As we age, white teeth is an enhancement that often makes us look younger. Hydrogen peroxide has a special chemical complex that, when used safely, can remove staining from teeth. In fact, many of the expensive teeth-whitening kits available online or from your dentist will contain hydrogen peroxide as the main active whitening ingredient.
Methods of Teeth Whitening by Using Hydrogen Peroxide:
This can be performed in many different methods, the simplest being by brushing with hydrogen peroxide. Using a small cup, mix together a small amount of toothpaste and the peroxide, stirring it until it is completely combined, then either smooth it onto the toothbrush, or dip the brush into the mixture and proceed to brush as normal, taking care not to swallow any of the paste.
Another alternative to mixing store bought toothpaste with the peroxide is to make your own paste using baking soda, which can be purchased at any grocery store, and peroxide. Mix these two ingredients together in a small cup or bowl, working it into a thick paste, and brush as you normally would, using the paste you have made. Once you have brushed your teeth with either of these combinations be sure to rinse well and thoroughly with clear water, again, being careful not to swallow.
A second method: using it as a mouthwash or oral rinse. To do so, dilute the peroxide using a small amount of water and rinse your mouth with it prior to brushing. Because hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic ingredients, rinsing with it can help to kill bacteria on the teeth and between them, as well as anywhere else within the mouth, which can not only help in achieving a brighter, white smile, but can also assist in getting rid of bad breath, and preventing gum disease.
How to Make it to Whiten Teeth at Home
Hydrogen peroxide is the best product to use when creating a whitening solution at home. It is a weak acid and acts like bleach for teeth. It is commercially available in concentrations from 3% to 10%. The 3% solution is the best choice for a homemade tooth whitening solution. Sometimes, the peroxide can cause a burning sensation or other discomfort. This is usually eliminated once the solution is rinsed away. If the discomfort persists, discontinue use immediately.
Before beginning, collect all your ingredients. You don’t want to be running around searching for ingredients while you’re trying to whiten your teeth. Purchase a box of baking soda, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, a tube of toothpaste, and a little table salt.
Carefully place approximately two (2) tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl. Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and mix. Continue to add the peroxide until you are able to make a fine paste. This paste should be thick enough that it clings to your teeth. If it’s too thin, it will just slide off your teeth before any whitening occurs.
Salt can be added, though this is optional. Salt acts as a mild exfoliate, as it is abrasive enough to remove some stains from the surface of the teeth. At this point, you’ll have a mixture that doesn’t taste very good. To improve the taste, try adding some of your favorite toothpaste, though this is optional.
Apply the paste to your teeth liberally using a toothbrush. For maximum effectiveness, don’t lick your teeth or otherwise cause the paste to wash away. Leave this paste on your teeth for approximately five minutes. Do not swallow this paste, as it is made with hydrogen peroxide.
Remove this paste with your toothbrush. If you want to increase the whitening effect of your homemade whitening solution, take a small capful of peroxide, no more than 3% concentration, and gargle with it for several minutes. Make sure you spit it out afterwards. Never swallow it.
The whitening process is not immediate. You will need to repeat this process, usually once a day, for up to two weeks to see obvious progress. It is safe to use your homemade whitening solution up to twice a day.
Whitening your teeth at home is a simple and uncomplicated process. The solution is easy to use and non-toxic, provided it is not swallowed. It is an effective and inexpensive alternative to commercially available teeth whitening products.
Possible Side Effects:
Although dental bleaching using hydrogen peroxide has been proven to be safe, it can possibly cause some side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. In most cases these side effects go away after discontinued use of the peroxide, but in a few cases the sensitivity of the teeth can continue and become a problem for some users. In addition, from time to time white spots can appear of the gums, which again, go away after discontinuation of use.
The results of using peroxide as a teeth whitening option vary from person to person, based on a number of different objectives, and the results that one person experiences may be nothing like that of the next person. Brushing, or rinsing, with the peroxide should never take the place of regular home dental care, but can be used in conjunction with regular brushing and rinsing to aid in the appearance of a whiter smile.
