Hydrogen peroxide is a common active ingredient in therapeutic mouthwashes, with over-the-counter products containing 1.5%-3% hydrogen peroxide. The recommended at-home dilution for a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is half water, half 3% H2O2, rinsing for one minute up to four times daily. However, adverse reactions such as chemical burns to the oral mucosa have occurred with rinsing for more than two minutes with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and improper use of H2O2 with a concentration >3% can cause epithelial necrosis. Here are some of the positive and negative effects of using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash:
Positive effects:
- Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help to keep canker sores and other small wounds in the mouth from becoming infected, which also helps them heal faster.
- Hydrogen peroxide is an oxygenating mouthwash, meaning it supplies oxygen to the mouth. This oxygen supply is especially beneficial in ridding the mouth of harmful anaerobic (low oxygen) bacteria, as this bacteria cannot survive in an aerobic (high oxygen) environment. Thus, oxygenating mouthwash is very effective in combatting plaque build-up, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
Negative effects:
- Swallowing hydrogen peroxide can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, illness, and burning digestive disease.
- After gargling hydrogen peroxide, you might notice some redness around your gums or irritation on the inside of your mouth.
- Mouthwashes containing H2O2 do not consistently prevent plaque accumulation when used as a short-term monotherapy.
It is important to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash mindfully and follow the recommended dilution and usage instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
