Mouthwash is used to promote oral health and freshen your breath. However, conventional mouthwashes often contain potentially harmful ingredients such as artificial dyes, synthetic flavors, alcohol, and fluoride.
Using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution may offer a natural alternative to conventional mouthwashes due to its strong cleansing and antibacterial properties.
Discover the benefits of hydrogen peroxide for oral health, and learn how to make hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at home.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen, typically available in drug stores as a 3 to 6 percent solution.
It’s widely used for household purposes, such as cleaning surfaces, removing laundry stains, and minimizing mold growth on non-porous materials. It also plays a role in oral care products and is commonly used to clean minor skin abrasions.
The body naturally produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide as part of its internal defense system. It helps maintain microbial balance by oxidizing unwanted compounds and supporting immune function.
“Your white blood cells produce hydrogen peroxide as a defense mechanism to protect against invading fungi, parasites, and yeast,” explains Dr. Berg.
Additionally, hydrogen peroxide supports the body’s ability to neutralize superoxide radicals, a highly reactive form of oxygen that can damage DNA, proteins, and cellular organelles.
Hydrogen peroxide concentrations above six percent aren’t recommended for routine use and should never be applied directly to the skin or mouth, as this can trigger irritation, delay healing, and increase the risk of tissue and skin damage.
Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of hydrogen peroxide for oral health.
Conventional vs. homemade mouthwash
Many conventional mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide for its whitening and antibacterial properties. However, they’re often made with other potentially harmful ingredients, including fluoride, artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and alcohol.
Though dentistry points to fluoride’s potential benefits for oral health, excessive fluoride exposure can lead to tooth discoloration and has been linked to long-term health risks.
Additionally, artificial dyes such as Blue 1 and Yellow 5, commonly used in mouthwashes, have been linked to the development of several health conditions, including changes in neurological activity.
Furthermore, alcohol used in many commercial mouthwashes can irritate and dry out the oral lining, which can contribute to halitosis, also known as bad breath.
In contrast, homemade mouthwashes can be made with simple ingredients, providing effective oral care without unnecessary additives and associated health risks.
Homemade oral rinses typically use a combination of hydrogen peroxide, water, baking soda, and essential oils to freshen breath and promote oral health.
Benefits of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
Many dental whitening products, toothpaste, and mouthwashes use hydrogen peroxide to remove dental stains and brighten teeth.
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide solutions can make teeth appear whiter after brushing, and prolonged use may have lasting results.
Hydrogen peroxide can also promote fresh breath and help support a balanced oral environment.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggested that mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide may help support a healthier oral microbiome, which is associated with improved dental hygiene and overall oral well-being.1
Downsides to using mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide
The use of hydrogen peroxide to promote dental health is generally considered safe.
However, hydrogen peroxide may lead to a black hairy tongue, a harmless condition caused by bacteria building up and oxidizing, making the tongue appear fuzzy and black.
Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen into the oral cavity, which can trigger a black tongue. The study also suggests that symptoms typically resolve two weeks after discontinuing use.2
The authors conclude, “Black hairy tongue is benign, asymptomatic, and temporary. It presents with black, green, or yellow pigmentation and elongated filiform papillae in a typical carpet-like appearance of the dorsum of the tongue.”
Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can irritate the gut and cause stomach upset if accidentally swallowed.
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash recipe
Hydrogen peroxide can help whiten teeth, support fresh breath, and improve oral health naturally.
To make mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide at home, you’ll need the following:
- 1 tablespoon 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- 4 tablespoons water
Mix hydrogen peroxide and water and swish the solution for 30 seconds, ensuring that it reaches the gums and front of the teeth.
Gargling hydrogen peroxide solutions of three percent or less is generally considered safe if you take care not to swallow, as it can induce vomiting if ingested.
Those who are looking to reduce tartar buildup can use a modified version of this recipe:
- ¼ teaspoon 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Brush your teeth as usual. Then, combine the ingredients and brush your teeth thoroughly with the solution. Finish by rinsing your mouth well with water.
Key takeaways
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that comprises hydrogen and oxygen. It has well-known cleaning and antibacterial properties that may be beneficial for oral health.
Diluted hydrogen peroxide has been shown to help brighten teeth, reduce surface buildup, and support a clean, balanced oral environment.
To make a simple homemade hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with four tablespoons of water and swish for 30 seconds before rinsing.
FAQ
1. Is it okay to wash your mouth with hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties and can be used as a mouthwash when diluted in water. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten teeth, reduce surface buildup, and promote oral health.
2. Is 3% hydrogen peroxide safe for your teeth?
Yes, three percent hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on your teeth when diluted. Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and swish for 30 seconds to help fight bad breath, support gum health, and whiten teeth.
3. How much should I dilute hydrogen peroxide for mouthwash?
To make mouthwash, dilute one part of hydrogen peroxide in four parts of water. Adding one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to four tablespoons of water should be enough to rinse your mouth after brushing.
4. Do dentists recommend hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, most dentists recommend using hydrogen peroxide in low concentrations to whiten teeth and promote oral health.
Many commercial mouthwashes also contain hydrogen peroxide in their formulations. However, to minimize the risk of side effects, consult a dental professional before using hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes.
5. How do you rinse your teeth with hydrogen peroxide?
After brushing, mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in four tablespoons of water. Swish for 30 seconds and gargle, taking care not to swallow the mouth rinse, which could induce nausea and vomiting.
