If we had to guess, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with hydrogen peroxide. It is typically used as a reliable cleanser for cuts and scrapes. In fact, you might even have a little brown bottle of it lying somewhere around your house. But hydrogen peroxide’s functionality doesn’t end there – it also has a number of oral health benefits our Evanston dentist wants you to know about. From teeth brightening to the prevention of gum disease, it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Oral Hygiene
While it may come as a surprise, hydrogen peroxide can actually improve your oral health. Dentists have been using hydrogen peroxide to treat gum disease and reduce plaque since 1913. Peroxide contains oxygen which helps fight the bacteria and pathogens responsible for gum disease. Even if you don’t have a serious form of gum disease, hydrogen peroxide can still be useful. Some dentists suggest applying a 3% solution with a soft-bristled toothbrush to teeth as a preventative measure.
Teeth Whitening
According to the American Dental Association, hydrogen peroxide is also an effective teeth whitener. In fact, it can be found in a majority of toothpastes and professional whitening agents. But don’t worry, it’s always at a safe concentration, varying from 25 to 40 percent.
Many different things have unexpected oral health benefits! If you are interested in learning more fun facts or have questions about your smile, don’t hesitate to contact our Evanston dentist at Stephens Dentistry today.