Some people gargle with hydrogen peroxide to benefit from its cleansing properties.
The liquid contains oxygen and hydrogen molecules. It is an oxidizing agent, which means that it can kill living cells, such as bacteria.
Different strengths, or concentrations, of hydrogen peroxide are available, depending on its intended use. High concentrations are typical in industrial production. The most common concentration sold for household use is 3 percent.
What are the potential benefits of gargling with hydrogen peroxide, and is it safe to use? Continue reading to find out.
Uses and benefits
The possible benefits of gargling hydrogen peroxide include:
Whitening teeth
Many types of toothpaste and mouthwash contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. In fact, many types of toothpaste and mouthwash in stores already contain this compound.
In one study, researchers investigated whether hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes or a 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel could whiten teeth more effectively. The study involved 50 bovine teeth stained with tea, and the results indicated that over time, the hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes significantly increased the whiteness of the teeth. However, they were not as effective as the 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel.
Easing a sore throat
One cause of a sore throat is a bacterial infection. Gargling with hydrogen peroxide may ease discomfort by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth and helping clear the infection. Hydrogen peroxide may help kill bacteria by releasing oxygen, which alters the environment of anaerobic bacteria and inhibits their growth.
Treating gum disease
Because of its antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide may help treat gum disease.
Plaque that forms on the teeth contains a slimy film of bacteria called a biofilm. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen that helps destroy the bacteria. A 2017 randomized trial divided 53 participants into groups to test hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for gum disease. One group received root debridement and hydrogen peroxide, and the other group just received root debridement.
The results indicated that the hydrogen peroxide group had significantly fewer signs of gum disease by the end of the study, compared to the group that had received root debridement alone.
One advantage of gargling with a hydrogen peroxide solution is it can reach the back of the mouth and spots that may be hard to reach with dental floss.
Diminishing minor mouth sores
Gargling with hydrogen peroxide may help treat minor mouth irritations, such as cuts or canker sores, because it is an antiseptic.
When put on a cut, hydrogen peroxide bubbles or foams as it releases oxygen. The foaming helps clean the area, remove dead cells, and reduce bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide needs time to work. Since gargling is relatively quick, it will not kill all the bacteria in the mouth, but it may reduce the count.
