Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. Hydrogen Peroxide functions as a powerful oxidizer in the human body killing bacteria viruses and fungi and can be used as a dental whitening agent and mouthwash.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) works as an oxygenating agent to penetrate the tooth enamel and dentin and changes the color of the stains on the tooth surface. Laser Bleaching or Power Bleaching are in-office dental tooth whitening procedures using a high percentage of 35% Hydrogen Peroxide in combination with heat or light to achieve whitening results in a very short period of time (usually 1 hour) even for severely discoloured teeth. Sometimes it's necessary to undergo more than one session to optimize teeth lightening results. These procedures generally cost around $1000.
At home teeth whitening products prescribed by dentists contain carbamide peroxide which when exposed to light and saliva breaks down to Hydrogen Peroxide (H202). The Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) compound breaks down into water and oxygen free radicals that penetrate the enamel and dentin and lighten the color of the stain molecules.
3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) can be used as a germicidal mouthwash and throat gargle. This will cleanse the mouth and destroy bad bacteria contributing to bad breath and periodontal disease. For a toothpaste mix baking soda and enough 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) to make a paste or simply dip your brush in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) and brush to maintain white teeth.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) as a tooth lightener may cause increased tooth sensitivity and tenderness in the gums. The risk of accidental ingestion of the whitening gel and Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) is minor but if this occurs it may result in nausea vomiting or burning.
