Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

We love to smile – we just do! Whether posing for photos, enjoying life at the moment, or laughing with family and friends, no one wants to have to hide their smile because they are embarrassed about how it looks.

We love to smile – we just do! Whether posing for photos, enjoying life at the moment, or laughing with family and friends, no one wants to have to hide their smile because they are embarrassed about how it looks.

However, many of us may not want to undergo the chemical treatments that we think others go through to get those beautiful smiles we see on the red carpet. We might never believe that dazzling white teeth can be achieved with pure natural ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide that can be found at home.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

How to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide?

What is hydrogen peroxide, and how can you use it at home to help to whiten your teeth? Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, and more than whitening your smile, it can also kill bacteria in your mouth to achieve an overall clean. Although we often keep this simple product at home to disinfect wounds, we can also use it to whiten teeth safely. Although it is a disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide can easily be used as an effective teeth whitening solution.

When you make the choice to use hydrogen peroxide for whitening your teeth, make sure you are using a diluted solution. As you are browsing the drug store, you will see that most bottles of hydrogen peroxide are heavily diluted. When used in commercial whitening treatments, hydrogen peroxide is most often diluted as much as 10%. When a concentration is too intense, it will damage the enamel on your teeth, and thus eliminate the entire point of attempting to whiten your teeth at all.

Even when you want dramatic results quickly, it is not worth it to use highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide for a shorter amount of time to achieve these results.

How to make hydrogen peroxide toothpaste

  1. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda with small amounts of peroxide. You should mix it with a clean spoon.
  2. Continue adding small amounts of peroxide until you have a thick paste. This paste should never be gritty.
  3. Brush with the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda toothpaste for two minutes, always brushing gently in circular motions. Leave the mixture on your teeth for a few minutes after.
  4. Rinse off toothpaste by swishing toothpaste, much like a mouth rinse.

Whether you use hydrogen peroxide as a rinse or toothpaste, there may be some side effects. There may be some tooth sensitivity, and this will make too-cold or too-hot foods uncomfortable to consume after a whitening treatment. However, as long as you are not using too strong a concentration, you can simply avoid these foods as long as you experience pain.

Alternative methods for natural teeth whitening

Fortunately, there are methods other than hydrogen peroxide for those who want to try other natural remedies. When it comes to teeth whitening, most people are likely to try home remedies or products before anything else.

Fortunately, several methods have been proven at various levels of effectiveness for several years. You may consider oil pulling, which peaked after the coconut oil craze, although it is less for teeth whitening and more for overall health benefits. However, people who try it do see a difference in the brightness of their smiles.

Baking soda is another ingredient that is often used to whiten teeth, and it is commonly used in toothpaste for its whitening properties. It does not whiten your teeth overnight, however, and it can be abrasive if applied directly. Yet, in the long-term, baking soda in a high concentration has a significant effect on being able to whiten your smile.

Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with this baking soda paste just twice a week. This natural teeth whitening method will help to buff away stubborn surface stains on your teeth and reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Alternative methods for natural teeth whitening

Consider professional teeth whitening services

Sometimes, we want that bright, dazzling smile without any of the work. If you do not want to bother with any natural remedies or at-home products, your dentist will often have teeth whitening services for you. Professional teeth whitening services cater to your specific needs and dental history. Your dentist will know if you have sensitive teeth, allergies, or if there is potential for damage.

People naturally love to smile, and we don’t like being too embarrassed to do it. So, in turn, we love natural methods of teeth whitening that fit into our everyday lives. When used safely, hydrogen peroxide is extremely useful in helping us achieve that brilliantly white smile we crave. Ask your dentist today about any professional teeth whitening methods that are right for you.

Stephen Nozaki, DDS, MPH, DIDIA

Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.