You may 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 has a range of uses, from home cleaning to medicine, including tooth infection treatment.
Tooth infections can be a real hassle and can significantly affect your daily life due to the discomfort and pain they cause.
In this article, we discuss the effectiveness, usage, and safety considerations of hydrogen peroxide for tooth infection treatment.
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, hydrogen peroxide 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 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% hydrogen peroxide solution in a brown bottle, ideal for treating tooth infections.
However, it’s important to note that full-strength food-grade hydrogen peroxide 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 hydrogen peroxide 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% hydrogen peroxide 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 hydrogen peroxide while gargling.
- Be gentle and avoid excessive swishing or gargling. Spit out the solution afterwards and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Take care to prevent hydrogen peroxide from coming into contact with your eyes.
However, consulting with a dentist is crucial when using hydrogen peroxide for oral care, as they ensure proper usage. While hydrogen peroxide 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 a little hydrogen peroxide are safe and work well when used correctly. If higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide 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 hydrogen peroxide 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 hydrogen peroxide 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
In conclusion, gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide can be a potential home remedy for treating tooth infections or gum diseases. However, exercising caution and taking precautions while using hydrogen peroxide 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. Yes, hydrogen peroxide can cure your gum disease. It kills the bacteria responsible for gum disease and, thus, destroys plaque too.
- 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 hydrogen peroxide can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to gum infections.
- Does hydrogen peroxide damage gum tissue?
Answer. High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can damage oral soft and hard tissues if exposed for a long time.
- Is salt water or peroxide better for a gum infection?
Answer. Hydrogen peroxide 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.
