorless concentrated liquid since the early 1900s to prevent and treat gum disease.
This is because H202 can kill harmful bacteria and remove plaque. The tiny bacteria between your teeth cannot survive the oxygen released by H202.
Here is how you can effectively use hydrogen peroxide gum disease treatment:
- Mix a tablespoon of 3% H202 and water.
- Gargle with this diluted solution for 2 minutes
- Spit the diluted mixture out and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Repeat H202 swish every 2 hours as and when you feel pain.
Precautions for Using H202 for Gum Disease Treatment
Here are some of the necessary precautions to take:
- It’s important to dilute the 3% antiseptic solution further with water before using it as a mouth rinse.
- Perform a patch test on a small gum area to check for adverse reactions or sensitivity. Do not continue if you experience irritation or discomfort.
- Make sure you do not swallow less concentrated solution while gargling.
- Be gentle and avoid excessive swishing or gargling. Spit out the solution afterward and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Take care to prevent H202 from coming into contact with your eyes.
However, consulting with a dentist is crucial when using this strong oxidizing agent for oral care, as it ensures proper usage. While powerful colorless liquid can effectively maintain oral hygiene, it should be used cautiously and under professional guidance.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?
Over-the-counter oral care products with less concentrated solutions are safe and effective when used correctly. If higher concentrations of H202 are needed, it’s best to have a dentist apply them for safe use.
Before trying any homemade solutions, consult your dentist to ensure safety. Using the strong oxidizing agent at home can be challenging to maintain the right concentration, and using ill-fitting mouthguards may lead to gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity, significantly if you have recessed gums.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide
Following are some of the benefits of colorless oxidizing agents in dental care:
- It prevents plaque formation
- It protects gum health
- It helps in teeth whitening
- It can kill harmful bacteria
- It helps heal damaged tissues
Conclusion
Through this article, we learned that hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial solution that eases pain and helps to kill bacteria, preventing further infection. Thus, gargling with diluted and concentrated solutions can be a potential home remedy for treating tooth infections or gum diseases. However, exercising caution and taking precautions while using this chemical liquid for oral care is crucial.
If this is your first time trying it, seek proper guidance from the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can hydrogen peroxide cure gum disease?
Answer. Since 1913, the colorless liquid has been regarded as a reliable treatment for gum disease. The concentrated powerful solution kills the bacteria responsible for gum disease and, thus, destroys plaque too. Hence, gargling with this effective solution is a potential remedy to start your journey with a bacteria-free mouth.
- Can peroxide mouth rinse help gum infection?
Answer. Peroxide mouth rinse specifically hydrogen peroxide, can help alleviate gum infection symptoms or gingivitis. The antibacterial properties of this strong oxidizing agent can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to gum infections.
- Does hydrogen peroxide damage gum tissue?
Answer. The colorless liquid found in homes is a powerful antiseptic compound that, when diluted (mixed) with sterile water, is used for mouth rinsing to smooth gum irritation. Moreover, this household treatment will stop the inflammation from getting worse. However, please remember that high concentrations of H202 can damage oral soft and hard tissues if exposed for a long time.
- Is salt water or peroxide better for a gum infection?
Answer. The diluted concentrated solution is better than salt water for a gum infection. Peroxide rinses involve a 3% hydrogen peroxide and water mixture, which helps clean, brighten, and prevent gum infection.
5. Can you gargle with hydrogen peroxide?
The commonly used strong liquid can help with gum inflammation and is an effectively popular remedy to disinfect your mouth. This most common peroxide can be used for gargling to treat gum infections safely and effectively and improve oral health. Dentists have been using this disinfectant since 1913 for faster results.
6. Does hydrogen peroxide kill germs?
Answer. The powerful liquid chemical compound has antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria, viruses, microbes, and germs through oxidation. The released atomic oxygen (radical oxygen) attacks the membrane lipids to inactivate the microorganism and DNA. Therefore, this strong oxidizing agent is used to treat gum disease and reduce plaque on the teeth.
7. Is it safe to gargle with hydrogen peroxide?
Answer. H2o2 is a multi-faceted natural remedy to enhance oral health and support gum recovery. You can gargle safely when used in diluted forms to promote a healthier environment. It has been an integral part of dental practices that loosens the thick mucus from the throat so that it can be drained quickly.
8. What happens if you swallow hydrogen peroxide?
Answer. The commonly used liquid contains 97% water and 3% H2O2. However, if you have accidentally swollen the solution, it can result in mild gastritis, ulceration, redness, irritation to the mouth and throat, stomach upset, and pain. Therefore, it is far better to speak with the doctor if you are noticing any of the symptoms above.
9. Can you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide?
Answer. Hydrogen peroxide for teeth is a chemical used to reduce gum inflammation if you use it as a concentrated peroxide solution. Make sure the concentration is diluted to 3% or less and swish the mixture for less than 90 seconds. Please split the solution once you have finished gargling. Moreover, this potent oxidizer is inexpensive and widely available as 1.5% mouthwash at chemist’s shops.
10. Can you brush your teeth with hydrogen peroxide?
Answer. Yes, we can brush our teeth with the antifungal agent solution. This is the most affordable and popular way for teeth whitening process when used properly. The solution is safe on your teeth if used in 3% or lower concentrations.