Peroxide Teeth Whitening

Sparkling white teeth are an essential part of one’s personality and are considered a beauty standard. With the influence of media and television more and more people are getting influenced to get the same white and sparkling teeth as the movie stars and the models. With the various products for teeth whitening available in the market it sometimes becomes difficult to select the one that is most effective and also the cheapest. One such teeth whitening is the hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is an acid which is weak in nature and has certain oxidizing properties which upon being used in whitening solutions for teeth, act like bleaching agents. For this reason it is often used in mouthwashes, toothpastes and disinfectants. It can also be used to prepare homemade remedies for whitening teeth. 

For years, hydrogen peroxide which is produced as a result of the combination of hydrogen and oxygen has been used as a teeth whitening product. Different products of hydrogen peroxide contain varying strengths of the product generally between the ranges of 3% to 10%. The use of hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening product produces some sensitivity in the gums. However this is similar to having a burning sensation and once the mouth is rinsed, the sensation disappears. 

Peroxide can be used in home made remedies that are equally effective in whitening the teeth. One such remedy is by making a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This paste must have the consistency of toothpaste. Salt can be added to this paste to increase exfoliation and mint can add a little flavor to the paste. This paste should be used either once or twice in a week and not more. An important thing to remember while using this paste is that it must not be swallowed. In case one does swallow the mixture by mistake, lots of water must be had to neutralize the effect of the acid.

Many products available over-the-counter have hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening agent. These products are teeth whitening strips, gels and trays and are equally effective in whitening the teeth. The strength of peroxide in these products is not very high but they can be used along with home made treatment methods to enhance the teeth whitening effects.  

The American Dental Association has also approved the usage of hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening product and therefore it is used as an ingredient in products that are used to whiten teeth. However it is essential to read the safety labels on these products. Any experience of gum sensitivity must be noted and if this sensation in the gums persists, a dentist must be consulted or the product be discontinued.

Although peroxide is an effective method of teeth whitening, there are some other methods like laser treatment for the teeth, bleaching agent etc. that can be used for the purpose of whitening the teeth. However the cost of these treatments is still a factor to be considered.  Therefore there are many products that can provide teeth whitening and the choice is entirely of an individual.