Are you looking for the best teeth whitening solution in London? If you wish to try a DIY option, hydrogen peroxide is the one which may work. Some people regard it as one of the best ways for teeth whitening. But it is not the case with everyone. This leads to the question of whether it is really a good idea to whiten teeth using hydrogen peroxide. This article may help you know more about this.
What exactly is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that comes in liquid, colourless form. It has a somewhat bitter taste. This compound is known to have antiseptic and bleaching properties. It also has one important characteristic: disinfectant. It cleans all wounds inside teeth and also prevents bacteria from forming on teeth and gums. It comes in different concentrations, denoted by percentages: approximately 2% hydrogen peroxide or about 3% hydrogen peroxide and so on.
Can hydrogen peroxide really whiten the teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide does really have some reasonably good efficacy at whitening teeth. In fact, as noted earlier, there are some people who would regard hydrogen peroxide as the best teeth whitening solution not only in London but everywhere.
There are people who have previously managed to whiten their teeth using hydrogen peroxide. So we know that hydrogen peroxide does really whiten teeth on the basis of such previous results attained using it.
We also have many cases where dentists recommend hydrogen peroxide as a teeth-whitening aid for DIY. Hydrogen peroxide may be one of the aids used by the dentist during teeth whitening session in London.
Now to the extent that dentists do use it to whiten their patients’ teeth, hydrogen peroxide is clearly something that really works.
Of course, it is important to mention that not all cases of teeth staining can be resolved using hydrogen peroxide. This particular chemical seems to be only effective at getting rid of ‘superficial’ stains. Those include the ones that are caused by exposure to coffee, tea and smoking. But for more deeply ingrained stains, hydrogen peroxide may not be particularly effective.
How does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is quite a powerful oxidant. So it works through oxidation reactions, to remove stains from teeth. Once the hydrogen peroxide gets in touch with the stains, it oxidises the molecules that make up those stains. This leads to the chemical decomposition of the stains. It also removes bacteria from teeth which is one of the reasons for tooth discolouration. And that is how the person using it gets brighter and whiter teeth.
The extent to which hydrogen peroxide is actually able to whiten teeth depends on a couple of things. Firstly, it depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used. As noted earlier, there are different concentrations: like 2% hydrogen peroxide, 3% hydrogen peroxide and so on. So to get the best results, one has to use the right concentration. If you use too low a concentration, it may not give you the results you want. Conversely, if you use too high a concentration, it may end up causing very nasty irritation. That is why it is best to seek a dentist’s help in this sort of undertaking. The cost of teeth whitening that dentist in London typically charge to patients is not very high. This is the fact that a dentist’s guidance in this sort of exercise can make such a huge difference.
The second factor that determines how well hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth is the contact time. So the key question here is how long the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the teeth. If one is to keep the hydrogen peroxide in contact with teeth for long, then it has to be at a low concentration. Conversely, if one uses a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it should only be in contact with the teeth for a short duration of time.
Where can you buy hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening purposes?
The best place to buy hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening purposes is in a pharmacy. But there are also cases where dentists who carry out teeth whitening procedures have hydrogen peroxide in their clinics. So you may find hydrogen peroxide in a dentist’s clinic. If you opt for the professional services of a dentist, the cost of teeth whitening in London is case specific. But you are then sure that the dentist would be using the right type of hydrogen peroxide, at the right concentration and so on. Moreover, the dentist can assess your teeth. Then they can tell you beforehand whether or not hydrogen peroxide is really likely to give you the whitening results you need.
If you are buying hydrogen peroxide in a pharmacy, there are many good brands available in market.
Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening usage tips
- It is important to ensure that while using hydrogen peroxide, you store it away from the reach of children.
- If you have to use hydrogen peroxide on kids who are below 3, you should do so with great caution.
- In case you know that you are allergic to hydrogen peroxide, you obviously shouldn’t dare using it.
- While using hydrogen peroxide, you must avoid swallowing it.
- It is ideal not to mix hydrogen peroxide with other products unless you are directed to do so.
- Avoid contact with eyes. If by chance it happens then immediately rinse your eyes.
Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening usage methods
There are two major methods for using hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening.
The first method entails using it alongside baking soda. So you start by placing some baking soda (a tablespoon of it) in a cup. Then you put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into that cup. Thereafter, you add some lemon juice: just a little bit of it. Allow that hydrogen peroxide-baking soda-lemon juice mixture to sit for 2 or 3 minutes. In that duration, it will foam. You now use a toothbrush to apply it to your teeth for a period of 5 minutes. Then you rinse off. This method works, but you shouldn’t use it too frequently. Otherwise you damage your teeth’s enamel. So it is best not to use it more than 2-3 times per week.
The second method entails putting some warm water (about 1 cup) in a bottle. Then you pour a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the same bottle. Thereafter, you cap the bottle and shake it. This will lead to the formation of a mouthwash. Now use this mouthwash 2 times a day for about 30 seconds on your teeth.
Are there people for whom usage of hydrogen peroxide is contraindicated?
Yes, there are people for whom usage of hydrogen peroxide is contraindicated. Those include people who have previously undergone dental surgery. People who suffer from oral sensitivity too shouldn’t use it. Further, those who have had cavity fillings (or other cavity treatments) should also not use hydrogen peroxide. Very young or very old people as well as pregnant mothers too shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide.
You can consider checking out our Teeth Whitening clinic in London for professional advice from our dentist. The dentist will do a close checkup of your teeth with modern tools and technologies and suggest the most suitable option for you.