Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening At Home

Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is one of the safest and effective ways to whiten your teeth at home. It also a very simple process and costs little in comparison to commercial dental teeth whitening kits. You can find hydrogen peroxide at any grocery or drug store and most homes will have a bottle of it stashed somewhere as it can be used as an effective antiseptic and disinfectant as well. The chemical acts as a diluted acid and is the perfect solution when an item is to be bleached.

Hydrohen Peroxide Teeth Whitening Guide

The first step in order to accomplish hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening at home is to obtain a bottle of peroxide that lists 3 percent to 5 percent strength. Most brands sold in stores will fall within this range but be certain by reading the label as a stronger solution can cause damage to the skin and mouth. There are a few different methods to peroxide teeth whitening which have been approved by the American Dental Association.

The first and simplest method is to swish a capful or so around in your mouth for a minute or two before spitting it out. The liquid will begin to foam up and some report that it is effective to let the foam sit in the gum areas of the mouth as well. One thing to keep in mind is that you may want to brush and floss before doing this. This is because the peroxide will react with any small food particles that may still be in your mouth. Flossing and brushing beforehand will help to eliminate the strong flavor that results from this reaction that many find unpleasant. You may also want to brush after the process to lessen the flavor as well. Normally, the potency of the flavor will diminish after you have been using the peroxide mouthwash for a few days as your mouth will be cleaner and you will grow used to it.

Another effective method of homemade teeth whitening is to use hydrogen peroxide to make your own toothpaste. If you read the labels of commercial toothpastes, you will find that it is a very common ingredient. For this method, you will combine a small amount of peroxide to common baking soda. Mix the two together to form a paste that is the consistency you desire. Baking soda can be purchased at any grocery store and you can also add common table salt to the mix, which will add some exfoliating benefits. You can also add some flavoring such as mint to make the taste more palatable.  It is important not to swallow the mixture and it is best to use this mixture as a replacement to your regular toothpaste a few times a week rather than every day. After brushing with the mixture, you can then use the first method of swishing the 3 percent solution of peroxide in your mouth for additional benefits.

It is important to remain aware of any gum sensitivity that may occur after using either of the above methods. While it is normal to have a slightly increased sensitivity after the initial few uses, an ongoing or increasing sensitivity may be the sign of a larger problem that warrants the attention of a professional dentist. If you do notice some sensitivity to the teeth and gums, cease using the peroxide for a few days to see if the problem goes away. In most cases, it will and then you can resume the process. For this reason it is best to not to use the peroxide mouth wash or toothpaste on a daily basis but only few times a week or every other week. If you follow the above instructions and remain aware of any gum sensitivity then peroxide teeth whitening can be a safe and cost effective way to achieve the smile you desire.