Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

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Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2 as known by its formula name, is an acidic chemical compound with many common everyday uses, from household cleaning products to antiseptics. However, it’s also commonly used in oral care products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. 

But while it works on an antiseptic level for many things, including oral care, does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? The answer, in short, is yes. Let’s explore this useful chemical compound a bit more in-depth to understand how it works to whiten our smiles.

How Hydrogen Peroxide Whitens Teeth

Aside from having mild antiseptic properties used in household cleaners and the infection prevention from minor cuts, scrapes and burns, hydrogen peroxide also has bleaching agents. And it’s these bleaching agents that are used in many oral care products as an ingredient for teeth whitening products. Through a chemical process, this chemical compound essentially breaks down stains using an oxidation process. 

More than safe in small concentrations as an ingredient inside a teeth whitening solution, hydrogen peroxide dissolves the yellowing stains on our teeth gradually, so as not to damage our teeth, enamel or burn the surrounding gumline. Diluted with other ingredients and agents, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide whitens our teeth safely and quite effectively.    

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe on Teeth?

While hydrogen peroxide’s compound is very similar to water, it has different properties that can be harmful. As a potent bleaching agent and oxidizer, it can be harmful to your eyes, skin and even respiratory system, which is why it’s often diluted. While yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural ingredient in teeth whitening solutions, misusing it can cause this bleaching agent to burn your gums and damage your teeth’s enamel. This is why it’s best to use teeth whitening products formulated with a proper and safe amount of hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Unfortunately, some at-home teeth whitening strips or gels contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide. Ultimately, this can lead to irritated gums and sensitive teeth. For some, this gum irritation can become quite severe and even increase sensitivity on a permanent basis. 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. For starters, you should avoid using hydrogen peroxide more than once or twice per year. Using a teeth whitening kit or product with hydrogen peroxide over the course of 10 days to achieve a brighter smile is okay, but you should wait at least six months before starting a new routine. Another way to safely and effectively use hydrogen peroxide solutions is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to read labels to make yourself aware of any risks. 

GO SMILE offers several products that contain hydrogen peroxide. However, we use a minimal yet highly effective amount that results in a sensitivity-free experience – something we take a lot of pride in! Here are some of our products that carry solutions with hydrogen peroxide:

Whitening Toothpaste and Gels

We offer several combinations of teeth whitening kits, including toothpaste, foam or even gel. In fact, when paired with hydrogen peroxide, the bacteria-killing blue light offered on most of our electronic toothbrushes and trays even can treat deadly MRSA infections. In particular, our whitening toothpaste offers advanced formula teeth whitening gel with Hyperox™ technology. Combined with GO SMILE’s professional teeth whitening gel, you’ll soon have a whiter, brighter smile.

On the Go Teeth Whitening Pen

Teeth Whitening Pens

Plus, when you’re on the go, we offer teeth whitening pens that can fit into a pocket, purse or carry-on luggage, providing emergency touch-ups for meetings, special occasions and vacations. The super convenient and portable On the Go Teeth Whitening Pen offers a brush that evenly coats your teeth’s surface with a dissolvable serum. This serum’s solution is made with only four ingredients, hydrogen peroxide being one of them.

Get a Brighter Smile with Hydrogen Peroxide

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So, does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? Absolutely! When a diluted hydrogen peroxide toothpaste or gel solution is used safely, whether on a toothbrush or a tray that wraps around your teeth, it can be very effective at whitening teeth. Mouthwash, which uses hydrogen peroxide, can also help kill the bacteria that causes gum disease and improve your gums’ overall health.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the quality of your teeth whitening products. Something with higher hydrogen peroxide levels can cause teeth and gums to be sensitive when applied too often and for too long. Instead, trust your pearly whites with GO SMILE and try one of our sensitivity-free teeth whitening products that offer the advanced Hyperox™ technology.