How Often Should I Use Hydrogen Peroxide On My Teeth?
Don’t you desire to have a smile that will make you an object of envy among your friends? There’s something about a bright white smile that lights up the heart. That’s why teeth whitening began centuries ago and has been practiced throughout history. But when hydrogen peroxide hit the scene, the ball game changed.
Teeth whitening in Knoxville, IA, is much faster and more effective than any other teeth bleaching method. In the hands of an expert, hydrogen peroxide can work magic, and your smile will never be the same again.
But as you know, nothing in life should be done in excess. So, how often should you use hydrogen peroxide on your teeth? Stick around while we unpack this bleaching agent.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Your Teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide has been around for several decades and has been the main teeth-whitening component in whitening toothpaste and mouth rinses. It is an acidic chemical compound and is a very pale blue liquid in its pure form.
Hydrogen peroxide is a household product since it is common in household cleaners, antiseptics, or bleaching agents. It is a powerful oxidizer; if used in high concentration, it is corrosive to your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
In dentistry, hydrogen peroxide is the go-to agent since it whitens teeth via a chemical process, which is quite effective. When it is applied to the teeth, it is immediately absorbed in the teeth via the tiny pores on the enamel. In a few moments, the chemical process commences, where the stains are broken down from polymers to monomers through the oxidation process.
Hydrogen peroxide works to dissolve or break down stains so teeth are gradually and safely whitened without damaging your teeth.
Since hydrogen peroxide is so strong, it is usually diluted with a whitening agent (baking soda) to protect the teeth and gums from damage.
Is It Effective?
Yes, it is! The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening kits that you might find at your local store is about 10%. Using it as per the instructions will get you decent results, obviously after several applications after some weeks or months.
However, when you come for whitening at our office, our dentist in Knoxville will use hydrogen peroxide with concentrations up to 40%. That explains why you will get dramatic results in about half an hour.
If you buy hydrogen peroxide from your local store, the concentration will be about 3%. So, you can see why you may need to reapply almost daily if you wish to see any change.
How Often Can You Use It
Hydrogen peroxide is regulated and controlled as an ingredient in commercial whitening products; therefore, it is very safe. That’s why you will find it in mouthwashes, toothpaste, and other whitening products such as pens, strips, and gels. They are safe enough to come close to your teeth without causing any harm.
The concentration in most of the products you will find at the store will contain less hydrogen peroxide. These products are much weaker and less effective than in-office teeth whitening. However, hydrogen peroxide will help kill bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
But you need to know that hydrogen peroxide isn’t safe to use daily, especially in high concentrations. You need to give your mouth rest to avoid irritating your gums and increasing tooth sensitivity.
If you apply hydrogen peroxide multiple days in a row, it can lead to enamel erosion. If enamel erosion happens, then you will notice that your teeth have white spots. Teeth whitening cannot remove these spots because structural issues and not discoloration cause them.
Another issue that you will contend with is tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect after a teeth whitening session. Tooth sensitivity is usually temporary and will last about 24 hours or more. But if you bleach your teeth without caution, tooth sensitivity becomes a permanent problem.
If you use teeth whitening kits, you need to limit yourself and use them between seven and 14 sessions. But you need to rest your teeth and gums between the sessions. You shouldn’t do more than 20 bleaching sessions per year.
When you opt for in-office teeth whitening, which will be carried out by our family dentist near you, try to limit the sessions to once or twice per year.
In any case, if you still have some questions or concerns, contact us at Knoxville Dental Associates, and we will answer all your questions.