Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash: Benefits and Recipe

Dr. Eric Berg 07/13/2024

Mouthwash is used to protect against cavities, reduce the risk of gum disease, and freshen your breath. However, conventional mouthwashes often contain potentially harmful ingredients such as artificial dyes, synthetic flavors, alcohol, and fluoride.

Using a hydrogen peroxide solution may offer a natural alternative to harsh mouthwashes due to its potent antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.

Discover the benefits of hydrogen peroxide for oral health, and learn how to make hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at home.

Hydrogen peroxide bottle

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s sold in most drug stores as an antiseptic treatment for minor cuts and is typically available as a solution containing 3 to 6 percent hydrogen peroxide.

In addition to its antiseptic uses, hydrogen peroxide has a variety of household applications, including disinfecting surfaces, cleaning laundry stains, and killing mold.

The body naturally produces hydrogen peroxide to defend against bacteria, fungi, and parasites by oxidizing bacterial cells. This boosts immune defenses and reduces the risk of microbial infections.

“Your white blood cells produce hydrogen peroxide as a defense mechanism to eliminate invading fungi, parasites, and yeast,” explains Dr. Berg. “It destroys the cell wall of microbes, which can protect against infection.”

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can neutralize superoxide radicals, a highly reactive form of oxygen that can damage DNA, proteins, and cellular organelles.

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 positive effects on tooth decay prevention, 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 associated with an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain cancers.

Alcohol used in many commercial mouthwashes can irritate and dry out the oral lining, which can contribute to halitosis, also known as bad breath.

Moreover, a study published in Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal found that using alcohol-based mouthwash may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

In contrast, homemade mouthwashes can be made with minimal, natural 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, kill bacteria, and protect against tooth decay.

Oral hygiene products

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 may also reduce the risk of dental plaque buildup and help eliminate bacteria in the oral cavity linked to gum disease and gingivitis.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that “...mouthwash which released hydrogen peroxide effectively prevented the colonization of filaments, fusiforms, motile and curved rods as well as spirochetes in developing plaque.”

The study also found that mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide delayed the progression of gingivitis by releasing oxygen, which inhibits the growth of anaerobic microbes.

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide may help protect against viral infection when used orally. Research published in Medical Hypotheses found that hydrogen peroxide in the throat and mouth was effective against viruses, including Covid-19.

Hydrogen peroxide is also a mild antiseptic that can sterilize and oxidize the oral cavity, which may help manage canker sores and soothe irritated throats.

Woman using tongue scraper

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.

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can irritate the gut and lead to nausea and vomiting if accidentally swallowed.

Woman pouring mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash recipe

Hydrogen peroxide can help reduce harmful bacteria and improve oral health naturally.

To make mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide at home, you’ll need the following:

1 Tbsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
4 Tbsp 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 is 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 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
½ cup water
¼ tsp baking soda

Brush your teeth as usual. Then, combine the ingredients and brush your teeth thoroughly with the solution. Rinse with water to remove bacteria and reduce biofilm buildup within the mouth.

Father and daughter brushing teeth

Key takeaways

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical compound made from hydrogen and oxygen. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may be beneficial for oral health.

Diluted hydrogen peroxide has been shown to whiten teeth, help reduce plaque buildup, and may lower the risk of gum disease. It may also protect against viral infections, manage canker sores, and soothe throat irritation.

For an effective 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 mouthwash when diluted in water.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for tooth whitening, to protect against gum disease, and to reduce the risk of plaque and tartar development. It may also help manage canker sores and soothe a sore throat by eliminating anaerobic bacteria in the mouth.

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, reduce gum inflammation, 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 remove tartar and plaque.

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.