Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide are two common ingredients in oral care products, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes. They have different functions and benefits for the health and appearance of your teeth and gums. In this article, we will explain what fluoride and hydrogen peroxide are, how they work, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using them.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water, soil, and some foods. It helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. Enamel protects the teeth from bacteria and acids that can cause cavities. Fluoride also helps repair early stages of tooth decay by remineralizing the enamel.
Fluoride can be obtained from different sources, such as:
- Drinking water: Many communities add fluoride to their public water supply to improve the dental health of their residents. The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water is 0.7 parts per million (ppm), according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Toothpaste: Most toothpastes contain fluoride as an active ingredient. The concentration of fluoride in toothpaste ranges from 1000 ppm to 1500 ppm for regular toothpaste, and up to 5000 ppm for high fluoride toothpastethat requires a prescription from a dentist.
- Mouthwash: Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride, usually at a lower concentration than toothpaste. The amount of fluoride in mouthwash varies from 100 ppm to 900 ppm.
- Supplements: Fluoride supplements are available as tablets, drops, or lozenges for people who do not get enough fluoride from other sources. They should only be used under the guidance of a dentist or a physician.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It has disinfectant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It is also a mild antiseptic that can help prevent infection in minor cuts and burns.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for oral care purposes, such as:
- Mouthwash: Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash to soothe sore throats, treat gum disease, heal canker sores, and reduce the spread of COVID-19 from patients to dentists. However, it should only be used at a low concentration (3% or less) and diluted with water (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water). It should also be used sparingly and not too often, as it can cause irritation and damage to the oral tissues if used excessively.
- Teeth whitening: Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to whiten teeth by breaking down the stains on the enamel. It can be applied directly to the teeth or mixed with baking soda to form a paste. However, it should be used with caution and not more than once a week, as it can cause tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion if used too frequently or at a high concentration.
Benefits of fluoride and hydrogen peroxide for oral care
Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide have different benefits for oral care, depending on how they are used.
Benefits of fluoride
Fluoride has several benefits for oral care, such as:
- Preventing tooth decay: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. Fluoride also helps remineralize early stages of tooth decay by restoring minerals to the enamel.
- Reducing dental costs: Fluoride helps reduce dental costs by preventing the need for expensive treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or extractions. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), every $1 invested in community water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
- Improving overall health: Fluoride helps improve overall health by preventing oral infections that can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.
Benefits of hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has some benefits for oral care when used properly and moderately, such as:
- Soothing sore throats: Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that help fight off infections that cause sore throats. It also helps loosen and drain mucus that irritates the throat.
- Treating gum disease: Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. It also helps reduce inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
- Healing canker sores: Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties that help heal canker sores by cleaning the area and reducing bacteria. It also helps relieve pain and discomfort.
- Whitening teeth: Hydrogen peroxide has whitening properties that help break down stains on the enamel and make the teeth appear brighter and cleaner.
Risks of fluoride and hydrogen peroxide for oral care
Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide also have some risks for oral care, depending on how they are used.
Risks of fluoride
Fluoride has some risks for oral care, such as:
- Fluorosis: Fluorosis is a condition that occurs when too much fluoride is ingested during the development of the teeth, usually before the age of 8. It causes white or brown spots or streaks on the enamel, which may affect the appearance of the teeth. Fluorosis is usually mild and does not affect the function of the teeth, but in severe cases it may cause pitting or cracking of the enamel. Fluorosis can be prevented by using the right amount of fluoride for the age and weight of the child, and by supervising children when they brush their teeth or use fluoride products.
- Dental fluorosis: Dental fluorosis is a condition that occurs when too much fluoride is applied to the teeth, usually from professional treatments or over-the-counter products. It causes sensitivity, pain, or damage to the enamel, which may affect the function and appearance of the teeth. Dental fluorosis can be prevented by following the instructions and recommendations of the dentist or the product label, and by avoiding using multiple fluoride products at the same time.
Risks of hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has some risks for oral care, such as:
- Harmful when ingested: Swallowing too much hydrogen peroxide can cause serious side effects, such as burning of the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even death. Hydrogen peroxide should never be swallowed and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
- Irritating to oral tissues: Using too much hydrogen peroxide or using it too often can cause irritation and damage to the oral tissues, such as the gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips. Hydrogen peroxide can also alter the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, which may lead to infections or bad breath. Hydrogen peroxide should be used sparingly and not more than once a day, and should be diluted with water before use.
- Damaging to enamel: Using too much hydrogen peroxide or using it at a high concentration can cause damage to the enamel, such as erosion, sensitivity, or discoloration. Hydrogen peroxide can also interact with other substances in the mouth, such as metals or acids, and cause harmful reactions. Hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution and not more than once a week, and should be used at a low concentration (3% or less).
How to use fluoride and hydrogen peroxide for oral care
Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide can be used for oral care in different ways, depending on your needs and preferences.
How to use fluoride
Fluoride can be used for oral care in different ways, such as:
- Drinking water: Drinking fluoridated water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get fluoride for oral care. You can check if your water supply is fluoridated by contacting your local water provider or visiting https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx.
- Toothpaste: Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is another important way to get fluoride for oral care. You should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children under 6 years old, and a rice-sized amount for children under 3 years old. You should also spit out the toothpaste after brushing and avoid rinsing with water to allow the fluoride to stay on your teeth longer.
- Mouthwash: Rinsing your mouth with fluoride mouthwash once a day can also help get fluoride for oral care. You should use a mouthwash that contains at least 100 ppm of fluoride and has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. You should also avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using mouthwash to allow the fluoride to stay on your teeth longer.
- Supplements: Taking fluoride supplements can also help get fluoride for oral care if you do not get enough from other sources. You should only take supplements under the guidance of a dentist or a physician, who will prescribe the right dosage and frequency for you based on your age, weight, and fluoride intake from other sources.
How to use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used for oral care in different ways, such as:
- Mouthwash: Gargling or rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide can help soothe sore throats, treat gum disease, heal canker sores.
- Teeth whitening: Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to whiten teeth by breaking down the stains on the enamel. It can be applied directly to the teeth or mixed with baking soda to form a paste. However, it should be used with caution and not more than once a week, as it can cause tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion if used too frequently or at a high concentration.
Is 6% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening?
One of the questions that many people have when considering using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening is whether 6% hydrogen peroxide is safe for this purpose. 6% hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient used in at-home teeth whitening products that can whiten your teeth by several shades in a short period of time. It can also reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation compared to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
However, 6% hydrogen peroxide is still a strong chemical that can cause harm if used incorrectly or excessively. According to the ADA, the safe range of hydrogen peroxide concentration for teeth whitening is between 3% and 10%. Anything higher than 10% can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and anything lower than 3% may not be effective enough.
Therefore, 6% hydrogen peroxide falls within the safe range, but it should still be used with care and following the instructions of the product or the dentist. Some of the precautions that you should take when using 6% hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening are:
- Do not use it more than once a week or for longer than recommended by the product or the dentist.
- Do not swallow it or let it touch your lips, tongue, cheeks, or other soft tissues in your mouth.
- Do not use it if you have any cuts, sores, infections, or allergies in your mouth.
- Do not use it if you have any dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, veneers, or implants, as they may not whiten evenly or may get damaged by the hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not use it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 years old, as there is not enough evidence on the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide for these groups.
- Do consult your dentist before using it, especially if you have any dental problems or concerns.
Conclusion
Fluoride and hydrogen peroxide are two common ingredients in oral care products that have different functions and benefits for your teeth and gums. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening and remineralizing the enamel, while hydrogen peroxide helps soothe sore throats, treat gum disease, heal canker sores, and whiten teeth by killing bacteria and breaking down stains.
However, both fluoride and hydrogen peroxide also have some risks for oral care if used incorrectly or excessively. Fluoride can cause fluorosis if ingested too much during childhood or applied too much to the teeth, while hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage to the oral tissues and enamel if swallowed or used too often or at a high concentration.
Therefore, you should use fluoride and hydrogen peroxide for oral care with care and moderation, following the instructions and recommendations of your dentist or the product label. You should also consult your dentist before using any oral care product that contains fluoride or hydrogen peroxide, especially if you have any dental problems or concerns.
